Hit and Run Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Henrico County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as a Class 5 felony if injury occurs or a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending hit and run accident charges in Henrico County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico 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 written notice with that information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. The statute, Va. Code § 46.2-894, defines the duty to stop. Violations are prosecuted in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred, such as the Henrico County General District Court.
- Secure Your Rights: If contacted by police, politely state you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions about the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Document everything you recall: time, location, road conditions, and any contact with the other party. Preserve your vehicle for potential forensic inspection.
- Court Appearance: Your first hearing will be an arraignment at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road) where you enter a plea.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain discovery from the prosecutor, including the officer’s report, witness statements, and any video evidence.
- Strategy Development: Defenses may include lack of knowledge of the accident, mistaken identity of the vehicle/driver, or an emergency that necessitated leaving.
- Resolution: The case may proceed to trial or be resolved through negotiation, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser non-felony offense.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Henrico County
In Henrico County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties: a Class 5 felony for accidents involving injury (1-10 years prison) and a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage only (up to 12 months jail).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance costs |
| Hit & Run (Injury/Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Felony record; loss of professional licenses; difficulty securing employment/housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A Class 5 felony can, at the jury’s discretion, be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months).
Our Experience with Henrico County Traffic Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex traffic defense. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the specific procedures of Henrico County General District Court and the strategies needed to defend a leaving the scene of an accident charge.
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 team has achieved documented results in Henrico County traffic courts. For example, we have successfully defended clients against charges like reckless driving in excess of 80 mph and passing a school bus, securing dismissals in Henrico General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent individuals from Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Henrico County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m accused of a hit and run in Henrico County?
Do not discuss the incident with anyone except your attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Henrico County immediately. Your lawyer will advise you on preserving evidence and handling your initial court date at Henrico County General District Court.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know I hit something?
Yes, but knowledge is a key element the prosecution must prove. A common defense is that you were unaware of the accident due to road noise, a minor impact, or weather conditions. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Henrico County can investigate to support this claim.
What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor hit and run?
The presence of injury or death elevates the charge to a felony (Class 5). A hit and run involving only property damage is a misdemeanor (Class 1). The penalties for a felony are significantly more severe, including potential state prison time.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. Conviction for leaving the scene of an accident carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension: 6 months for property damage and 1 year if injury is involved. A skilled leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Henrico County may fight to avoid conviction and this penalty.
What are the possible defenses to a hit and run charge?
Defenses include lack of knowledge of the accident, mistaken identity (you were not the driver), an emergency that required leaving the scene to get help, or that you fulfilled your duty by reporting the accident to police as soon as reasonably possible.