Hit and Run Lawyer Fairfax — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Fairfax 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. As a hit and run lawyer Fairfax, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax 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. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If no one is present, you must leave a note with this information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to police within 24 hours. Failure to comply is a crime known as “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.” The severity of the charge depends on the outcome of the accident.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Fairfax County are handled at the Fairfax County General District Court.
Fairfax County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Fairfax County, a hit and run charge begins with a summons or arrest. The case is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and heard at the Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. For a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Fairfax to manage, understanding the local court’s approach is key. Prosecutors here often seek convictions, but defenses exist, especially regarding knowledge of the accident.
- Receive a summons or be arrested on a hit and run charge.
- Attend your arraignment in Fairfax County GDC to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review evidence, including police reports and any video.
- File pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if no acceptable plea is reached.
Potential Penalties for Hit and Run in Virginia
In Fairfax County, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony, depending on injuries and damages.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run – Property Damage Only | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | DMV points; possible suspension | Criminal record; increased insurance |
| Hit & Run – Personal Injury | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; severe insurance consequences |
| Hit & Run – Death | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A Class 5 felony can be punished as a Class 6 felony (1-5 years) or as a misdemeanor (up to 12 months) at the jury’s discretion.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Cases
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 documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges in Northern 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 in Fairfax County
Our team has a track record in Fairfax County courts. We have 501 documented results in this locality, including 336 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 143 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which aids in cases involving technical evidence.
Hit and Run Defense Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Fairfax, we are here to help. We serve communities including 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
By appointment only.
Hit and Run Lawyer Fairfax FAQ
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident caused injury or death, it is charged as a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Fairfax?
Contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Fairfax immediately. Do not speak to police without an attorney. Your lawyer will obtain the evidence, determine if the prosecution can prove you knew about the accident, and build a defense strategy for your Fairfax County General District Court case.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run in Virginia?
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, though a jury can sometimes reduce the penalty.
What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the accident, mistaken identity, emergency circumstances that forced you to leave, or that you returned to the scene promptly. An attorney will investigate the facts to identify the best defense for your specific situation.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
Yes, likely. The DMV will assign demerit points, and the court can suspend your driving privilege. For a hit and run involving injury or death, your license will be revoked by the court for one year.
Related Legal Help in Fairfax
If you are facing other charges, we can help. Explore our pages for a Fairfax DUI lawyer, a Fairfax reckless driving lawyer, or a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer. For a broader view, see our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby 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.