Hit and Run Lawyer Fauquier County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Fauquier County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as a Class 5 felony if there is injury or death, or a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage. Conviction can mean jail, fines, and license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for hit and run accident charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, any injured person, or the police. If the other party is incapacitated or the property owner is not present, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run.
The severity of a hit and run accident charge depends on the outcome of the crash. If the accident results only in property damage, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If it causes injury, it becomes a Class 5 felony. If it results in a death, it is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms are available through the Virginia Court System website.
Fauquier County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
Your hit and run case in Fauquier County will begin at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. For misdemeanor property damage charges, your trial will be held in this court. If you are charged with a felony hit and run involving injury, your case will start with a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Receive a summons or warrant for leaving the scene of an accident.
- Attend your arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review the evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a favorable plea agreement or proceed to trial.
- If convicted, present mitigating evidence at sentencing to argue for minimal penalties.
Penalties for a Hit and Run in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, large fines, and a long-term driver’s license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Court discretion | Permanent criminal record |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, prison time |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (mandatory min. 1 year) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, mandatory prison |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the immediate stress a hit and run charge creates and provide clear, direct guidance on your options.
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 and Client Focus
Our firm has documented results in Fauquier County, including cases that were reduced or amended to lesser offenses. For instance, our team, including experienced attorney Mr. Sris who founded the firm, has successfully negotiated reductions from serious traffic charges to non-criminal infractions. We focus on protecting your driving privileges and avoiding a criminal record.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Defense Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location is the primary office serving clients at the Fauquier County courts in Warrenton. We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Fauquier County, we serve the communities of Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a misdemeanor. If the accident causes injury or death, it is charged as 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 Fauquier County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Fauquier County immediately. Your attorney will obtain the police report, assess the evidence that you knowingly left, and begin building your defense for your first court date at the Fauquier County General District Court.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with no injury?
Yes. A hit and run accident charge involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The court has discretion to impose jail time, especially for repeat offenses or cases with aggravating factors.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
For a misdemeanor hit and run, license suspension is at the judge’s discretion. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, the DMV will mandatorily revoke your driver’s license upon conviction. A skilled leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Fauquier County can argue against suspension in misdemeanor cases.
What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, necessity to leave the scene to get emergency help, or mistaken identity. An attorney can also challenge the sufficiency of the evidence that you were the driver or that you failed to fulfill your legal duties after the crash.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.