Hit and Run Lawyer Alexandria — What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene?
A hit and run in Alexandria is a serious criminal charge under Va. Code § 46.2-894, not a simple traffic ticket. Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while leaving an accident involving injury is a Class 5 felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Hit and Run Law: Va. Code § 46.2-894
Virginia law requires any driver involved in an accident 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 party, any injured person, or the property owner. If the other party is injured and unable to receive the information, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement. Failure to fulfill these duties constitutes the crime of “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.”
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria 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 website). Court procedures and filing information can be found at the Alexandria General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Alexandria
Hit and run cases in Alexandria are prosecuted at the Alexandria General District Court on 520 King Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you were the driver, knew you were in an accident, and willfully failed to stop and provide the required information. Prosecutors often rely on witness descriptions, vehicle damage comparisons, and traffic camera footage. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Alexandria can scrutinize this evidence for weaknesses.
- Receive a summons or warrant for a hit and run violation.
- Appear for arraignment at Alexandria General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review all evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible reduction or alternative disposition.
- Prepare for and proceed to a bench trial if no acceptable agreement is reached.
- If convicted in General District Court, evaluate the option to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Alexandria
In Alexandria, a hit and run accident charge carries severe penalties that escalate based on whether the accident involved property damage, injury, or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Court may suspend license for up to 6 months | Permanent criminal record; increased insurance rates |
| Leaving Scene – Injury | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years (or up to 12 months if misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year license revocation | Felony record; potential prison sentence |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year license revocation | Most severe felony penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Hit and Run Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results. We understand the immediate and long-term consequences a hit and run conviction can have on your life, driving privileges, and insurance.
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 in Alexandria
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against hit and run and serious traffic charges in Alexandria courts. For example, we have secured dismissals for clients facing charges like Speeding 42/25 and 44/25 in Alexandria General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Alexandria, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne who need representation at the Alexandria courts. We are accessible for meetings by appointment.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hit and Run in Alexandria
Is a hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if the accident resulted in injury or death, the charge becomes a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying 1 to 10 years in prison.
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Alexandria?
Contact a hit and run lawyer Alexandria immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone else. Your attorney will obtain the police report, review the evidence against you, and develop a defense strategy for your appearance at Alexandria General District Court.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run?
Yes. For a hit and run involving injury or death, Virginia law mandates a one-year driver’s license revocation. For property damage cases, the court has discretion to suspend your license for up to six months upon conviction.
What defenses are available for a leaving the scene charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the driver, or that you complied with the law by stopping and providing information as soon as reasonably possible. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Alexandria can identify the best defense for your situation.
How can a former trooper like Bryan Block help my hit and run case?
Bryan Block’s 15 years as a Virginia State Trooper give him firsthand insight into how accident investigations are conducted and where procedural weaknesses may exist. He can effectively challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence and testimony.
Related Legal Services in Alexandria: If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides criminal defense and DUI defense. For statewide information, see our Virginia traffic defense hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Arlington County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a hit and run accident charge.