Hit and Run Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Henrico County is a serious criminal charge under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County. If you are facing a hit and run accident charge, contact a Henrico County hit and run lawyer immediately for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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. The driver must provide their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other involved parties or a law enforcement officer. If the other party is injured and unable to receive the information, the driver must report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. The statute, Va. Code § 46.2-894, classifies violations as Class 5 felonies if the accident involves injury or death, and Class 1 misdemeanors for property damage only.
Official Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Henrico County General District Court website
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Henrico County, a hit and run charge begins with a summons or arrest. The case is heard at the Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road. For misdemeanor property damage cases, the entire process from arraignment to trial typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. If the charge is a felony due to injury, the General District Court holds a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Henrico County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Receive a summons or be arrested. Do not discuss the incident with police without an attorney.
- Attend your arraignment at Henrico County General District Court, where you will enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review the evidence, which may include witness statements, surveillance video, and vehicle damage reports.
- Explore defense strategies, such as challenging the identification of the driver or proving a lack of knowledge that an accident occurred.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible reduction to a lesser traffic offense or proceed to trial.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have the right to appeal for a new trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Hit and Run in Virginia
In Henrico County, a hit and run accident charge carries severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and a driver’s 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 | Court may suspend for up to 12 months | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance rates |
| Hit and Run (Injury) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record; potential civil liability |
| Hit and Run (Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record; potential wrongful death lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Or, in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
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 every case. 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 charge can have on your driving privileges, employment, and future.
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
Documented Case Results in Henrico County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients in Henrico County courts. In one case, a charge of Reckless Driving – Speed in Excess of 80 MPH was dismissed in Henrico General District Court. In another, a charge of Passing a Stopped School Bus was dismissed. We have also secured dismissals for charges like Selling Alcohol to an Unauthorized Person.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent individuals in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. For a hit and run lawyer near Henrico County, contact us 24/7 for a phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Henrico County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Henrico County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos of your vehicle, and write down your recollection of events. Your attorney will guide you through the arraignment process at Henrico County General District Court.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run accident charge in Virginia?
Yes. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail. If the accident caused injury or death, it is a Class 5 felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years. The specific outcome depends on the facts and your defense.
Is leaving the scene of an accident the same as a hit and run?
Yes, “leaving the scene of an accident” is the formal legal term for a hit and run under Virginia law. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Henrico County can defend you against this charge, which is found in Va. Code § 46.2-894. The key is whether the driver knew an accident occurred and failed to fulfill the legal duties to stop and provide information.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the driver, or that you attempted to fulfill your duties but were prevented from doing so. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Henrico County can investigate the evidence, such as traffic camera footage, to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run conviction?
For a misdemeanor hit and run (property damage), the court has discretion to suspend your license for up to 12 months. For a felony hit and run (injury or death), a one-year driver’s license suspension is mandatory upon conviction under Virginia law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Lawyer | Henrico County DUI Lawyer