Hit and Run Lawyer New York, NY
A hit‑and‑run charge in New York City can disrupt your life, your license, and your future. Whether the incident involved property damage or personal injury, leaving the scene of an accident is treated seriously under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients throughout New York City — including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx — in hit‑and‑run defense. Our team, led by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel, brings extensive combined legal experience to traffic‑related criminal matters. Results may vary. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Means in New York, NY
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 23, a driver involved in an accident that results in property damage, personal injury, or death is required to stop, exchange information, and report the incident. Failing to do so — leaving the scene — constitutes a hit‑and‑run offense. The severity of the charge turns on the consequences of the collision. An accident that causes only property damage is typically a traffic infraction or misdemeanor; a collision that results in physical injury or death may be prosecuted as a felony.
In New York City, these cases are not handled by the Traffic Violations Bureau. Because hit‑and‑run carries potential jail time, it is a criminal matter heard in the New York City Criminal Court or, in more serious cases, the New York Supreme Court. Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street, Brooklyn Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street, and Queens Criminal Court at 125‑01 Queens Boulevard are frequent venues. Our New York location serves clients appearing in these courts, and we are familiar with the expectations of judges and prosecutors in each borough. The outcome of a hit‑and‑run case can affect your driving record, insurance rates, employment, and immigration status; seeking legal counsel early is a practical step.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we begin by examining the facts of the incident: the evidence collected by law enforcement, witness statements, surveillance footage, and the condition of the vehicles involved. Our goal is to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case — for example, whether there is proof that you knew an accident had occurred, whether you were properly identified as the driver, or whether any failure to stop was justifiable.
Defense strategies may include challenging the identification evidence, demonstrating that your contact information was left at the scene, or negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser traffic offense. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of how charging decisions are made. Our Of Counsel team assists in investigating the matter and preparing any necessary motions. Every case is unique, and the approach is tailored to the specific circumstances. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. A former prosecutor, he understands the strategies used by the prosecution and works to anticipate them in defense of his clients. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys support hit‑and‑run cases with legal experience drawn from a range of backgrounds, including prior prosecutorial service. Together, the team concentrates on finding the strongest available defense for each client. The firm’s New York location serves all five boroughs of New York City as well as Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and upstate counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for hit and run in New York?
The penalties for a hit‑and‑run conviction depend on whether the accident involved property damage, injury, or death. For property damage, the offense is generally a traffic infraction or misdemeanor, which can result in fines, points on your license, and possible jail time. If someone was injured, the charge may be a Class A misdemeanor or, in cases involving serious physical injury or death, a felony. A felony conviction carries the potential for state prison time and a permanent criminal record. Beyond court‑imposed penalties, the New York DMV may suspend or revoke your driving privileges. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Is a hit and run a felony in New York?
A hit‑and‑run can be charged as a felony when the accident results in physical injury or death. If the driver knew or should have known that personal injury occurred and left the scene, prosecutors may file felony charges under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600(2). A felony hit‑and‑run carries serious consequences, including a possible prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. If the collision involved only property damage, the charge is typically a misdemeanor or infraction. Each case is evaluated on its facts. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I do if I am accused of leaving the scene of an accident?
If you are accused of a hit‑and‑run, exercise your right to remain silent and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Do not discuss the facts with the police or your insurance company until you have legal counsel. Any statement you make can be used against you in court. Gather any information you have about the incident, including photographs, witness contact details, and your account of what happened, and share it only with your lawyer. Fast action can help your attorney preserve evidence and evaluate your defense options. Request a consultation by calling (888) 437‑7747.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, a hit‑and‑run charge may be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed if the evidence supports it. For example, if the prosecutor cannot prove that you knew an accident occurred, or if you were mistakenly identified as the driver, a dismissal is possible. In other cases, negotiation may lead to a plea to a non‑criminal traffic violation, such as a simple moving violation, which carries fewer consequences. The viability of a reduction or dismissal depends on the specific facts of your case. An experienced attorney can assess the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and advocate for the most favorable outcome.
How does the New York court system handle hit and run cases?
Hit‑and‑run charges in New York City are heard in the criminal courts, not in the Traffic Violations Bureau. The case begins with an arraignment where you enter a plea. If the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, it will proceed through the New York City Criminal Court or the Supreme Court of the county in which the incident occurred. The TVB handles only traffic infractions, not criminal matters. Because hit‑and‑run charges can involve potential jail time, they require court appearances. Our New York location represents clients at courthouses throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in NYC?
Given the potential penalties — including jail, a criminal record, license suspension, and increased insurance costs — having legal representation is important. A lawyer can evaluate whether the police followed proper procedures, whether the evidence is sufficient to prove the charge, and whether any defenses apply. Even a seemingly minor incident can have lasting consequences. Our firm offers consultations to help you understand what you are facing. To discuss your situation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
Official resources on New York traffic and criminal law:
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law —
New York City Criminal Court —
New York State DMV
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.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.