Augusta County Hit and Run Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Augusta County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction can mean jail, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County.
Virginia Hit and Run Law and Penalties
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. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If the owner is not present, you must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to do any of these actions constitutes the crime of hit and run, or leaving the scene of an accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta 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 for Augusta County is available at the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
Hit and run cases in Augusta County begin at the Augusta County General District Court at 6 East Johnson Street in Staunton. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that the court handles all misdemeanor hit and run trials and felony preliminary hearings. For any charge carrying potential jail time, you have an absolute right to a jury trial, which would move the case to Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the hit and run charge and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if your rights were violated during the investigation.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will engage with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal of the leaving the scene of an accident charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run Conviction
In Augusta County, a hit and run accident charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 5 felony with 1-10 years in prison to a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail, depending on the outcome of the crash.
| 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 | Possible DMV points; court may suspend license | Criminal record; increased insurance rates |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory license revocation | Felony record; severe insurance consequences |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory license revocation | Felony record; potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Augusta County Courts
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Augusta County, we have a documented history of achieving positive results for clients. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies.
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 secured favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal cases across Virginia. For example, we have successfully had charges like reckless driving amended to improper driving and drive suspended charges amended to no driver’s license violations. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts in Staunton, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are your local hit and run lawyer near Staunton, Waynesboro, and the surrounding communities of Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
FAQs: Hit and Run Charges in Augusta County
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run accident charge is a felony if the crash resulted in injury or death. If the accident only caused property damage, it is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, though penalties are still severe.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Augusta County?
First, do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Augusta County immediately. Your attorney will obtain the police report, review the evidence against you, and begin building a defense strategy, which may involve challenging the identification of your vehicle or your knowledge that an accident occurred.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with no injuries?
Yes. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The court has discretion to impose jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases with significant damage.
What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the vehicle, duress or necessity for leaving, and returning to the scene to fulfill duties. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Augusta County can evaluate the specific facts of your case to identify the strongest defense.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
Yes, likely. For a hit and run involving injury or death, the court must revoke your driver’s license. For property damage cases, the court has the discretion to suspend your license, and the DMV will typically assess demerit points, which can lead to suspension based on your point total.
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