Hit and Run Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in New Kent County is a serious traffic offense under Virginia law, often charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties including up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a driver’s license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Hit and Run Law and Penalties
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 party, any injured person, or law enforcement. 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. Violating these duties constitutes the crime of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.” The specific statute is Va. Code § 46.2-894 (duty of driver to stop, etc., in event of accident involving injury or death) and § 46.2-896 (duty of driver to stop, etc., in event of accident involving attended property).
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- New Kent County General District Court Website
Defending a Hit and Run Charge in New Kent County
Prosecutors at the New Kent County General District Court must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and willfully failed to fulfill the statutory duties to stop and provide information. A strong defense often challenges one of these elements. For instance, you may not have realized a minor collision occurred, or you may have stopped but been unable to locate the property owner. The specific procedures at the court on 12001 Courthouse Circle require timely filings and strategic negotiation.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Contact a hit and run lawyer New Kent County as soon as possible after the incident or receiving a summons.
- Case Analysis & Investigation: Your attorney will review the citation, police report, and any available evidence (witness statements, surveillance video, damage assessments).
- Pre-Trial Strategy: Based on the facts, your lawyer will develop a defense strategy, which may involve filing pre-trial motions or negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction.
- Court Representation: Your attorney will represent you at all hearings at the New Kent County General District Court, advocating for the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, acquittal, or a favorable plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run Conviction
In New Kent County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties that escalate based on whether the accident involved injury, death, or only property damage, and can include jail time, fines, and a long-term license suspension.
| Offense / Severity | 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; permanent criminal record |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension | Felony record; 6 DMV points |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension | Felony record; 6 DMV points |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Hit and Run Defense
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 track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide relentless defense for clients facing serious traffic and criminal allegations like leaving the scene of an accident. Mr. Sris personally maintains a select caseload of complex matters, ensuring deep involvement and strategic oversight.
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
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results in traffic and criminal cases. In related matters, our attorneys have successfully secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. For example, we have had cases where charges of reckless driving were amended to improper driving, or where evidence issues led to a nolle prosequi (dropping of charges). A secondary attorney on our team, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic consultation on complex cases, leveraging his experience from both sides of the courtroom.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing hit and run accident charges at the New Kent County General District Court. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We provide legal representation to residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hit and Run Charges
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in New Kent County?
Contact a hit and run lawyer New Kent County immediately. Do not discuss the case with police or insurance adjusters without legal counsel. Your attorney can review the summons and police report to build your defense strategy for the New Kent County General District Court.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run involving only property damage?
Yes. A hit and run involving attended property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The actual outcome depends on the facts, your driving record, and the effectiveness of your legal defense.
What’s the difference between a hit and run and leaving the scene of an accident?
It depends on the context, but in Virginia, the terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to violating the duties under Va. Code §§ 46.2-894 and 46.2-896. “Leaving the scene of an accident” is the formal legal phrase, while “hit and run” is the common term. A lawyer defending a leaving the scene of an accident charge will challenge the evidence that you knowingly failed to stop and provide information.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run conviction?
It is very likely. The court has discretion to suspend your license for a property damage hit and run, and suspension is mandatory if the accident involved injury or death. The length of suspension varies. A hit and run lawyer New Kent County can argue for a shorter suspension or explore alternatives.
What are common defenses to a hit and run accident charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, stopping but being unable to locate the property owner, or mistaken identity. A hit and run accident charge lawyer New Kent County investigates the scene, reviews evidence, and interviews witnesses to support these defenses.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Virginia Criminal Defense, Henrico County Criminal Lawyer, and New Kent County DUI Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.