Hit and Run Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Chesterfield County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as a Class 5 felony if there is injury or death, or a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients at the Chesterfield County General District Court.
Virginia Hit and Run Statute
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 and no one is present to receive the information, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement. The core statute is Va. Code § 46.2-894, titled “Duty of driver to stop, etc., in event of accident involving injury or death or damage to attended property.”
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information and procedures can be found at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
Leaving the scene of an accident charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court located at 9500 Courthouse Road. The prosecution must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and knowingly failed to stop and provide the required information. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Chesterfield County can examine whether the accident caused reportable damage or if you had a reasonable belief that stopping was unsafe.
- Receive a summons or warrant for a hit and run violation.
- Arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any video footage.
- File pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or seek a reduction of charges.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable disposition or proceed to a bench trial.
- If convicted in GDC, you have the right to appeal for a new trial in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run in Virginia
In Chesterfield County, a hit and run carries severe penalties that escalate based on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible DMV points; court may suspend license | Civil liability for damages; permanent criminal record |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; significant civil liability |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; wrongful death lawsuit potential |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Or, in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
Our Experience with Traffic and Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex traffic and criminal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the immediate and long-term consequences a hit and run charge can have on your driving privileges and future.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has secured favorable outcomes in traffic and related criminal matters. In Chesterfield County, we have documented results including dismissals and charge reductions. For instance, our team has successfully defended against charges such as “Profane Language Over Public Airway” and “Purchase/Possess Alcohol,” resulting in Not Guilty and Dismissed verdicts. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems offers a unique advantage in cases involving technical or financial evidence.
Hit and Run Defense Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We are a hit and run lawyer near Chesterfield County, also serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Chesterfield County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Chesterfield County immediately. Your attorney will obtain the police report, review the evidence against you, and begin building a defense, which may involve challenging whether you knew an accident occurred or if you had a reasonable cause for leaving.
Is a hit and run always a felony in Virginia?
No. A hit and run is a Class 1 misdemeanor if it only involves property damage. It becomes a Class 5 felony if the accident resulted in injury or death. The penalties increase significantly with a felony charge.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run?
Yes. The court has discretion to suspend your license for a misdemeanor hit and run. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, a license revocation is mandatory upon conviction. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Chesterfield County can fight to protect your driving privileges.
What defenses are available for a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), stopping at the scene but being unable to locate the property owner, or leaving to get medical help. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Chesterfield County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
How long do I have to report an accident in Virginia?
Virginia law requires you to stop immediately. If you cannot provide your information at the scene (e.g., the other car is unattended), you must report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. There is no specific grace period; “immediately” is the standard.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Chesterfield County DUI lawyer services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.