Hit and Run Lawyer Fairfax County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Fairfax 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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending hit and run accident charge lawyer Fairfax County cases.
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 party, any law enforcement officer, or any person attending the injured. If the other party is incapacitated and no officer is present, the driver must report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the crime of hit and run, or “leaving the scene of an accident.”
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
Hit and run cases in Fairfax County begin at the Fairfax County General District Court. Prosecutors here treat these charges seriously due to public safety concerns. A common local procedural fact is that the court often views a driver’s failure to stop as an admission of fault, which a skilled defense must counter. The key is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence that you were the driver and that you knowingly left the scene.
- Receive a summons or warrant for a violation of Va. Code § 46.2-894.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road) to enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase to review the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- Negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial in General District Court.
- If convicted, you have the right to appeal for a new trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Hit and Run in Virginia
In Fairfax County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties that escalate based on the accident’s outcome, from a Class 5 felony for fatalities to a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | DMV points; possible suspension | Criminal record; increased insurance |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; severe insurance impact |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Or, in the discretion of the jury or court, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Cases
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. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we pursue every available defense strategy. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep commitment to impactful legal work.
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 in Fairfax County
Our team has achieved documented results in Fairfax County courts. For example, we have successfully negotiated reductions of felony hit and run charges to misdemeanor improper driving, resulting in no jail time. In other cases, we have secured dismissals by challenging the prosecution’s evidence that our client was the driver or had knowledge of the accident.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex traffic matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions whose background in accounting provides an edge in cases involving damage assessments.
Hit and Run Defense Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are your local hit and run lawyer near Fairfax County. We serve communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
FAQs: Hit and Run Charges in Fairfax County
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident results in injury or death, it becomes a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying 1-10 years in prison.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Fairfax County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Fairfax County immediately. Your lawyer will obtain the evidence, determine if the prosecution can prove you were the driver and knowingly left, and begin building your defense for Fairfax County General District Court.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. A misdemeanor hit and run carries up to 12 months in jail. A felony hit and run involving injury or death carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, though the jury can opt for a misdemeanor penalty.
What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), necessity (leaving to get emergency help), or that you fulfilled your duty to report the accident to law enforcement as soon as reasonably possible.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
Yes, likely. For a misdemeanor hit and run, the court has discretion to suspend your license. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, the DMV is required by law to revoke your driver’s license.
For more information on related charges, see our pages on DUI defense in Fairfax and reckless driving in Fairfax. For an overview of our statewide practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Falls Church.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.