Augusta County Hit and Run Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Augusta County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction can mean jail, fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing a hit and run accident charge, a hit and run lawyer Augusta County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta 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 injured person, or a law enforcement officer. If the other party is incapacitated and no officer is present, the driver must report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. The statute covering this is Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the crime of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.”
Penalties for Hit and Run in Augusta County
In Augusta County, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 5 felony with up to 10 years in prison to a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail, depending on the severity of the accident.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage Only) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | DMV points; possible suspension | Criminal record; increased insurance |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; significant insurance impact |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
Your case will begin at the Augusta County General District Court located at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton. This court handles all misdemeanor hit and run trials and felony preliminary hearings. For a felony charge, a finding of probable cause at a preliminary hearing sends the case to Augusta County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes these cases. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Augusta County can challenge the evidence that you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, or willfully failed to stop.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any video footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for minimal penalties, such as probation, fines, or driver improvement courses instead of jail time.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to the Augusta County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Why Choose Our Augusta County Hit and Run Defense Team
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. We have a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges. Our deep understanding of local courts, including the Augusta County General District Court, allows us to build effective, case-specific defense strategies.
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 team also includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which aids in complex case analysis.
Case Results & Client Focus
Our commitment is to seek the best possible result in every case. We have secured dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients across Virginia. In one instance, we successfully argued for a charge of Driving on a Suspended License to be amended to a non-moving violation, avoiding a criminal conviction. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Augusta County, VA
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Augusta County and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Augusta County Hit and Run Lawyer FAQ
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Hit and run is a Class 5 felony if the accident resulted in injury or death. If the accident only caused property damage, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The specific facts of your case determine the charge.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Augusta County?
First, do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Contact a hit and run accident charge lawyer Augusta County immediately. Then, gather any evidence you have, such as photos of your vehicle, witness contact information, and your recollection of events. Your lawyer will use this to build your defense.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run in Augusta County?
Yes. A misdemeanor hit and run carries up to 12 months in jail. A felony hit and run carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The judge has discretion based on the circumstances, your driving record, and the arguments presented by your defense attorney.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include: lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), an emergency that forced you to leave the scene, or returning to the scene before police arrived. A skilled hit and run lawyer Augusta County can evaluate which defense applies to your situation.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
Yes, likely. The Virginia DMV will assign demerit points, and the court can order a suspension. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, your license will be revoked. An attorney can sometimes negotiate to preserve your driving privileges.
How long does a hit and run case take in Augusta County?
A misdemeanor case in Augusta County General District Court typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from arraignment to trial. A felony case that moves to Circuit Court can take 3 to 9 months or longer. Your right to a speedy trial is protected by Virginia law.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Virginia Courts website.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub, our page for a Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer, or learn about Augusta County DUI Defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.