Leaving the Scene Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
You were driving along Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn when you struck another car near the Barclays Center. Startled and unsure what to do, you continued driving. Weeks later, you received a summons charging you with leaving the scene of an accident. Now you’re facing a serious traffic or criminal matter in Kings County. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand the stress of such a situation. Our firm has represented drivers throughout New York, including Brooklyn, in leaving-the-scene cases, drawing on extensive experience since 1997. We work to protect your driving privileges, minimize potential penalties, and guide you through every stage of the process. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747 and schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Leaving the Scene Means in Brooklyn, NY
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law requires any driver involved in an accident that results in property damage, personal injury, or death to stop, provide information, and render reasonable assistance. Failing to do so is a violation of the law that can carry significant consequences. Depending on the circumstances, a leaving-the-scene charge in New York may be a traffic infraction, a misdemeanor, or even a felony. The severity often depends on whether the accident involved only vehicle damage or whether someone was injured.
In Brooklyn, leaving-the-scene cases may be handled at the NYC Criminal Court — Brooklyn or, for certain traffic infractions, at the NYS Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). Brooklyn falls within the 2nd Judicial District and is part of Kings County. The court has the authority to impose fines, surcharges, license suspension, and, in the case of a misdemeanor or felony conviction, possible incarceration. Your insurance premiums can also rise sharply, and your driving record can be affected for years. The procedural rules differ depending on the level of the charge, and having an attorney who is familiar with Kings County courts can be important.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Leaving the Scene Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we begin by reviewing the facts of the accident, the summons or complaint, and any evidence you have. We look at whether law enforcement followed proper procedure, whether the accident scene evidence supports the charge, and whether there are valid defenses—such as lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, misidentification, or an immediate emergency that prevented stopping. Our approach is to build a strong defense and to explore every avenue for a favorable resolution, whether through negotiation with the prosecutor, a motion to dismiss, or a trial if necessary.
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands the strategies used by the prosecution and can anticipate the arguments they may raise. He works alongside the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who bring extensive combined legal experience to traffic defense matters. The firm’s New York location serves clients in Brooklyn and throughout New York. We prepare every case meticulously, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and has been practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who now uses his knowledge of the criminal justice system to defend individuals facing traffic and criminal charges. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, making him one of the few traffic-defense attorneys authorized to practice across five jurisdictions.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute substantial courtroom and legal experience to every matter. All attorneys work purely on an Of Counsel basis, and the firm does not employ associates or partners. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. When you call (888) 437-7747, you reach our New York location, and we will arrange a consultation to discuss your leaving-the-scene charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene in Brooklyn?
Contact an attorney immediately and avoid discussing the details with anyone but your legal counsel. Leaving the scene can be a serious charge, and any statements you make can be used against you. Our firm can help you understand the charges, evaluate potential defenses, and determine an appropriate $1 of action. It is also helpful to gather any evidence you have, such as photos of the accident location, witness contact information, and any correspondence from the court.
Do I need a lawyer for a leaving the scene charge in Brooklyn, NY?
Yes — even a minor leaving-the-scene charge can have serious consequences, including a criminal record, fines, and license suspension, so legal representation is strongly advised. An experienced attorney can assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, negotiate with the prosecutor, and work to minimize the impact on your driving record and insurance. In some situations, an attorney can help you avoid a conviction entirely.
What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in New York?
Penalties depend on whether the accident involved property damage, injury, or death and can range from a fine and surcharge for a traffic infraction to incarceration for a felony. If the accident caused only property damage, the violation is typically a traffic infraction with potential fines and demerit points. If there was personal injury, the charge may be a misdemeanor, with possible jail time and a criminal record. In cases involving serious injury or death, a felony charge is possible, carrying more severe consequences. Your driving privileges may also be at risk.
Can a leaving the scene charge be dropped or reduced?
A leaving-the-scene charge may sometimes be reduced or dismissed depending on the facts and the strength of the defense. An attorney can challenge whether the prosecution can prove the essential elements of the offense—such as knowledge that an accident occurred, failure to stop, or failure to provide information. Negotiations with the prosecutor may lead to a lesser charge or an alternative resolution. Each case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific circumstances and evidence.
How does the NY Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handle leaving the scene cases?
If the leaving-the-scene charge is a traffic infraction only (property damage, no injury), it may be heard at the TVB, but more serious charges go to the criminal court. The TVB does not allow plea bargaining, and the hearing is before an administrative law judge. For misdemeanor or felony leaving-the-scene charges, the case will be heard in the criminal part of the NYC Criminal Court, where plea negotiations and full criminal procedural protections apply. An attorney can advise you on the proper venue and the strategic implications of each.
How does an attorney defend a leaving the scene charge?
An attorney investigates the facts, examines whether the police followed proper procedure, and looks for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Common defenses include: the driver was unaware that an accident occurred; the driver stopped and provided information; the vehicle was not involved; or there was an emergency that justified leaving. An attorney can also work to mitigate the consequences even if the charge cannot be fully defeated, such as by negotiating a reduced penalty or alternative disposition.
For full statutory breakdown and additional legal information, see our comprehensive analysis at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Traffic Practice. Official resources: New York State Unified Court System | New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.