Virginia Hit-and-Run Lawyer
The criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident are steep, as are the repercussions on your driver’s license.
But you only suffer these penalties once you are convicted.
However, having a highly skilled and trained hit-and-run accident lawyer could help you avoid a conviction and the negative consequences that come with it.
If you search for a hit-and-run attorney in Virginia, you may come up with many from which you could choose. How do you determine which attorney is right for you?
At Andrew Flusche, Attorney at Law, PLC, we know how to help.
I am attorney Andrew Flusche, and my partner Ryan “Fitz” Fitzgerald and I are a team of criminal defense attorneys with extensive experience fighting to protect the rights of Virginia citizens.
Although we base our office in Fredericksburg, Virginia, we travel across the state to represent clients charged with serious traffic crimes like leaving the scene of an accident.
We can put you in the best possible position to avoid a hit-and-run conviction.
Key Takeaways
- Leaving the scene of an accident in Virginia can be a Class 5 felony if the crash caused death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- If property damage is under $1,000, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, still punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
- A Class 5 felony conviction can result in 1–10 years in prison, with the judge or jury deciding between felony or misdemeanor sentencing.
- Virginia law requires drivers to stop immediately, provide their information, render aid, and report the crash to police.
- Passengers aged 16 or older in a vehicle that flees an accident must report the crash to police within 24 hours.
- The DMV will assess demerit points on your license, and insurance rates are likely to increase significantly after a conviction.
- Flusche & Fitzgerald’s hit-and-run defense lawyers have defended thousands of serious traffic offenses across Virginia.
- Having an experienced hit-and-run attorney can mean the difference between a conviction that follows you forever and a case resolved in your favor.
Why Do You Need a Virginia Hit-and-Run Lawyer?
The need for representation from a Virginia Hit-and-Run Lawyer stems from the possible penalties you face if convicted.
Hit-and-run is a Class 5 felony if the crash results in death or injury to a person or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Leaving the scene is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the property damage is less than $1,000.
A Class 5 felony conviction exposes you to a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years or a jail sentence of up to 1 year.
The judge or jury can decide whether you should serve a felony sentence in prison or a misdemeanor sentence in jail. The maximum fine for a Class 5 felony is $2,500.
A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of $2,500.
The court could revoke your driving privileges as well. The DMV will assess demerit points on your license, and your insurance rates will likely increase.
What Does Virginia Law Say You Have to Do if Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
A driver involved in an incident with property damage, death, or injury must stop immediately, according to the Code of Virginia § 46.2-894.
In addition to stopping, drivers must provide their driver’s license, name, home address, and vehicle registration number to others involved in the crash and law enforcement.
The driver has to render aid to injured parties to the extent possible.
All drivers must stop to locate the owner of damaged but unattended property. The operator can leave a note identifying themselves if the owner cannot be found.
After that, the driver must report the crash to the police.
Passengers who are 16 years or older riding in vehicles that do not stop after a wreck have 24 hours to report an accident to the police.
This rule applies to accidents involving death, injury, or property damage to attended property.
Why Choose Flusche & Fitzgerald for Your Virginia Hit-and-Run Defense
- Thousands of Serious Traffic Cases Defended: Andrew Flusche and Ryan Fitzgerald have together defended thousands of people facing serious Virginia traffic charges. Hit-and-run defense, whether misdemeanor or felony, requires attorneys who understand both criminal procedure and traffic law.
- Former Prosecutor Advantage: Ryan Fitzgerald’s 12 years as a Commonwealth’s Attorney give our firm a clear picture of how hit-and-run cases are built and where they can be challenged. We know the evidence the prosecution relies on before they bring it to court.
- Felony Defense Capability: A Class 5 felony hit-and-run conviction can follow you for life. Our team handles felony defense and works to achieve the best outcome possible, including exploring all avenues to reduce or dismiss the charge.
- Serving All of Northern Virginia and Beyond: Although our office is in Spotsylvania, we travel across Virginia to represent clients charged with serious traffic crimes. No matter which court your case is in, we’re ready to help.
- 100% Free Consultation: Call us at 540-318-5824 to discuss your case with no obligation and no cost.
- Flat Fee, Transparent Pricing: Know your legal costs upfront so you can focus on your defense, not your bill.
Our Hit-and-Run Virginia Defense Lawyers Are Here to Help You When You Need It
Working with an attorney who has extensive knowledge and experience defending hit-and-run Virginia cases could help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
You should not go to a doctor who does not have experience treating the illness or disease you have.
Likewise, you should seek representation from a skilled and dedicated traffic crimes defense lawyer if the police charge you with a hit-and-run.
The experienced VA hit-and-run defense lawyers of Andrew Flusche, Attorney at Law, PLC, are here for you.
We have defended thousands of people facing serious traffic offenses.
Our experience can be the difference between having an uncertain future and putting your mistakes behind you.
Call us today at 540-318-5824 for a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the penalties for a hit-and-run in Virginia?
The penalty depends on the extent of damage or harm. If the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, leaving the scene is a Class 5 felony carrying one to ten years in prison and a $2,500 fine. If property damage is under $1,000, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. In both cases the DMV will assess demerit points and license revocation is possible.
What does Virginia law require me to do after an accident?
Under Virginia Code 46.2-894, any driver involved in an accident involving property damage, injury, or death must stop immediately at the scene. You are required to provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to others involved and to law enforcement, render aid to injured parties as best you can, locate the owner of any damaged unattended property, and report the accident to police.
Can a hit-and-run charge be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor in Virginia?
In some cases, yes. The outcome depends on the extent of the damage or injury, the facts of your case, and the skill of your defense attorney. An experienced Virginia hit-and-run lawyer can evaluate whether the threshold for felony charges has actually been met and may be able to negotiate a reduction or challenge elements of the charge in court.
What if I was a passenger in the vehicle that left the scene?
Under Virginia Code 46.2-895, passengers aged 16 or older who were in a vehicle that left the scene of an accident involving injury, death, or attended property damage have 24 hours to report the accident to police. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges against the passenger as well as the driver.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit-and-run charge in Virginia?
Yes, especially if you are facing felony charges. A Class 5 felony conviction can result in years in prison and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. Even for misdemeanor charges, the stakes are significant. Flusche & Fitzgerald have defended thousands of serious traffic cases across Virginia, including Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George.
