Leaving the Scene Defense Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Options?
A hit and run charge in Prince William County is a serious criminal offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, not a simple traffic ticket. A conviction can mean jail time, a permanent criminal record, and a lengthy license suspension. As a leaving the scene defense lawyer Prince William County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 number, 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 law enforcement within 24 hours. The specific statute is Va. Code § 46.2-894 (Duty to stop in event of accident).
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia statute, refer to the official Va. Code § 46.2-894 on the Virginia Legislative Information System. Court information and procedures can be found on the Prince William County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Prince William County, all misdemeanor hit and run cases begin at the Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas. Prosecutors must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and willfully failed to stop and provide the required information. A common defense involves challenging the proof of identity or knowledge of the accident.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a court summons with a date to appear at Prince William County General District Court.
- Initial Appearance (Arraignment): At your first hearing, the judge will formally read the charge. You will enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney can discuss the case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before trial to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Bench Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a trial before a judge, where the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in General District Court, you can be sentenced immediately or appeal the verdict to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene
In Prince William County, the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident vary greatly based on whether the accident caused injury, death, or only property damage.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run – Property Damage (Va. Code § 46.2-894) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance rates |
| Hit & Run – Personal Injury (Va. Code § 46.2-894.1) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years (or up to 12 months if misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation for 1 year | Felony record; possible civil liability |
| Hit & Run – Death (Va. Code § 46.2-894.1) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation for 1 year | Felony record; severe civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled numerous hit and run cases across Northern Virginia. Our approach involves a detailed review of police reports, witness statements, and any available video evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
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
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in traffic cases. In Prince William County, we have achieved dismissals and reductions for clients. For example, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) for clients charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident in neighboring Fairfax County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex traffic matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts. As a hit and run defense lawyer Prince William County near Manassas and Woodbridge, we are accessible to communities like Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Leaving the scene of an accident that caused only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if the accident resulted in injury or death, the charge becomes a Class 5 felony under Virginia law, carrying much more severe penalties including prison time.
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run?
Contact a leaving the scene defense lawyer Prince William County immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone else. Your attorney will obtain the evidence, review the charges, and advise you on the best defense strategy, which may involve challenging the identification of you as the driver or your knowledge of the accident.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced?
Yes. In some cases, a skilled fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Prince William County can negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to a less serious offense, such as improper driving or failure to report an accident, especially if the property damage was minor or there are issues with the evidence.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
Lack of knowledge is a common defense. The prosecution must prove you were aware that an accident occurred. Your attorney can argue that due to road conditions, weather, or a minor impact, you had no reasonable knowledge of the event, which can lead to a dismissal of the charges.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
For a misdemeanor property damage hit and run conviction, the court can suspend your license for up to six months. For felony hit and run involving injury or death, a one-year mandatory license revocation is required by law upon conviction.
Related Legal Help in Prince William County
If you are facing other charges, we also assist with: Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince William County, DUI/DWI Lawyer Prince William County, and Reckless Driving Lawyer Fairfax County. For more information on our statewide traffic defense, visit our hub page: Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.