Hit and Run Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Arlington 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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for hit and run accident charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 law-enforcement officer, or any person struck and injured. If the other party is incapacitated and no officer is present, the driver must report the accident to the State Police or local law enforcement agency within 24 hours. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the crime of hit and run, also known as leaving the scene of an accident. The severity of the charge depends on the outcome of the accident, with penalties increasing for accidents involving injury or death.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court.
Arlington County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Arlington County, a hit and run charge begins with a summons or arrest. The Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes these cases. The court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all initial proceedings. For a hit and run accident charge, prosecutors often seek the statutory penalties, making a strong defense critical.
- Receive a summons or be arrested on a hit and run warrant.
- Appear for arraignment at Arlington County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Engage in discovery and pre-trial motions to challenge the evidence.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction or argue for dismissal.
- Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court if no agreement is reached.
- If convicted, you have the right to appeal for a new jury trial in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Arlington County
In Arlington County, a hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the accident results in injury or death, the charges escalate to a Class 5 or Class 6 felony.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance rates |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; potential civil liability |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; severe civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Arlington County, we have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients facing serious traffic and criminal allegations. Our team understands the local court procedures and the strategies employed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
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 21 documented case results in Arlington County, with 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 10 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Hit and Run Lawyer
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients throughout Arlington County, including the neighborhoods of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, and Pentagon City. We are accessible for clients needing a hit and run lawyer near Arlington County courts.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Arlington County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Arlington County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos, witness information, or repair estimates, and provide it to your attorney to build your defense against the leaving the scene of an accident charge.
Is a hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident results in an injury, it becomes a Class 5 felony. If the accident results in a death, it is also a Class 5 felony, carrying 1-10 years in prison.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run in Arlington County?
Yes. A conviction for a hit and run accident charge involving property damage carries a maximum of 12 months in jail. If the accident caused injury or death, the potential prison sentence increases to 1-10 years. An experienced hit and run lawyer Arlington County can work to mitigate these penalties.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, necessity (e.g., leaving to get emergency help), mistaken identity, or that you fulfilled your duties under the law but the other party left. A lawyer can evaluate the specific facts of your leaving the scene of an accident case.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
The court has discretion to suspend your license for a misdemeanor hit and run. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, the DMV will mandatorily revoke your driver’s license. A hit and run lawyer Arlington County can argue against suspension in court.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in Alexandria. For related legal needs in Arlington, consider our DUI defense or reckless driving defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.