Hit and Run Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia — What Are Your Defenses?
A hit and run in Fauquier 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 involves injury, it becomes a Class 5 felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for hit and run accident charges.
Virginia Hit and Run Law
Virginia law requires any driver involved in an accident to immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, any injured person, or the property owner. If the other party is incapacitated or the property is unattended, you must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. The statute covering this 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 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Fauquier County is available at the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Fauquier County, a hit and run charge is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The court handles all misdemeanor trials. For felony hit and run charges involving injury, the case begins with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before moving to Fauquier County Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors often seek the maximum penalty to deter this crime.
- Receive a summons or warrant for a hit and run accident charge.
- Appear for your arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review the evidence, including police reports and any witness statements.
- We will file pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case or seek evidence dismissal.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or alternative disposition.
- If necessary, proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for a Hit and Run in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, a hit and run carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension* | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance costs |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension* | Felony record; loss of professional licenses |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension* | Felony record; potential civil wrongful death lawsuit |
*Driver’s license suspension is mandatory upon conviction per Va. Code § 46.2-894.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal 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 record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the local Fauquier County court procedures and the strategies used by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
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
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal cases across Virginia. In Fauquier County, our strategic approach focuses on challenging the evidence that you knowingly left the scene and negotiating for reduced charges where possible. For instance, we have successfully argued for amendments from hit and run to improper driving or defective equipment in cases where intent was not clear.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location is centrally located to serve clients at the Fauquier County courts in Warrenton, accessible via I-66 and Route 29. We are your local hit and run lawyer near Warrenton and the surrounding communities of New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Fauquier County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Fauquier County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, like photos or witness contacts, and provide it to your lawyer. Your attorney will review the charge to see if the prosecution can prove you knowingly left the scene.
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 for a felony, making early defense by a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Fauquier County critical.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run?
Yes. Conviction for a hit and run under Va. Code § 46.2-894 carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension. For property damage, the suspension is 6 months. For accidents involving injury or death, the suspension is 1 year. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Fauquier County can fight to avoid a conviction and this suspension.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, that you stopped as required but the other party left, or that you returned to the scene promptly. An attorney can also challenge the identification of your vehicle or the sufficiency of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Should I just pay the ticket if I got one for hit and run?
No. A hit and run is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket. Paying any fine is an admission of guilt, resulting in a criminal conviction, license suspension, and a permanent record. You must appear in Fauquier County General District Court. Always consult with a lawyer first.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.