Woman Reaches Plea Deal in Hit and Run

A young woman who is accused of being responsible for the death of a local celebrity chef has recently made a plea deal.

According to recent press reports, Karlie Tomica has agreed to a plea deal that will have her serving four years in prison, followed by two years of house arrest and 15 years of probation. In connection with the hit and run death of Stefano Riccioletti.

On Jan. 28, at approximately 6:00 a.m., Tomica, 20-years-old at the time of the accident, struck South Beach chef Stefano Riccioletti on Miami Beach and left the scene.

It was found that alcohol played a role in the deadly accident where she ran over and killed Riccioletti.  At the time of her arrest, Tomica’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times over the legal limit. Tomica and her attorneys have reached a plea agreement with prosecutors for the case. The case will be brought to court on Wednesday where it awaits the judge’s decision in order to finalize the agreement.

Immediately following the accident that killed Riccioletti, an eyewitness to the crash, Jairo Fuentes, followed Tomica to her Collins Avenue apartment and was shortly arrested for DUI and hit-and-run.

Driving under the influence of alcohol has caused countless tragedies in the Miami-Dade area. You can greatly reduce your chances of getting into a major car accident by not drinking and driving. If you know you are going somewhere you will be consuming alcoholic beverages, be sure to have a designated driver. If this is not possible, then wait until you are completely sober again before getting back on the road. In the State of Florida, the legal blood alcohol level that anyone can have to operate a vehicle is 0.08% for holders of a standard driver’s license, and the legal limit is set at 0.04% for holders of a commercial driver’s license.

The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in the State of Florida are also very serious. According to Florida Statute 316.027, if you are involved in a crash involving death or personal injuries you must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close as possible. If you are involved in such an accident, then you must remain at the scene of the crash until you have been released by law enforcement. Never be tempted to leave the scene of an accident and never sign any statement or settlement with an insurance company until you have competent legal representation in your corner.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving either alcohol or a hit-and-run-accident, give our offices a call. We can match you with one of our experienced attorneys who will go over the details of your case. We are here to listen and to see that justice is done. Medical costs and damages as well as cost of long term treatment, or even the pain and suffering of a wrongful death are all considerations in such tragic accidents. You and your loved ones may be entitled to compensation for your damages or loss. Give us a call. Your initial consultation with our offices is confidential, and without cost or obligation to you.