Hit and Run Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Prince William 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. If the accident involves injury or death, it becomes a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William 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 number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, any injured person, or the property owner. If the other party is injured and unable to receive the information, you must report the accident to law enforcement. The statute, Va. Code § 46.2-894, defines the duties of drivers involved in accidents. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run.
Prince William County Court Process for Hit and Run
Hit and run cases in Prince William County begin with a summons or arrest. Your first court date is an arraignment at the Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a trial. For misdemeanor hit and run charges, the trial will be held in General District Court before a judge. You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty finding to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Receive a summons or be arrested for hit and run.
- Attend your arraignment at Prince William County General District Court to enter a plea.
- If pleading not guilty, prepare for trial with your attorney, gathering evidence and witness statements.
- Present your defense at trial or negotiate a favorable resolution with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- If convicted in GDC, decide whether to appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Prince William County
In Prince William County, a hit and run accident charge carries severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Court may suspend license | Criminal record, increased insurance |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, possible prison |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, potential lengthy prison term |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled firm-wide 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into how these cases are built and how to challenge them effectively. We understand the local procedures at the Prince William County General District Court.
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 firm’s managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which aids in cases involving technical evidence. As a hit and run lawyer Prince William County, our team has achieved documented results for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges.
Local Defense for Prince William County Residents
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.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts. We are your local hit and run lawyer near Prince William County, serving communities including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Hit and Run Defense FAQs
What should I do if I’m charged with hit and run in Prince William County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Prince William County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos of your vehicle, witness contact information, and your recollection of events. Your attorney will review the charges and the evidence against you to build a defense.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run accident charge 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 an injury or death, it is a felony with potential prison time of 1-10 years. The specific outcome depends on the facts of your case and your defense.
What are common defenses to a leaving the scene of an accident charge?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, necessity (e.g., leaving to get emergency help), mistaken identity of the driver, or that you fulfilled your duties under the law but were unable to provide information directly. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Prince William County can evaluate which defense applies to your situation.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run conviction?
For a misdemeanor hit and run, the court has discretion to suspend your driving privilege. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, the DMV will revoke your license for one year upon conviction. A skilled attorney can argue against suspension in misdemeanor cases.
How can a lawyer help with a hit and run accident charge?
A lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a lesser offense (like improper driving), argue for alternative sentencing, or take the case to trial. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Prince William County knows the local court procedures and can work to protect your driving record and your freedom.
For more information on traffic laws, visit the Virginia Courts website.
If you are facing a hit and run charge in Prince William County, do not delay. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a case evaluation. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Prince William County and reckless driving tickets. For a broader view of our services, see our Virginia criminal defense hub or read about our work for clients in Fairfax County.