Hit and Run Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Prince William County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the accident involves injury or death, the charge escalates to a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Hit and Run Law
Virginia law requires any driver involved in an accident 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, any injured person, or the property owner. If the other party is injured or unable to receive the information, you must report the accident to law enforcement immediately. The statute, Va. Code § 46.2-894, defines the duty to stop and report. Failure to comply is the crime of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.” The penalties increase based on the severity of the accident.
Official Resources
For the full text of the Virginia statute, see the Virginia Code § 46.2-894. Court information for Prince William County is available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process for Hit and Run
Hit and run cases in Prince William County begin at the Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and triggers a mandatory 6-month driver’s license suspension from the DMV, separate from any court penalty.
- Receive a summons or warrant for a hit and run accident charge.
- Arraignment at Prince William County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your lawyer reviews evidence (police report, witness statements, surveillance).
- Pre-trial motions or negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial in General District Court or appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Address any resulting DMV license suspension hearings.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Virginia
In Prince William County, a hit and run carries severe penalties including jail, fines, and a mandatory license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | Criminal record, increased insurance |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record, possible prison |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record, severe penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and more than firm-wide 4,739 documented case results. Our approach to defending a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Prince William County case involves a detailed investigation. We examine police reports for errors, seek surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence that you knowingly left the scene. Our goal is to protect your driving privileges and avoid a criminal 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
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal cases across Virginia. In Prince William County, we have secured dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious charges. For example, our team has successfully argued for reduced charges where a client was unaware an accident occurred, skilled to amended charges that avoided license suspension. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems is particularly valuable in cases involving technical evidence or financial aspects.
Contact Our Prince William County Hit and Run Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Prince William County. We are accessible from Manassas, Woodbridge, and surrounding areas via I-66 and Route 28. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Prince William County General District Court, contact us for a consultation.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Hit and Run Lawyer Prince William County FAQ
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident results in injury or death, the charge becomes a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying 1-10 years in prison.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Prince William County?
Contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Prince William County immediately. Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Your lawyer will obtain the police report, investigate the scene for evidence, and begin building your defense to protect your license and avoid a criminal record.
Will I lose my license for a hit and run conviction?
Yes. A conviction for hit and run in Virginia triggers a mandatory driver’s license suspension from the DMV: 6 months for property damage and 1 year if injury or death is involved. This is separate from any court-imposed jail time or fines.
Can I fight a hit and run charge if I didn’t know I hit something?
Yes, a lack of knowledge is a common defense. The prosecution must prove you were aware of the accident and willfully left the scene. A skilled hit and run accident charge lawyer Prince William County can present evidence (like vehicle damage inconsistencies or witness statements) to create reasonable doubt about your knowledge.
What court handles hit and run cases in Prince William County?
Misdemeanor hit and run cases are heard in Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas. Felony hit and run cases involving injury or death begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before moving to Prince William County Circuit Court for trial.
Related Pages: For other traffic matters, see our Prince William County reckless driving lawyer page. For an overview of our Virginia traffic defense, visit our Virginia traffic lawyer hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.