Hit and Run Lawyer Near Me
Leaving the scene of an accident — commonly called hit and run — is a serious offense throughout Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and New York. A conviction can lead to license suspension, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients across all five jurisdictions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to hit and run defense. Results may vary. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Means
A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a collision — whether with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property — leaves the scene without stopping to provide identifying information or render reasonable assistance as required by law. The specific obligations vary by jurisdiction, but the common elements are the duty to stop, provide your name and insurance details, and assist anyone who is injured. Leaving before fulfilling those duties can turn a traffic infraction into a criminal charge.
In Virginia, Maryland, D.C., New Jersey, and New York, the severity of a hit and run charge depends on whether the accident involved personal injury, death, or only property damage. In many cases, penalties increase significantly when someone is hurt. Our firm’s attorneys understand the nuances of these laws and work to protect clients from the most serious consequences — including license points, high fines, and incarceration.
Hit and Run Laws in the Jurisdictions We Serve
Each state and the District of Columbia approaches hit and run offenses differently. Below is an overview of the legal frameworks that apply across the firm’s five jurisdictions.
Virginia
Under Virginia Code § 46.2‑894, any driver involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage must immediately stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance. Failing to do so is a felony if someone is injured or killed, and a misdemeanor for property damage exceeding a threshold value. Penalties can include license revocation, jail time, and fines.
A hit and run involving injury or death in Virginia is a felony under Va. Code § 46.2‑894.
Source: Virginia Code § 46.2‑894. Va. Code § 46.2‑894
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Maryland
Maryland law requires a driver involved in an accident to stop, remain at the scene, exchange information, and render aid. Leaving the scene can result in both criminal charges and administrative penalties from the Motor Vehicle Administration. The consequences hinge on whether the accident involved bodily injury or only property damage. A conviction can carry significant points on a driver’s license, possible jail time, and a requirement to attend a driver improvement program.
District of Columbia
In Washington, D.C., hit and run — termed “leaving after colliding” — is a criminal offense. The law distinguishes between accidents that result in personal injury and those causing only property damage. Failing to stop and provide information can lead to fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and a misdemeanor or felony record.
New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, a driver involved in an accident must immediately stop, provide identification and insurance details, and, when necessary, render aid. Leaving the scene of an accident where an injury has occurred can result in felony charges. Even a property-damage-only hit and run carries the potential for license suspension, fines, and a criminal record.
New York
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law imposes a legal duty to stop, exchange information, and report any accident involving injury or property damage. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious offense that can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction, license revocation, and significant financial penalties. The state also imposes surcharges and mandatory fees on top of any fine.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases
An experienced attorney can examine whether you were properly identified as the driver, whether you actually knew an accident occurred, and whether the scene was safe for you to stop. Many hit and run cases involve misunderstandings — a driver may not realize they struck another vehicle, or they may have been traveling in heavy traffic and believed they were not involved. Our attorneys review police reports, accident reconstruction evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage to build the strong $1.
When a charge cannot be fully dismissed, we work to negotiate a reduction — for example, from a felony to a misdemeanor, or from a criminal offense to an infraction — in order to protect your driving record and avoid jail. We also assist clients with DMV hearings and license reinstatement efforts. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and help you understand what each court appearance means.
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 who has been practicing since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive courtroom experience across multiple jurisdictions. Working collaboratively with Mr. Sris, they handle criminal traffic matters including hit and run, DUI, reckless driving, and license-related offenses. Every attorney at the firm has more than a decade of practice experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hit and run?
A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a collision fails to stop, provide identification, and render assistance as required by law. The collision can involve another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property. In every jurisdiction where our firm practices, leaving the scene without fulfilling those duties is a criminal offense. The severity of the charge — infraction, misdemeanor, or felony — turns on the nature and extent of the harm caused. Even if the accident seems minor, leaving can turn a civil matter into a criminal one.
What are the penalties for a hit and run conviction?
Penalties vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the accident, but can include jail time, license suspension, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. For example, in Virginia, a felony hit and run involving injury can result in a prison sentence and license revocation. In Maryland and New Jersey, property-damage-only offenses carry fines and points, while injury-related hit and runs expose the driver to incarceration. Our attorneys work to mitigate those consequences and, whenever possible, seek charge reductions that avoid a criminal record.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge?
Because a hit and run charge can lead to jail, license loss, and a lasting record, representation by an experienced attorney is strongly advisable. An attorney can investigate whether there was actual knowledge of the accident, whether identifying information was left at the scene, and whether procedural errors during the traffic stop or investigation undermine the charge. While each case is unique, lacking legal guidance increases the likelihood of the most severe penalties. A consultation allows you to understand your options before deciding how to proceed.
Can a hit and run charge be dismissed?
Dismissal is possible when the prosecution cannot prove all elements of the offense, such as that the driver knew an accident occurred, or when a procedural violation requires suppression of evidence.
In many instances, a hit and run charge may be negotiated to a lesser traffic infraction — particularly when the accident only involved property damage and the driver has no prior record. Outcomes depend on the specific facts, the jurisdiction, and the skill of the defense attorney. Results may vary. Contact our firm to discuss whether a dismissal or reduction may be available in your circumstances.
What should I do if I left the scene of an accident?
If you left the scene of an accident, consult an attorney before speaking with law enforcement or your insurance company.
Anything you say to police or an insurer can be used against you. An attorney can help you determine whether it is appropriate to contact the other driver or report the incident to the authorities. Taking effective, timely legal guidance can influence how the matter unfolds. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to speak with a member of our team.
Where can I find a hit and run lawyer near me?
Our firm serves clients in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, with locations available for appointments across the region. Whether you were arrested in Fairfax, D.C., Rockville, Tinton Falls, or anywhere else in the five jurisdictions, our attorneys appear in local courts and are familiar with the prosecutors and procedures. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation; appointments are available at our locations by appointment only.
For information about other traffic-related services, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Official Sources
Virginia Code Title 46.2 — Motor Vehicles | Virginia Court System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.