Hit and Run Lawyer Fairfax County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Fairfax 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. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County.
Virginia Hit and Run Law and Penalties
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 the police. If the other party is incapacitated and no police are present, the driver must report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. Leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called a hit and run, is a criminal charge under Va. Code § 46.2-894.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience handling complex traffic and criminal cases across Northern Virginia.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Fairfax County, a hit and run accident charge lawyer must handle specific local procedures. The Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles all misdemeanor hit and run trials. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office routinely seek the maximum penalties for these charges, especially if there was an injury. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Fairfax County can challenge the evidence that you were the driver or knew an accident occurred.
- Receive the Summons: You will get a court summons with a date to appear at Fairfax County General District Court.
- Arraignment Hearing: At your first hearing, you will be formally advised of the hit and run charge and enter a plea of not guilty, 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 knowledge or identity.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge. A conviction can result in jail, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, a hit and run under Va. Code § 46.2-894 is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and a driver’s license suspension for one year.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance rates |
| Hit and Run (Injury or Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record; potential civil liability |
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 and brings a unique perspective to traffic defense. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing insider knowledge of accident investigations. We have secured 501 documented case results in Fairfax County alone. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, maintains a focused caseload to provide direct attention to complex matters like hit and run charges.
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 in Fairfax County
Our firm has a documented record of results in Fairfax County courts. In one case, we defended a client charged with Obtain Money on False Pretence > = $200.00 Felony (VIRGINIA 18.2-178) in Fairfax County General District Court. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor with a sentence of 180 days, with 176 days suspended. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Another case involved a Dangerous Dog That Bit Person charge (VIRGINIA 41.1-2-7) in the same court, resulting in a sentence of 179 days in jail with all 179 days suspended. These outcomes demonstrate our approach to seeking the best possible resolution.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a hit and run lawyer near Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
FAQs for a Hit and Run Charge in Fairfax County
What should I do if I am charged with a hit and run in Fairfax County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Fairfax County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos of your vehicle, and write down your recollection of events. Your attorney will need this to build your defense.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run 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 injury or death, it becomes a felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), or that you complied with the law by stopping and reporting as soon as reasonably possible. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Fairfax County can evaluate which defense applies.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run conviction?
Yes. Va. Code § 46.2-894 mandates a one-year driver’s license suspension upon conviction for a hit and run, regardless of whether the accident involved property damage or injury.
How can a former trooper like Bryan Block help my hit and run case?
Mr. Block’s 15 years as a Virginia State Trooper provide unique insight into how police investigate accidents. He understands the protocols and standards for evidence collection, which allows him to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case and identify weaknesses in their investigation from the start.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Fairfax County and reckless driving charges. For a broader view of our practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.