Hit and Run Lawyer Arlington County, VA

You were driving home on I-66 when a sudden lane change caused a collision. Startled, you pulled over for a moment—then, in a panic, you drove away. Days later, a summons arrives: you are charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Now you face a mandatory court appearance at the Arlington County General District Court, and the possible consequences include a criminal record, jail time, and a suspended driver’s license. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel defend individuals charged with hit and run in Arlington, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 today to request a consultation and start building your defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

How We Defend Hit and Run Charges in Arlington County

Every hit-and-run case is different. A conviction for leaving the scene can upend your life, so our approach begins with a careful review of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether the prosecution can prove you knew an accident occurred and that you intentionally left without providing required information. Often, critical details—such as the reliability of witness statements, the accuracy of vehicle-damage assessments, and the circumstances surrounding your departure—can be challenged. In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a hit-and-run charge to a lesser traffic infraction when the evidence is weak or when you take proactive steps, such as completing a driver improvement clinic before your court date. We prepare every case for trial while simultaneously exploring opportunities for a negotiated resolution that minimizes the impact on your driving record, insurance, and freedom.

What to Expect at Arlington County General District Court

Your case will be heard at the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The court is part of the Seventeenth Judicial District and is currently presided over by Hon. Jason S. Rucker. Court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. On your first appearance, you will be arraigned, informed of the charge, and given a date for a bench trial. Because a hit-and-run charge can be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the facts, the outcome of the initial hearing may determine whether the case stays in the General District Court or is certified to the Arlington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in this courthouse and understand the procedures, the prosecutorial approach, and the importance of presenting a well-prepared defense from the start. Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719 is nearby, and we are available for consultation throughout the process.

Penalties for Hit and Run in Virginia

A hit-and-run conviction carries serious repercussions. A Class 5 felony is punishable by one to ten years in prison and a fine up to $2,500; a Class 6 felony carries one to five years. A felony record can hinder employment, housing, and professional licenses. Even a misdemeanor conviction—possible when the accident involves only minor property damage or no injury—can result in jail time, a hefty fine, and a license suspension. The Virginia DMV also imposes demerit points, which remain on your driving record for years and can dramatically increase your insurance premiums. Whenever we present information about potential outcomes, we caution that past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and each case depends on its unique facts. Results may vary.

Experience Backed by a Former Prosecutor and a Former State Trooper

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He concentrates his practice on criminal and traffic defense across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel include a former Assistant State’s Attorney with firsthand prosecutorial insight and a former Virginia State Trooper who spent 15 years enforcing traffic laws and investigating accidents. Their combined insight into how the state and police build hit-and-run cases allows them to identify procedural weaknesses, challenge evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a hit and run in Virginia?

A hit and run can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the accident. Under Virginia law, leaving the scene of an accident that involves injury or death is a Class 5 felony, while leaving the scene of an accident with property damage exceeding $1,000 is a Class 6 felony. Less serious incidents may result in a misdemeanor charge. A conviction can mean jail time, fines, a criminal record, and a driver’s license suspension. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Arlington County?

Yes. Even a seemingly minor hit-and-run charge can have lasting consequences, so having an experienced defense attorney is critical. An attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge, and protect your driving record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in Arlington County hit-and-run defense and appear regularly at the Arlington County General District Court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What happens at my first court date for a hit and run?

Your first appearance is usually an arraignment where the judge informs you of the charge and sets a trial date. For felony charges, the court will also determine whether the case should proceed in the General District Court or be certified to the Circuit Court. It is important to have counsel present at this hearing because decisions made early can affect your options later. If you have not yet retained an attorney, ask the judge for time to do so. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Can a hit and run charge be reduced in Arlington County?

Yes, in many cases a hit-and-run charge can be amended to a lesser offense if the circumstances warrant. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce the charge to improper driving or another traffic infraction when the evidence is weak or when the defendant takes proactive measures like completing a driver improvement clinic and making restitution. An experienced defense attorney at Arlington County General District Court can present mitigating factors and negotiate a favorable resolution. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How long does a hit and run case take in Arlington County?

The timeline varies depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the case. A straightforward misdemeanor hit and run may be resolved within a few months, while a felony case can take longer, especially if it is appealed to the Circuit Court. The court’s calendar and the need for investigation can also extend the process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move your case efficiently while building the strong $1. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do immediately after a hit and run accusation?

Do not discuss the matter with anyone except your attorney, and preserve any evidence you may have. Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Gather witness contact information and photographs if possible, and keep all documents related to the accident. Then contact an experienced traffic defense attorney promptly to discuss your options. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Speak With a Hit and Run Defense Attorney in Arlington County

If you or a loved one is facing a hit-and-run charge, take action now. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years. Call (888) 437-7747 or contact our Arlington location to request a confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia hit-and-run laws, see our comprehensive analysis on our main traffic defense page.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.