Hit and Run Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Chesterfield County is a serious traffic 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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending hit and run accident charges in Chesterfield County General District Court.
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, any injured person, or the property owner. If the other party is incapacitated or the property owner is not present, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes a hit and run, or leaving the scene of an accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found on the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
Hit and run cases in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and can lead to significant license demerit points with the DMV. The court at 9500 Courthouse Road serves the county.
- Receive Your Summons: You will receive a court summons with your arraignment date at Chesterfield County General District Court.
- Arraignment Hearing: At your first court date, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Do not plead guilty without consulting an attorney.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor before trial, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser offense like improper driving.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge. Your attorney will present your defense.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, the judge will impose sentence. You have the right to appeal the conviction to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | DMV Demerit Points | Permanent Criminal Record |
| Hit and Run (Injury/Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | License Revocation | Felony Record, Possible Prison |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A Class 5 felony penalty can, at the jury’s discretion, be reduced to confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, or either.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Cases
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. Our team understands the immediate and long-term consequences of a hit and run charge and works to protect your driving privileges 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
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of defending traffic and criminal charges in Chesterfield County. While every case is unique, our approach is focused on achieving the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable negotiation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and firm founder with a multi-state practice—collaborates to build strong defenses for clients facing serious traffic offenses.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 360. We are a hit and run lawyer near Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am charged with a hit and run in Chesterfield County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos of your vehicle, witness information, or documentation showing you attempted to report the accident. Your attorney will review the charges and evidence to build your defense.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced in Chesterfield County?
It depends on the facts of your case and your driving history. An experienced attorney can often negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce a Class 1 misdemeanor hit and run to a lesser traffic offense like improper driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869), which carries no jail time and fewer DMV points. Success depends on factors like the extent of damage, whether anyone was injured, and your prior record.
What are the defenses to a leaving the scene of an accident charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, necessity (e.g., leaving to get emergency medical help), mistaken identity of the driver, or that you fulfilled your legal duty by reporting the accident to police within 24 hours as required when the other party is unavailable. An attorney will analyze the evidence to identify the strongest defense for your situation.
Will I go to jail for a first-time hit and run in Virginia?
Not necessarily. For a first-time hit and run involving only property damage, a judge may suspend any jail time, especially if you have an attorney who can present mitigating factors. However, jail is a possibility under the law, making skilled legal representation essential to argue for alternatives like fines, driver improvement courses, or community service.
How does a hit and run affect my driver’s license?
A conviction for hit and run (property damage) adds 6 demerit points to your Virginia driving record. Points remain for two years and can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many. A felony hit and run involving injury or death typically results in a mandatory license revocation. An attorney can help minimize the impact on your driving privileges.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.