Hit and Run Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Lexington, Virginia, is a serious offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. If you are facing a hit and run accident charge, you need a dedicated hit and run lawyer Lexington. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 or a law enforcement officer. If the other party is injured and unable to receive the information, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the crime of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.”
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The severity of a hit and run charge depends on the outcome of the accident. If the accident resulted only in property damage, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident caused injury, it is a Class 5 felony. If the accident resulted in a death, it is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Lexington cases can be found at the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Lexington
Your case will begin at the Lexington General District Court located at 2 South Main Street. For a property damage hit and run, the case will be handled entirely in General District Court. If the charge is a felony due to injury, the General District Court will hold a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction take leaving the scene of an accident charges seriously, especially near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University where pedestrian traffic is high.
- Initial Court Appearance (Arraignment): You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all police reports, witness statements, and DMV records.
- Negotiation with Prosecutor: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction of charges, such as amending a felony to a misdemeanor or seeking an alternative disposition.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felony charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney will argue for minimal penalties. You have the right to appeal a General District Court conviction to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for a Lexington Hit and Run
In Lexington, a hit and run carries penalties ranging from a misdemeanor with jail time to a felony with prison, depending on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | DMV points; possible suspension | Civil liability for damages; permanent criminal record |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years in prison (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; significant civil liability |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years (mandatory min. 1 year) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record; wrongful death lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Lexington Hit and Run Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a hit and run charge can stem from panic, confusion, or a genuine lack of awareness that an accident occurred. Our defense focuses on the intent element required for a conviction.
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 cases involving technical evidence. We have a documented history of achieving favorable results for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges.
Local Presence and Availability
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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Our Richmond location serves clients in Lexington and the surrounding communities. We provide 24/7 phone consultations and meet with clients by appointment. As your hit and run lawyer Lexington, we are accessible and ready to discuss your case at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions (Hit and Run in Lexington)
Is hit and run a felony in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident caused an injury, it becomes a Class 5 felony. If a death occurred, it is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence under Va. Code § 46.2-894.
What should I do if I am charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Lexington?
Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Lexington immediately. Your attorney will secure the police report, witness statements, and any available video evidence to build your defense, which may focus on lack of knowledge of the accident or your attempt to fulfill legal duties.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for hit and run with property damage will add DMV demerit points and can lead to suspension. A conviction for hit and run involving injury or death mandates a mandatory driver’s license revocation by the Virginia DMV.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, that you were not the driver, that you stopped and attempted to provide information but the other party left, or that you reported the accident to police as soon as practicable. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Lexington can evaluate the best defense for your situation.
How long does a hit and run case take in Lexington General District Court?
A misdemeanor hit and run case typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from arraignment to trial in Lexington General District Court. A felony hit and run case will have a preliminary hearing in GDC within 21-60 days, and if certified, a trial in Lexington Circuit Court could take 3 to 9 months.
If you are searching for a “hit and run lawyer Lexington,” do not wait. The immediate steps you take can significantly impact your case. For a related matter, you may also need a DUI lawyer in Lexington. For a broader understanding of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.