Hit and Run Lawyer Botetourt County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Botetourt County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending hit and run accident charges in the Botetourt County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Botetourt County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Hit and Run Law
Virginia law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If no one is present, you must leave a note with this information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the offense of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.” The statute is Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly).
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Botetourt County
In Botetourt County, a hit and run conviction carries significant penalties that increase with the severity of the accident.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | 6 DMV points; civil liability |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Permanent criminal record |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Vehicular manslaughter charges possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
Your case for a leaving the scene of an accident charge will begin at the Botetourt County General District Court located at 20 E. Back Street, Suite A, Fincastle. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record and six DMV demerit points.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charge and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to challenge the evidence or seek a reduction of the charge.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor, often seeking to amend the charge to a non-criminal traffic offense like improper driving.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, a bench trial will be held before a judge in General District Court.
- Appeal: You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty finding to the Botetourt County Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Our Experience in Botetourt County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and more than 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. We provide full representation for traffic and criminal matters in Botetourt County.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Our team includes former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting provides an advantage in cases involving property damage assessments. We have secured favorable outcomes in traffic cases across Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Botetourt County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Botetourt County courts. We represent individuals in Fincastle, Daleville, Troutville, Blue Ridge, and Eagle Rock.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident resulted in injury or death, it is charged as a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying 1-10 years in prison.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Botetourt County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Botetourt County immediately. Your lawyer will obtain the police report, review the evidence, and develop a defense strategy, which may include challenging the prosecution’s proof that you knew an accident occurred.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run?
Yes. The court has discretion to suspend your license for a property damage hit and run. A conviction for a hit and run involving injury or death mandates a one-year license revocation by the DMV under Va. Code § 46.2-398.
What are common defenses to a hit and run accident charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, that you complied with the law by leaving a note or reporting the crash, mistaken identity, or that the property damage did not meet the statutory threshold. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Botetourt County can evaluate the best defense for your case.
Where is the Botetourt County court for traffic cases?
Hit and run cases are heard at the Botetourt County General District Court, 20 E. Back Street, Suite A, Fincastle, VA 24090. The court’s website is vacourts.gov.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with DUI charges in Botetourt County and serve neighboring areas like Shenandoah County.