Hit and Run Lawyer Ontario County, NY
Law enforcement in Ontario County treats leaving the scene of a traffic accident seriously, and a conviction under New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law can disrupt your driving privileges, insurance, and even your freedom. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients who need an experienced advocate after a hit-and-run charge in Ontario County, from the towns of Canandaigua and Geneva to the villages of Victor and Farmington. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel concentrate on traffic defense, including matters that arise from leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage or personal injury. If you have been cited or are under investigation, you can schedule a consultation at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Means in Ontario County, NY
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600 imposes duties on a driver involved in an accident. When a collision results in property damage, the driver must stop, exchange information, and report the incident. If someone is injured, additional obligations apply, and failure to stop can lead to criminal charges. In Ontario County, leaving the scene of an accident is a charge that can be handled in the local justice court—such as Canandaigua City Court or the town courts of Geneva, Victor, or Farmington—or, in more serious cases, at the Ontario County Supreme Court in Canandaigua. The Finger Lakes region’s roads, including State Routes 5&20, 96, and 332, see heavy commuter and tourist traffic, and accidents are not uncommon. Ontario County law enforcement agencies, including the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police, investigate hit-and-run incidents and refer cases to the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The consequences of a hit-and-run conviction depend on whether the accident caused property damage, personal injury, or a fatality. A charge may be a traffic infraction, a misdemeanor, or even a felony. In addition to fines, surcharges, and potential incarceration, the New York DMV may impose points or suspend your license. A conviction also becomes part of your driving record and can affect your auto insurance rates. Because prosecutors in Ontario County take these cases seriously, an experienced traffic lawyer should evaluate the facts and advise you before you make any statement or appear in court.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining the police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence. In a leaving-the-scene case, the prosecution must prove that you knew or should have known that an accident occurred and that you intentionally failed to stop and fulfill your statutory duties. Sometimes a driver is unaware of the collision, or the contact was so minor that no damage was visible. Other times, the driver did stop and exchange information but a miscommunication led to a charge. The firm’s traffic defense practice—which covers matters across New York—works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and to present a thorough defense at trial or in negotiations. Mr. Sris, who testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635, brings a concentrated approach to each matter, and the firm’s Of Counsel team contributes additional experience from other areas of trial practice.
For an Ontario County hit-and-run case, the process may involve a pre-trial conference, motion practice, and potentially a trial before a local judge. The firm may engage accident reconstruction professionals when the facts are in dispute. If a resolution short of trial is in the client’s best interest, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether a reduction to a lesser traffic offense is available. Throughout the process, clients receive straightforward guidance on potential outcomes and the impact on their driving record. The timeline varies by case, but the firm keeps clients informed of court dates and strategy developments.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Since 1997, he has concentrated on traffic defense and criminal matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience across traffic and criminal defense. Results may vary. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent practitioners who handle cases in coordination with Mr. Sris, providing clients with a multi-attorney resource without the bureaucracy of a large firm. For your Ontario County hit-and-run matter, you can reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in New York?
In New York, leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a traffic infraction, while leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death can result in misdemeanor or felony charges and incarceration. The specific penalty class and sentence depend on the severity of the injury and whether it is a first offense. Fines, surcharges, license suspension, and points are also possible. A conviction also stays on your driving record. Experienced counsel can evaluate your matter and explain what you face under the applicable provision of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit-and-run charge in Ontario County?
Yes—a hit-and-run charge, even a traffic infraction, carries potential driver’s license points and insurance consequences, and any mishandling in court can lead to a conviction. An experienced traffic lawyer can review whether the prosecution can prove your knowledge of the accident, whether your identity as the driver is solid, and whether any defense applies. For charges involving injury, a lawyer is especially important because the stakes include possible jail time. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Ontario County?
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, call 911 if anyone is injured, and provide your name, address, and insurance information to the other driver or to law enforcement. Do not leave the scene before these steps are taken, even if the damage seems minor. If you have already left and are worried about the consequences, contact a lawyer before speaking to police or your insurer. Anything you say can be used against you, so it is wise to have legal guidance from the outset.
Can a hit-and-run charge in Ontario County be reduced?
Yes, in many cases a hit-and-run charge can be resolved through a reduction to a lesser traffic offense, depending on the facts, your driving history, and whether any injury occurred. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office and present mitigating evidence. In appropriate circumstances, a dismissal may be possible. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel thoroughly prepare each case and pursue the favorable outcomes achievable under the circumstances.
How do Ontario County courts handle a leaving-the-scene case?
The Ontario County local justice court—or, in felony cases, the Ontario County Supreme Court—will arraign you, and the case will proceed through conferences, possible motion hearings, and, if unresolved, a trial. The trial is before a judge in town and city courts, while felony cases may be heard before a jury. The timeline varies by case, but the firm advocates for clients at every stage. For a consultation about your specific situation, call (888) 437-7747.
For broader information on New York traffic defense, visit our traffic defense practice. You can also explore related pages such as traffic lawyer in New York County or traffic lawyer in Kings County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997. Last reviewed: July 2026.