Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

A driver who leaves the scene of an accident in Virginia Beach without stopping and providing the information required by law faces criminal charges with serious consequences. Whether the collision occurs near the Oceanfront, on I-264, or in a residential neighborhood in Sandbridge, Virginia law imposes a duty to stop, render reasonable assistance, and exchange identifying and vehicle information. Failure to do so can result in a charge that ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on whether anyone was injured and the circumstances of the departure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals accused of hit and run throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to these matters, working to protect their clients’ rights at every stage of the criminal process. For a confidential consultation about a hit and run charge in Virginia Beach, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What Hit and Run Means in Virginia Beach

Under Virginia law, a driver involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage is required to stop immediately at the scene—or as close to it as possible—and remain until certain duties are fulfilled. Those duties include providing the driver’s name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license information to any other person involved in the accident, and rendering reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. A person who knowingly fails to do so can be charged with a criminal offense that carries possible jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record.

Hit and run charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted in either the Virginia Beach General District Court or the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, depending on the severity of the alleged conduct. The General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, handles misdemeanor charges, including many cases involving only property damage. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these matters. When a collision results in injury or death, the charge is a felony, and the case proceeds through the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in both courts and are familiar with the procedures and expectations of the local judiciary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases

When a person is accused of leaving the scene of an accident, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver knew or should have known that an accident occurred and intentionally failed to stop and provide the required information. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine each element of the charge carefully, looking for weaknesses in the evidence or procedural errors that can be raised in court. Their approach may include reviewing photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to identify inconsistencies or gaps in the narrative. They also evaluate whether the driver’s identity was established reliably, whether the driver stopped at a safe location, and whether law enforcement followed proper investigative protocols.

The team works to present mitigating factors and explore procedural resolutions where appropriate. In some cases, if the evidence shows that the driver lacked the necessary knowledge or that the stop requirement was met, the matter may be resolved favorably without a trial. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel advise the client on the potential consequences of a conviction and the options available at each stage. Because the firm handles only a select number of criminal matters, every client receives focused attention. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to hit and run defense. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how the government builds its cases and uses that insight to craft a well-prepared defense for each client. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His understanding of the Virginia court system makes him a valuable resource for people facing criminal charges in Virginia Beach.

Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel who also have significant backgrounds in criminal defense and Virginia law enforcement procedure. Together they serve clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana, drawing on extensive combined legal experience. The firm has documented case results in Virginia Beach, with favorable outcomes in reported instances. Results may vary. For a consultation about your hit and run matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hit and run under Virginia law?

Hit and run is the criminal offense of failing to stop at the scene of an accident and provide required information and assistance. Virginia law obligates a driver involved in a collision that causes injury, death, or property damage to stop immediately, exchange identifying and vehicle registration information, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. A person who knowingly does not stop and fulfill those duties can be charged with a criminal offense, even if the accident itself was not their fault. The charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony, based on the severity of the harm.

Is hit and run a misdemeanor or felony in Virginia Beach?

It depends on whether anyone was injured as a result of the accident. When a hit and run involves only damage to an attended or unattended vehicle or other property, the offense is generally charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine. If the accident results in injury or death to another person and the driver fails to stop, the charge is a felony—specifically, a Class 5 felony, punishable by one to ten years in prison (or at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine). The specific classification of the charge in Virginia Beach will be determined by the facts presented to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

What are the penalties for a hit and run resulting in injury?

A hit and run involving injury or death is a Class 5 felony in Virginia, carrying a potential prison sentence of one to ten years and a fine of up to $2,500. Additionally, a felony conviction results in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote and to possess firearms. The court may also order restitution to the victim and impose a period of supervised probation after incarceration. Because of the severe long-term consequences, anyone accused of a hit and run involving injury should seek legal guidance promptly. For a confidential discussion of your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does a lawyer defend against hit and run charges?

Defense strategies focus on challenging the prosecution’s proof that the driver knew an accident occurred and intentionally failed to stop. An experienced attorney will examine whether the driver was actually aware of the collision, whether the driver stopped at a reasonable location, and whether the identification of the driver is reliable. Procedural issues—such as problems with the police investigation, witness credibility, or the admissibility of evidence—can also be raised. In some cases, negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or participation in a diversion program may be an appropriate resolution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every angle of the evidence to build a thorough defense tailored to the facts of the case.

What should I do if I am accused of hit and run in Virginia Beach?

If you are accused of hit and run, contact a criminal defense attorney and avoid making any statements to law enforcement or insurance representatives until you have legal counsel. The period immediately following an allegation is critical. Preserving any evidence—such as vehicle damage photographs, GPS data, or witness contact details—can be important. Do not discuss the case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer. An attorney can guide you on how to interact with investigating officers and can begin working to protect your rights from the outset. To discuss your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a hit and run charge be expunged in Virginia Beach?

Expungement is available in Virginia only for charges that end in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, a person whose charge was dropped or who was found not guilty may petition the Virginia Beach Circuit Court to seal the police and court records related to the charge. A conviction for hit and run cannot be expunged under current law. However, the 2021 record-sealing framework may eventually provide options for sealing certain convictions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can review your record and advise you on whether expungement or sealing is available in your case. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.

More criminal defense resources:
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Fairfax City Criminal Defense Attorney |
Falls Church Criminal Lawyer |
Prince William County Criminal Defense |
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Virginia primary sources:
Virginia Beach General District Court |
Virginia Code

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