Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan, NY

If you are facing a hit and run charge in Manhattan, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals accused of leaving the scene of an accident under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600. Our firm, founded in 1997, defends clients charged with traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and felony hit-and-run offenses in New York County courts and before the New York State Traffic Violations Bureau. A hit and run accusation — often called leaving the scene of an incident — can result in driver’s license points, fines, surcharges, and even incarceration if the offense involves injury or death. An experienced traffic and criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate to protect your driving record, and develop a defense that addresses both the administrative and criminal aspects of the case. For a consultation about your hit and run matter in Manhattan, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What a Hit and Run Charge Means in Manhattan

A hit and run charge in Manhattan arises when a driver allegedly fails to stop, provide information, or render reasonable assistance after an accident. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law divides leaving-the-scene offenses into several categories depending on whether the accident resulted in property damage, personal injury, or death. A charge involving property damage only is usually a traffic infraction; an accident causing personal injury may be charged as a misdemeanor; and a hit and run involving a fatality or serious physical injury can be prosecuted as a felony.

In Manhattan, the venue for a hit and run charge depends on the classification of the offense. Traffic infractions are heard at the New York State Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB), where cases are decided by administrative law judges and formal plea bargaining is not permitted. Misdemeanor and felony hit and run charges are handled in the New York City Criminal Court — Manhattan, part of the New York County court system. The TVB process is document-driven and can move quickly, while criminal court proceedings involve arraignment, motion practice, discovery, and trial or negotiated resolution. Because a client may face both TVB and criminal court proceedings from the same incident, it is important to have counsel who understands both forums.

Manhattan’s dense traffic, narrow streets, and high volume of pedestrian and cyclist traffic can create situations where a driver may not immediately realize an accident has occurred. Beyond the immediate legal penalties, a hit and run conviction can lead to long-term consequences: driver’s license points assessed by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, significantly increased insurance premiums, a potential driver responsibility assessment, and, for criminal convictions, a permanent record that can affect employment and immigration status. An attorney who focuses on Manhattan traffic and criminal matters can evaluate the evidence to determine whether the prosecution can prove the elements of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Hit and Run Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a comprehensive approach to hit and run defense. The process begins by gathering all available police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage evidence. The team examines whether the driver actually knew or should have known an accident occurred — a necessary element of many leaving-the-scene charges — and looks for procedural challenges such as lack of probable cause for the stop, incomplete accident reports, or failure to preserve evidence. If the case is at the TVB, the attorney prepares for a hearing that focuses on the facts of the accident and the driver’s conduct; in criminal court, the attorney engages in motion practice, discovery review, and negotiation with the prosecutor.

Every hit and run case is fact-specific. The firm’s attorneys may work with accident reconstruction attorneys when liability is disputed or present mitigating evidence — such as the driver’s otherwise clean record, immediate cooperation once aware of the incident, or emergency circumstances — to seek a reduction of the charge or a more favorable outcome. Because Mr. Sris is admitted in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, the firm is equipped to represent clients whose hit and run matters cross state lines. Whether the goal is to avoid points on a license, prevent a criminal record, or limit exposure to incarceration, the firm’s attorneys prepare a defense strategy tailored to the client’s situation and Manhattan’s specific court procedures.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor. He founded the firm in 1997 and has built a practice that spans Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience in criminal trial work gives him insight into how the prosecution builds a case, and he uses that knowledge to defend individuals facing traffic and criminal charges in Manhattan. Mr. Sris personally appears in New York County courts and coordinates the firm’s handling of TVB hearings.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to hit and run defense. Results may vary. Together with Mr. Sris, the Of Counsel attorneys have handled matters across a broad range of traffic and criminal matters. The firm serves clients throughout Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, the Upper East and Upper West Sides, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the East Village, the Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Manhattan?

Contact a defense attorney who handles hit and run cases in Manhattan immediately, and do not discuss the incident with anyone except your lawyer. A hit and run charge can have serious consequences, including a criminal record and license suspension, so early legal guidance is important. Preserve any photos, video, or contact information you have, and avoid making statements to police or insurers until you have consulted with counsel. An experienced attorney can review the evidence and advise you on the trusted course of action, whether the case is in the Traffic Violations Bureau or New York City Criminal Court.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run ticket in Manhattan?

Yes, you should have a lawyer, especially when the charge carries criminal consequences or substantial DMV points. Even a hit and run traffic infraction heard at the Traffic Violations Bureau can result in points and added costs, and the TVB does not allow plea bargaining by unrepresented drivers. For misdemeanor or felony charges, a conviction can include jail time and a permanent criminal record. An attorney can challenge the factual basis of the charge, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for a dismissal or reduction.

How does a hit and run conviction affect my driving record in New York?

A hit and run conviction can add points to your New York driving record, raise your insurance premiums, and may trigger a driver responsibility assessment. The number of points depends on the specific offense, and an accumulation of 11 points within an 18-month period can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. Beyond the DMV consequences, a conviction can impair employment opportunities — particularly for commercial drivers or for those in professions that require a clean driving history. An attorney can present arguments to minimize the impact on your record.

Can a hit and run charge be dropped in Manhattan?

Yes, a prosecutor may dismiss or reduce a hit and run charge when the evidence does not support the charge, or when a defense shows that the driver lacked knowledge of the accident or complied with the law. In many cases, a careful investigation reveals video footage, witness statements, or accident reports that contradict the prosecution’s account. An experienced Manhattan hit and run attorney knows how to present these facts to the prosecutor or at a hearing. Early involvement of counsel often improves the chance of a favorable resolution.

What is the statute of limitations for a hit and run offense in New York?

The statute of limitations for a hit and run charge varies depending on whether the offense is classified as a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. A traffic infraction generally must be filed within a relatively short window, while a misdemeanor may have a two-year limitation period and a felony a five-year period. The applicable time limits are set forth in New York’s Criminal Procedure Law and the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Because the classification of the charge can change as an investigation develops, it is important to consult with an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

How do I find a hit and run lawyer in Manhattan?

Look for a firm that practices in both New York Traffic Violations Bureau proceedings and the New York City Criminal Court in Manhattan. Ask about the attorney’s experience with leaving-the-scene cases, their knowledge of the Manhattan court system, and whether they can handle matters in multiple jurisdictions if your driving record or case spans state lines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles hit and run defense in Manhattan and appears at the TVB and the New York County courts. To discuss the details of your matter, call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Official resources: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law | New York State Courts

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.