Hit and Run Lawyer Fauquier County, VA
If you are facing a hit and run charge in Fauquier County, Virginia, the legal
consequences can be severe. Under Virginia law, leaving the scene of an accident without
stopping to provide your information or render aid can lead to criminal charges ranging
from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances. The attorneys at
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals accused of hit and run — also called
leaving the scene of an accident — in Fauquier County General District Court and
Fauquier County Circuit Court. Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout
Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, including Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton,
Marshall, and The Plains. Request a consultation to discuss your situation with an
experienced hit and run defense lawyer by calling (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Is Hit and Run in Fauquier County, Virginia
A hit and run offense in Virginia occurs when a driver involved in an
accident fails to stop and provide the required information or fail to render
reasonable assistance to any injured person. The duty to stop, provide your
name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number, and to
render aid, is set out in Va. Code § 46.2-894. If the accident involves an
injury or death, the charge is a felony; if only property damage is involved
and the damage exceeds a specific threshold, it is generally classified as a
misdemeanor. Law enforcement agencies and the Commonwealth’s Attorney in
Fauquier County take these violations seriously. The Fauquier County courts at
6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 handle these matters with close attention to
evidence of the driver’s identification, the nature of any injuries, and
whether the driver made any effort to comply with the statutory duties.
Whether you are a resident of Fauquier County, a commuter on Route 29 or I-66,
or an out-of-state visitor passing through the area, the consequences of a
conviction can include jail time, significant fines, license suspension, a
criminal record, and increased insurance costs. Because the prosecutor must prove
that you were the driver and that you knowingly failed to stop, the specific
facts of your case matter. An experienced defense attorney can examine the
evidence, challenge witness identifications, and explore whether you had a
valid reason for leaving the scene, such as a medical emergency or a lack of
awareness that an accident occurred. The dedicated team at
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates on traffic defense and criminal defense
in Virginia, and Mr. Sris has handled hit and run cases in
Fauquier County and across the Commonwealth.
How Mr. Sris Handles Hit and Run Cases
When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., your case receives thorough
attention from an experienced traffic defense team. Mr. Sris starts by obtaining the police report, 911 recordings, any available video
footage, and witness statements. He looks for procedural defects in the
investigation, such as improper identification procedures, unreliable witness
accounts, or violations of your constitutional rights. Because many hit and run
charges turn on the question of whether you knew an accident occurred, our
lawyers investigate factors that could support a lack-of-knowledge defense,
including the severity of the collision, road conditions, and whether the
other driver or vehicle sustained clearly visible damage.
In Fauquier County, hit and run cases are typically heard in the General
District Court, but serious felony charges may proceed directly to Circuit
Court. Mr. Sris prepares every case for trial while seeking
opportunities to resolve the matter favorably through negotiation with the
Commonwealth’s Attorney. Depending on the facts, possible resolutions can
include dismissal, amendment to a lesser charge, or a deferred disposition
that ultimately results in dismissal. Throughout the process, you are kept
informed of court dates, the status of your case, and your options.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results to each matter. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced
criminal defense and traffic defense since 1997. He is admitted to practice
in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and
has handled hit and run cases in Fauquier County and other Virginia
jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice
Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His
background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the government
builds its cases and where they may be vulnerable to challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am charged with hit and run in Fauquier County?
Contact a qualified Virginia traffic defense lawyer immediately.
Do not discuss the incident with police or insurance adjusters until you have
legal representation. Preserve any evidence you have, including photographs
of the scene, your own account of what happened, and any witness contact
information. An attorney can advise you on whether to make a statement and
can begin investigating the charge right away. The sooner you involve
counsel, the more options you may have. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at
(888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Is hit and run a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
It depends on whether the accident caused injury or death.
If the accident involved injury or death, the charge is a felony under
Va. Code § 46.2-894. If only property damage occurred and the damage is
above a certain amount, the charge is generally a misdemeanor. Even a
misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, license suspension, and a
criminal record. Whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor, a thorough
defense is critical because of the long-term consequences.
Can a hit and run case be dismissed in Fauquier County?
Yes, dismissal is possible if the evidence is insufficient or if
your rights were violated. The Commonwealth must prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that you were the driver, that an accident occurred, and
that you knowingly left the scene without providing the required information
or rendering aid. Weak identification evidence, a failure by law
enforcement to follow proper procedures, or a legitimate reason for leaving
the scene can all lead to a dismissal or a reduction of the charge. Every
case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specific facts.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Fauquier County?
Yes. Hit and run charges, especially felonies, carry
serious penalties including imprisonment. Self-representation is risky
because the procedural rules are complex and the prosecutor is experienced.
A defense attorney can challenge the state’s evidence, negotiate with the
prosecutor, and present your side of the story effectively. Mr. Sris has handled many traffic and criminal matters in Fauquier
County courts and can evaluate your case.
What happens at the first court appearance for a hit and run case in Fauquier County?
At the first court date, you will be advised of the charges and
your right to counsel. If you have retained an attorney, your
counsel may enter an appearance and discuss the case with the prosecutor.
The court may set a trial date or schedule a status hearing. For felony
charges, a preliminary hearing in General District Court may determine
whether the case proceeds to Circuit Court. The timeline varies by court
scheduling, but your attorney will explain each step.
What are possible defenses to a hit and run charge in Virginia?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident
occurred, mistaken identity, and necessity. If you did not
realize a collision had happened—because the impact was minor, you were
distracted, or you honestly believed you had not hit anything—you may
not have had the required criminal intent. Another defense is that you were
not the driver. An emergency or medical necessity that required immediate
action can also be a defense. Your attorney investigates all available
defenses based on the evidence.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Our Locations and Service Area
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032,
provides easy access from I-66 and Route 29 and serves clients throughout
Fauquier County, including Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall,
and The Plains. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Fairfax County Traffic Lawyer ·
Prince William County Traffic Lawyer ·
Stafford County Traffic Lawyer ·
Loudoun County Traffic Lawyer ·
Arlington County Traffic Lawyer
Virginia Code § 46.2-894 (Hit and Run) ·
Fauquier County General District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.