Hit and Run Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Henrico County is a serious 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. If the accident caused injury or death, the charge escalates to a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico 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. The driver must provide their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other involved parties, any injured person, or the property owner. If the other party is incapacitated or the property owner is not present, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run.
The specific statute governing this offense is Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome: property damage only is a Class 1 misdemeanor; injury is a Class 5 felony; death is a Class 5 felony. All cases begin in Henrico County General District Court.
Penalties for a Hit and Run in Henrico County
In Henrico County, a hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | DMV points; possible suspension | Criminal record; increased insurance |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; severe insurance impact |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Henrico County Hit and Run Defense Approach
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a hit and run charge often stems from panic, not criminal intent. Our defense strategy for a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Henrico County case involves a meticulous review of the evidence to challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, or willfully failed to stop.
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, which includes former prosecutor Mr. Sris, works to identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case. We examine police reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage to question the identification of the driver or the extent of the property damage. In many cases, we negotiate for a reduction to a lesser traffic offense or seek alternatives like driving school to avoid a criminal conviction.
Case Results in Henrico County
Our firm has secured documented results for clients in Henrico County. In one case, a charge of reckless driving for speeding in excess of 80 mph was dismissed in Henrico General District Court. In another, a charge of passing a school bus was dismissed. While these are traffic matters, they demonstrate our active work and familiarity with the Henrico County court system.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Secure Immediate Legal Advice: Contact a hit and run lawyer Henrico County immediately after being charged or receiving a summons. Do not speak to insurance adjusters or the other party without counsel.
- Case Evaluation & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including the police accident report, witness statements, and any available video footage from the scene.
- Pre-Trial Strategy: We will develop a defense strategy, which may involve filing motions to suppress evidence or challenging the sufficiency of the Commonwealth’s case.
- Court Appearances: We will represent you at all hearings in Henrico County General District Court, from arraignment through trial or disposition.
- Resolution: We will pursue the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, reduction of charges, or negotiating a favorable plea agreement to minimize penalties.
- Post-Trial Matters: If convicted, we can advise on appeals, expungement eligibility, and steps to restore your driving privileges.
Local Legal Resources
For official information, refer to the Virginia hit and run statute, Va. Code § 46.2-894. Court information is available at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We provide representation for a hit and run accident charge lawyer Henrico County residents trust. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Hit and Run Defense FAQs for Henrico County
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Henrico County?
Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Henrico County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, like photos of your vehicle, and write down everything you remember about the incident for your lawyer.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail. If the accident caused injury or death, it is a felony with potential prison time of 1-10 years.
What are the defenses to a leaving the scene of an accident charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), or that you complied with the law by reporting the accident to police within 24 hours because you could not locate the property owner.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
For a misdemeanor hit and run, the court has discretion to suspend your license. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, your license will be revoked by the DMV for one year, with possible extension.
Should I hire a lawyer for a hit and run charge?
It depends. Given the severe penalties, including jail time and a permanent criminal record, hiring an experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Henrico County is strongly advised. A lawyer can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward a reduction or dismissal.
Related Legal Services in Henrico County
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides strong defense for DUI charges in Henrico County and reckless driving in Henrico County. For a broader view of our criminal defense work, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information subject to change.