Hit and Run Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Chesterfield County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. If you are facing a hit and run accident charge, you need a defense lawyer who understands the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results in Chesterfield County. Call 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, the crime of hit and run, formally known as “duty of driver to stop, etc., in event of accident,” is defined by Va. Code § 46.2-894. The law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene, provide their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other party or a law enforcement officer, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, can lead to severe penalties. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings a foundational understanding of how such charges are pursued.
Official Virginia Law and Court Resources
For the exact statutory language, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). All hit and run cases in Chesterfield County originate at the Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felonies moving to Circuit Court.
- Secure representation immediately after the incident or upon receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will obtain the police report and all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- We will investigate the scene, identify witnesses, and challenge the evidence of intent to leave.
- We negotiate with prosecutors, often seeking to reduce the charge or secure an alternative disposition.
- If necessary, we prepare for and present a vigorous defense at trial in Chesterfield General District or Circuit Court.
In Chesterfield County, a hit and run accident charge can be a Class 5 felony (1-10 years) if there is injury, a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) for property damage only, and always carries 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 suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years | Court discretion | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, possible civil liability |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years | Court discretion | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, severe civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our defense team combines over 120 years of legal experience. We have a deep understanding of Virginia traffic and criminal statutes, including the nuances of hit and run law. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
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 has handled hit and run cases in Chesterfield County. In one case, a client faced a Class 1 misdemeanor charge for leaving the scene of a minor property damage accident. Through investigation, we demonstrated a lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, skilled to a favorable resolution. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Chesterfield County residents can consult, our Richmond location is centrally located to serve the area.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). As a hit and run lawyer near Chesterfield County, we are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 10. We serve communities including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Hit and Run Defense FAQs for Chesterfield County
What should I do if I’m charged with hit and run in Chesterfield County?
Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the incident with police or insurance adjusters without counsel. Your attorney will obtain the evidence and begin building your defense strategy for Chesterfield County General District Court.
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, it becomes a Class 5 felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years.
What are the defenses to a hit and run accident charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, that you were not the driver, that you stopped as soon as safely possible, or that the property damage was so minor it was not reasonable to perceive. A lawyer can evaluate which applies.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
Yes. A conviction under Va. Code § 46.2-894 carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension for one year for a misdemeanor and three years for a felony, also to any suspension for related charges like DUI.
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 it is an admission of guilt, resulting in a criminal conviction, license suspension, and a permanent record. You must appear in Chesterfield County General District Court.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Chesterfield County. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our Henrico County criminal lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.