Hit and Run Lawyer Greene County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Greene County is a serious traffic crime under Va. Code § 46.2-894, requiring you to stop and provide information. A conviction can mean jail, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for hit and run accident charges.
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. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If the property owner is not present, you must leave a written notice with the required information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. This statute is known as “leaving the scene of an accident.”
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene 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. We understand the immediate steps you must take after a traffic incident and the severe consequences of failing to do so.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Virginia Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Greene County
Hit and run cases in Greene County begin at the Greene County General District Court at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that the court handles all misdemeanor hit and run trials. For felony charges involving injury or death, preliminary hearings are held in General District Court before potential transfer to Greene County Circuit Court for a jury trial. 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 Greene County General District Court.
- Arraignment Hearing: At your first hearing, the judge will formally read the charge. You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial and Discovery: If you plead not guilty, a trial date is set. Your attorney will request all evidence from the prosecutor, including police reports, witness statements, and any video footage.
- Trial or Resolution: Your case may proceed to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court, or your attorney may negotiate a resolution, such as an amendment to a lesser charge.
- Appeal for Jury Trial: If convicted in General District Court, you have the right to appeal for a new jury trial in Greene County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run in Greene County
In Greene County, a hit and run charge carries penalties based on the accident’s severity, ranging from a Class 5 felony for incidents involving injury or death to a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage only.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run – Property Damage | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | DMV points; possible suspension | Criminal record; increased insurance |
| Hit & Run – Injury | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; severe insurance consequences |
| Hit & Run – Death | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Greene County Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges. We approach each hit and run accident charge with a detailed review of the evidence, focusing on the prosecution’s burden to prove you knowingly left the scene.
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 Approach to Hit and Run Cases
We immediately investigate the circumstances of your hit and run accident charge. We examine police reports, seek out witness statements and any available video evidence, and assess whether the Commonwealth can prove you knowingly left the scene. A common defense involves showing a lack of knowledge that an accident occurred. We also work to mitigate consequences, potentially seeking to have charges reduced or dismissed, especially for first-time offenses. Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, brings his former prosecutor experience to complex case strategy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Greene County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts. We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We provide legal representation for individuals in Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hit and Run Charges in Greene County
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Greene County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Greene County immediately. Your attorney will obtain the summons, review the evidence, and begin building your defense for your first appearance at Greene County General District Court.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced in Virginia?
It depends on the evidence and your history. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Greene County can often negotiate with the prosecutor to amend a felony hit and run to a misdemeanor or reduce a Class 1 misdemeanor to improper driving, which carries no jail time. Factors include the severity of the accident, your driving record, and evidence of your intent.
Is a hit and run a felony in Virginia?
Yes, if the accident resulted in injury or death, it is a Class 5 felony. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A felony conviction has severe long-term consequences, making early intervention by a hit and run accident charge lawyer Greene County critical.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident?
For property damage, penalties include up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. For accidents involving injury or death, penalties include 1-10 years in prison (or up to 12 months at the jury’s discretion) and a $2,500 fine. Your driver’s license will also be impacted.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor hit and run?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail and creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment and housing. A hit and run lawyer Greene County can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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