Hit and Run Lawyer Hanover County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Hanover County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, potentially charged as a Class 5 felony or Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients in Hanover County General District Court.
Virginia Hit and Run Law
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 number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If the other party is injured or unable to receive the information, you must report the accident to law enforcement. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes the crime of leaving the scene of an accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover 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 on the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
Hit and run cases in Hanover County begin at the General District Court at 7507 Library Drive. Prosecutors here often seek convictions that carry mandatory license revocation. A key local procedural fact is that the court may consider your reason for leaving, but lack of knowledge about the accident is a difficult defense to prove after the fact.
- Receive the Summons: You will get a court date for an arraignment at Hanover County General District Court.
- Enter a Plea: At arraignment, you will plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. We always advise pleading not guilty initially to preserve all options.
- Review Discovery: Your lawyer will obtain the police report, witness statements, and any video evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Negotiate or Motion: Based on the evidence, your attorney may negotiate a reduction (e.g., to improper driving) or file motions to suppress evidence.
- Prepare for Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will be set for a bench trial before a judge in GDC.
- Appeal or Resolve: You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Hanover County Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Hanover County
In Hanover County, a hit and run accident charge carries severe penalties including jail time, large fines, and a mandatory 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 | Mandatory 1-year revocation* | Permanent criminal record |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year revocation* | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year revocation* | Felony record, loss of rights |
*Va. Code § 46.2-894 mandates a 12-month driver’s license revocation upon conviction, with no restricted license permitted for the first 6 months.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Hanover County Courts
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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the local procedures at the Hanover County General District Court and have a documented result in this jurisdiction. Our approach is direct: we analyze the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a strong defense strategy from the start.
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 a documented result in Hanover County. In one case, our defense led to a favorable outcome for the client. Firm-wide, we have handled numerous hit and run and leaving the scene cases across Virginia, achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including former prosecutor Mr. Sris, works collaboratively to apply this extensive experience to each new case in Mechanicsville, Ashland, and throughout Hanover County.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Hanover County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Hanover County courts. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 33, serving Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
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
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Hanover County?
Do not speak to police without a lawyer. Contact a hit and run lawyer Hanover County immediately. Gather any evidence you have (photos, witness info) and write down your exact recollection of the event. Your attorney will use this to build your defense.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run accident charge in Virginia?
Yes. A hit and run involving property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail. If the accident caused injury or death, it is a Class 5 felony with a potential prison sentence of 1-10 years.
What is the difference between a hit and run and leaving the scene of an accident?
In Virginia, they are the same offense. The legal term is “failure to stop at the scene of an accident” under Va. Code § 46.2-894. Whether called hit and run or leaving the scene, the charges and penalties are identical.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run in Hanover County?
If convicted, Va. Code § 46.2-894 mandates a 12-month driver’s license revocation. The court has no discretion. You cannot get a restricted license for the first 6 months of the revocation period.
What defenses are available for a leaving the scene of an 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 returned to the scene promptly, or that you attempted to provide information but were prevented from doing so. An experienced lawyer will identify the best defense for your situation.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.