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, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for hit and run accident charges.
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. The driver must provide their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other party, any injured person, or law enforcement. If the other party is incapacitated or the property owner is not present, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes the crime of hit and run, also known as 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 for Hanover County is available at 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 Hanover County General District Court at 7507 Library Drive. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these charges. The court handles all misdemeanor hit and run trials. If you are charged with a felony hit and run involving injury or death, your preliminary hearing will be in General District Court, with a potential jury trial moving to Hanover County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a court summons with a date to appear at Hanover County General District Court.
- Initial Appearance (Arraignment): At your first court date, the charge will be read, and you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney will review the evidence with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal, often arguing lack of intent or mistaken identity.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court. For felony charges, you may elect a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include jail, fines, driver’s license suspension, and probation.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a conviction from General District Court to Hanover County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Hanover County
In Hanover County, a hit and run accident charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and a driver’s license suspension of up to one year. If the accident involves injury or death, the charge becomes a felony with significantly harsher penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Suspension up to 1 year | Permanent 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 suspension | Felony record, potential civil liability |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension | Felony record, severe civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Hanover County
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. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide a full, dedicated defense for clients facing hit and run charges in Hanover County and across Central Virginia.
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 history of achieving favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal cases. For example, our attorneys have successfully had charges like reckless driving reduced to improper driving and driving on suspended licenses amended to lesser offenses. In hit and run cases, a strong defense often focuses on challenging the evidence of intent or identity.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, which includes former prosecutor Mr. Sris, works collaboratively to analyze every detail of your case.
Contact Our Hanover County Hit and Run Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 301, near the Hanover Courthouse and Kings Dominion.
Hit and run lawyer near Mechanicsville and Ashland. We serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
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 an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Hanover County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos of your vehicle, witness information, or your own notes about the incident. Your attorney will need this to build your defense.
Is a hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if the accident results in injury or death, the charge becomes a Class 5 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. The court has the discretion to suspend your driver’s license for up to one year for a misdemeanor hit and run conviction. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, a license suspension is mandatory.
What are common defenses to a leaving the scene of an accident charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), an emergency that required you to leave the scene, or that you fulfilled your duty to report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours as the law allows.
How can a former state trooper help my hit and run case?
An attorney like Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper, understands exactly how police conduct hit and run investigations. He can identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, challenge improper procedure, and effectively cross-examine law enforcement witnesses, which is a significant advantage in court.
Related Pages: For other legal issues in Hanover County, see our pages on DUI defense and reckless driving. For more on criminal defense statewide, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.