Hit and Run Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run accident charge in New Jersey is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying penalties from fines and license suspension to potential jail time. If you are accused of leaving the scene of an accident lawyer New Jersey representation from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
In New Jersey, a hit and run is legally defined as leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to provide required information or render aid. The specific statute is N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. The law imposes a duty on any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene, provide their name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other involved party or a police officer, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. Failure to fulfill any of these duties constitutes the offense. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the prosecutorial approach to these charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (official New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and filing information can be found at the New Jersey Courts website.
Local Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
Hit and run cases in Hunterdon County are heard in the local Municipal Court. These are quasi-criminal proceedings, not simple traffic hearings. A common defense strategy involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence that you were the driver or that you knowingly left the scene. The court at 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, handles these matters.
- Receive a summons or complaint for leaving the scene.
- Consult with a hit and run lawyer New Jersey immediately to review the charges and evidence.
- Your attorney will file necessary motions and engage in plea negotiations, often seeking to reduce charges to a lesser offense like careless driving.
- Prepare for a Municipal Court trial if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
Penalties for Hit and Run in New Jersey
In Hunterdon County, a hit and run accident charge lawyer New Jersey clients face can lead to fines up to $5,000, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the severity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene (Property Damage) | Traffic Offense | Possible up to 30 days | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | 5 points, insurance surcharges |
| Leaving Scene (Bodily Injury) | Traffic Offense / Criminal | Up to 180 days | $2,500 – $5,000 | 1-year suspension | 5 points, potential civil liability |
| Leaving Scene (Death) | Indictable Crime (3rd Degree) | 3-5 years state prison | $15,000 max | Revocation | Felony record, significant surcharges |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense. We have a deep understanding of New Jersey’s traffic courts and the nuances of hit and run defense.
Documented Case Results
SRIS actively practices in New Jersey courts. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. This extensive history includes successful resolutions for clients facing serious traffic offenses like leaving the scene.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Hunterdon County courts and throughout the state. We provide hit and run lawyer New Jersey services to communities like Flemington, Clinton, and Lambertville. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Hit and Run Defense FAQs
Is a hit and run a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a traffic offense. However, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death is an indictable crime (New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony), specifically a crime of the third degree.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene?
Contact a hit and run accident charge lawyer New Jersey trusts immediately. Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Your lawyer will obtain the evidence, review the state’s case, and advise you on the best defense strategy, which may include negotiating a reduction to a lesser charge.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene in New Jersey carries a mandatory license suspension. For property damage accidents, suspension is 6 months. For accidents involving injury, suspension is 1 year. A conviction for a fatal accident can lead to license revocation.
How many points is a hit and run in NJ?
A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey adds 5 motor vehicle points to your driving record. Accumulating 6 or more points triggers the state’s surcharge system, costing $100 per year for each point over 6, for three years.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you weren’t the driver), that you did stop and fulfill your duties but were not seen, or that the property damage was so minor it was not reasonable to perceive an accident happened.
For more information on related issues, see our pages on Hunterdon County reckless driving lawyers and Hunterdon County criminal defense. Learn more about our firm on our New Jersey office page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.