Hit and Run Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Lexington, Virginia, is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, potentially classified as a Class 5 felony or Class 1 misdemeanor. If you are facing a leaving the scene of an accident charge, a hit and run lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide a defense.
Virginia Hit and Run Statute and Penalties
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 and no one is present to receive the information, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. The specific statute governing this offense is Va. Code § 46.2-894.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Lexington cases can be found at the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Lexington, a hit and run accident charge lawyer Lexington must handle the specific procedures of the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The charge is initially handled there, with potential for transfer to Circuit Court for felony-level offenses. Prosecutors in the 25th Judicial District take these charges seriously due to public safety concerns.
- Receive Your Summons: You will receive a court summons specifying your charge and first court date at Lexington General District Court.
- Initial Arraignment: At your first hearing, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney will review the evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, and may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or alternative disposition.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge in GDC. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing will be held to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If found guilty, sentencing will follow. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to the Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Hit and Run in Lexington
In Lexington, a hit and run charge carries severe penalties that escalate based on whether the accident caused injury, death, or only property damage.
| Offense Severity | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accident involving injury or death | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Permanent criminal record, potential civil liability |
| Accident involving property damage only | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Court discretion, possible suspension | Criminal record, increased insurance rates |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Lexington Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Lexington and across Virginia, we have a track record of handling complex traffic and criminal matters. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving technical evidence or financial aspects.
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 achieved documented case results in Lexington. For example, in a prior case, our defense led to a charge being amended to a lesser offense. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including experienced attorneys like Mr. Sris, works collaboratively to build strong defenses. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute and maintains a selective caseload to ensure deep involvement in complex cases.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Lexington, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington General District Court. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide legal representation to individuals in Lexington and surrounding communities.
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
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Lexington?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Lexington immediately. Your attorney will obtain the police report, assess the evidence against you, and begin building a defense strategy case-specific to the Lexington court process.
Is a hit and run always a felony in Virginia?
No. It depends on the circumstances. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The charge becomes a Class 5 felony if the accident resulted in injury or death, making the guidance of a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Lexington essential.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run?
Yes. The court has discretion to suspend your driving privilege for a misdemeanor hit and run. For a felony hit and run involving injury or death, the DMV is required by law to revoke your driver’s license for one year.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Potential defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, necessity (e.g., leaving to get emergency help), mistaken identity, or challenging the sufficiency of the evidence linking you to the scene. An attorney will evaluate the specific facts of your case.
How long does a hit and run case take in Lexington?
A misdemeanor case in Lexington General District Court typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from arraignment to trial. A felony case will involve a preliminary hearing in GDC within 21-60 days, followed by a potentially longer process in Circuit Court, often taking 3 to 9 months.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Lexington DUI lawyer or Lexington reckless driving lawyer services. Learn more about Attorney Bryan Block or our Richmond office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.