Hit and Run Lawyer Arlington County, VA
If you are facing a hit and run charge in Arlington County, Virginia, you need
an experienced defense team that understands how these cases are prosecuted
locally. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals accused of leaving the
scene of an accident in the Arlington County General District Court and the
Arlington County Circuit Court. Our Arlington Location is a short distance from
the courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Call (888) 437-7747 to
schedule a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Practicing since 1997 |
Admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY
Arlington Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only |
Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule
What a Hit and Run Charge Means in Arlington County
Hit and run offenses in Virginia—formally leaving the scene of an accident—are
governed by Va. Code § 46.2-894. The law requires any driver involved in an
accident that results in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop,
provide identification, and render reasonable aid. In Arlington County, the
Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these charges vigorously. Misdemeanor hit and
run cases are heard in the Arlington County General District Court, while felony
hit and run charges—typically involving injury or death—move to the Arlington
County Circuit Court. Because Arlington’s dense urban environment produces many
traffic incidents, local prosecutors are familiar with these cases and often
pursue maximum penalties.
A hit and run conviction can affect your driving record, insurance rates, and
employment opportunities. Even a first-offense misdemeanor may land you in jail.
Understanding the statute and the local court process is critical. Our firm
regularly appears in Arlington County courts and knows how the Commonwealth
tends to handle leaving-the-scene allegations.
Under Virginia law, a Class 1 misdemeanor—the category applying to many
hit and run offenses involving property damage—is punishable by up to 12
months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-11. Virginia Code Title 18.2
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Defense
A hit and run allegation often rests on how the evidence is gathered and
interpreted. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., reviews every piece of the
Commonwealth’s evidence—police reports, witness statements, surveillance
footage, and vehicle damage photographs—to identify weaknesses in the
prosecution’s case. Our approach is thorough and grounded in extensive
combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel.
If the prosecution cannot prove that you knew an accident occurred, a
conviction may be avoidable. Other defense strategies include challenging the
identification of the driver, demonstrating that you provided identification
to another person at the scene, or showing that the property damage was so
minor that a reasonable person would not have known it occurred. Because our
team includes a former Virginia State Trooper, we have firsthand insight into
how accident investigations are conducted—including what police reports should
contain and where they commonly fall short. We use that knowledge to build a
defense that pressures the Commonwealth to dismiss or reduce the charge.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former
prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in
Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr.
Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in
support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Alongside him,
experienced Of Counsel bring additional perspective—including a former
Virginia State Trooper with decades of accident investigation experience—to
every hit and run matter we handle. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel
bring extensive combined legal experience to each defense.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Arlington County
Virginia hit and run penalties escalate based on the damage caused. A
misdemeanor hit and run typically involves property damage and is a Class 1
misdemeanor with the possibility of jail time and fines. When the accident
results in injury or death, the charge becomes a felony. A felony conviction
can lead to state prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal
record. Additionally, a hit and run conviction often triggers administrative
license penalties from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The short-
and long-term consequences extend well beyond the courtroom.
How Hit and Run Cases Proceed in Arlington County Courts
Arlington County hit and run cases begin in the General District Court if the
charge is a misdemeanor. The court is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite
2400, Arlington, VA 22201. At the arraignment, you will be advised of the
charge and your right to counsel. A trial date is set, and the prosecution
must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, you may
appeal to the Arlington County Circuit Court, where a jury trial is available.
For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in the General District
Court; if probable cause is found, the case proceeds to the Circuit Court for
a jury trial. In our practice, the Arlington County General District Court
is presided over by the Hon. Jason S. Rucker, though judge assignments can
change. The timeline varies by case complexity and the court’s calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hit and run in Virginia?
Hit and run, or leaving the scene of an accident, is a criminal offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894 that requires any driver involved in an accident to stop, give identification, and render aid. Failure to do so is a crime. The charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on whether there was injury or death. Even minor property damage can lead to a criminal record.
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
Hit and run is a felony if the accident results in injury or death; property-damage-only hit and run is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor. A felony conviction carries the possibility of state prison time and a permanent record. The specific charge depends on the facts, and an experienced attorney can evaluate potential defenses.
What should I do if I am charged with hit and run in Arlington County?
Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately, do not discuss the incident with anyone except your attorney, and preserve any evidence you have. A hit and run allegation can move quickly, and the Commonwealth will begin building its case. Early legal intervention can affect how the charge proceeds. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Can a hit and run charge be dismissed in Virginia?
Yes, a hit and run charge may be dismissed if the prosecution cannot prove all elements of the offense, such as that you knew an accident occurred or that you willfully failed to stop. In Arlington County, the firm has obtained dismissals and nolle prosequi outcomes in a variety of criminal cases. Results may vary.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Arlington County?
Yes, you should have an attorney because a hit and run conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and driving privileges. The Arlington County courts are busy, and the Commonwealth is prepared. An experienced defense team can identify weaknesses in the evidence and negotiate for a better outcome.
What are the possible defenses to hit and run?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the driver, compliance with the law by providing information to another person, or the de minimis nature of the damage. A former Virginia State Trooper on our team reviews police procedures for errors that can weaken the prosecution’s case.
How does a hit and run affect my driving record?
A hit and run conviction will add demerit points to your Virginia driving record and may lead to a license suspension or revocation, especially if it involves injury or death. The Virginia DMV can take separate administrative action. A lawyer can help you address both the criminal charge and the potential license impact.
What happens if I left the scene but didn’t know I hit someone?
Virginia law requires that the driver knew, or should have known, that an accident occurred. If you truly did not know, that can be a defense. However, the Commonwealth may try to prove knowledge through evidence like the severity of the collision or witness statements. Each case is unique.
Can I get a hit and run charge reduced?
Yes, in many cases a hit and run charge can be reduced to a less serious offense, such as improper driving or a local ordinance violation, depending on the facts and the quality of the defense. For example, a reduction may avoid jail time and minimize the impact on your record. The firm has a track record of obtaining amended charges in Arlington County. Results may vary.
How much does a hit and run lawyer cost in Arlington County?
Fees vary by case and depend on the complexity of the charge, the number of court appearances, and whether the case goes to trial. During a consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case and the legal fees involved. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Local Defense with Deep Courtroom Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented case results in Arlington County,
including dismissals and reductions in criminal matters. Results may vary. Our
Arlington Location is conveniently situated near the courthouse, and our
team regularly appears before the Arlington County General District and
Circuit Courts.
In Arlington County, the firm has achieved favorable outcomes in criminal cases, with documented dismissals and not-guilty results across a range of charges.
Source: Firm records, Arlington County General District Court, Arlington County Circuit Court. Arlington County GDC
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
For representation in a hit and run matter in Arlington County, call
(888) 437-7747 or reach our firm online. Mr. Sris and his
Of Counsel are available to review your case and help you determine an appropriate $1 forward.
Related pages:
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer ·
Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer ·
Loudoun County Criminal Defense Lawyer ·
Stafford County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.