A hit and run charge in Virginia carries severe penalties under Va. Code § 46.2-894, including up to 20 years in prison for felony leaving the scene. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. A Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia from our firm can protect your driving privileges and freedom.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines hit and run as the duty of the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene and provide required information. A Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia understands that leaving the scene of an accident charge in Virginia can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the accident. The statute requires drivers to render reasonable assistance to any injured person and exchange insurance information. Failure to comply triggers criminal liability under Virginia law.
For the complete statutory language, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Virginia Judicial System (vacourts.gov).
In Virginia General District Courts, prosecutors often file hit and run charges as misdemeanors initially but may elevate to felonies if injuries are discovered later. A Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia knows that the Commonwealth must prove you knew an accident occurred — lack of knowledge is a viable defense.
- Step 1: Do not leave the scene — remain at the location and call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Step 2: Exchange your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration with the other driver.
- Step 3: Do not admit fault or make statements about what happened to anyone except your attorney.
- Step 4: Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia immediately — do not speak to police without counsel present.
- Step 5: Preserve any evidence: photos of the scene, vehicle damage, witness contact information, and dashcam footage.
- Step 6: File your accident report with Virginia DMV within 24 hours if property damage exceeds $1,500.
In Virginia, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 3 felony depending on injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and run — property damage only | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Demerit points, insurance rate increase |
| Hit and run — injury | Class 5 felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension mandatory | Criminal record, loss of driving privileges |
| Hit and run — death | Class 3 felony | 5 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | License revocation | Permanent criminal record, civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who bring insider knowledge to every case. A Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia from our firm uses this experience to build strong defenses.
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 also includes Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and founder of the firm, who personally leads complex criminal defense matters and amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our hit and run defense results include dismissals, reductions to lesser charges, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible via I-66, I-495, and Route 50. A Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia near Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties can meet with you by appointment.
Neighborhoods served: Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, Fredericksburg.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Do I need a hit and run lawyer in Virginia?
Yes. A hit and run conviction carries jail time, fines, and license suspension. An attorney can negotiate reductions or dismissals.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Virginia?
It depends on the severity. Property damage only is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail). Injury makes it a Class 5 felony (1-10 years). Death makes it a Class 3 felony (5-20 years).
Can a hit and run charge be dismissed in Virginia?
Yes. Dismissal is possible if the prosecution cannot prove you knew an accident occurred, or if there is insufficient evidence identifying you as the driver.
How long does a hit and run case take in Virginia?
Misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 4-8 weeks from arraignment. Felony cases can take 3-9 months depending on court dockets and evidence complexity.
Will I lose my license for a hit and run in Virginia?
It depends. Property damage cases may result in suspension. Injury or death cases carry mandatory license suspension or revocation by Virginia DMV.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For more information, visit our Virginia Hit and Run Lawyer hub page. See also our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Virginia DUI Lawyer pages.