Hit and Run Lawyer Hanover County — What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene?
A hit and run in Hanover County is a serious traffic crime under Va. Code § 46.2-894. Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a 6-month license suspension. If the accident involves injury or death, the charge becomes a felony.
Virginia Hit and Run Law
Virginia law requires any driver involved in an accident to immediately stop at the scene, provide their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver or law enforcement, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. Failure to do so constitutes the crime of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.” The severity of the charge depends on the outcome of the accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Hanover County is available at the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
Your hit and run accident charge lawyer Hanover County will handle the case at the Hanover County General District Court located at 7507 Library Drive. Prosecutors here treat leaving the scene charges seriously, especially if there is evidence you knew about the accident. A strong defense often involves challenging the evidence that you were the driver or that you had knowledge of the accident.
- Receive the Summons: You will get a court date for Hanover County General District Court.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with your hit and run lawyer Hanover County to review the evidence and police report.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial Preparation: If no agreement is reached, your lawyer will prepare for a bench trial before a judge.
- Trial or Plea: Present your defense at trial or enter a plea based on the best available outcome.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, argue for minimal penalties. You have the right to appeal to Hanover County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Hanover County
In Hanover County, a hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a 6-month driver’s license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | Criminal record, increased insurance |
| Hit & Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | 1-year revocation | Felony record, possible prison |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | 1-year revocation | Felony record, mandatory minimums may apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A Class 5 felony can be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor at the jury’s discretion.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the immediate and long-term consequences a hit and run conviction can have on your driving privileges and criminal record.
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 and Client Focus
Our team, which includes seasoned attorneys like Mr. Sris, has a documented history of achieving favorable results in traffic and criminal cases across Virginia. We focus on the specific details of your leaving the scene charge, from the initial police investigation to the final court hearing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Hanover County Hit and Run Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 301, near the Hanover Courthouse and Mechanicsville.
Hit and run lawyer near Hanover County Courthouse and Mechanicsville. We serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 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, which carries 1-10 years in prison but can be reduced to misdemeanor penalties by a jury.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Hanover County?
Contact a hit and run lawyer Hanover County immediately. Do not speak to police without an attorney. Your lawyer will obtain the evidence, review the charge, and represent you at Hanover County General District Court to protect your license and avoid a criminal record.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage mandates a 6-month driver’s license suspension. If the accident involved injury or death, the DMV will revoke your license for one year.
What defenses are there to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity (you weren’t the driver), or that you complied with the law by stopping and providing information but were unable to locate the other party. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Hanover County can evaluate the best defense for your situation.
How long do I have to fight a hit and run ticket in Hanover County?
You must appear in Hanover County General District Court on the date listed on your summons. It is critical to have legal representation from the beginning to meet all deadlines and build your defense before your court date.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. For help in nearby areas, consult a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County or a DUI Lawyer in Hanover County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.