Hit and Run Lawyer Ontario County, NY
Leaving the scene of an accident — commonly called hit and run — is a serious charge under New York law. In Ontario County, these cases move through the local justice courts or the Ontario County Supreme Court depending on the severity of the incident. A conviction can mean fines, a driver’s license suspension, and, when injury or death is involved, a criminal record. If you are facing a leaving‑the‑scene accusation in Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, or anywhere in the Finger Lakes region, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Means in Ontario County, NY
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law requires a driver involved in an accident that causes property damage, injury, or death to stop immediately and provide identifying information to the other party or to law enforcement. Failing to do so is the offense commonly referred to as hit and run. The legal consequences depend on what happened at the scene. A property‑damage‑only incident is typically charged as a traffic infraction, while an accident that results in physical injury can be elevated to a misdemeanor or felony. Ontario County courts — including the local justice courts in towns such as Canandaigua, Geneva, and Farmington, and the Supreme Court in Canandaigua — hear these matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with how prosecutors and judges in Ontario County approach leaving‑the‑scene charges.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases
When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining the specific facts of the accident. They look at whether the driver actually knew an accident occurred, whether the stop was made at the nearest safe location, and whether any identifying information was exchanged. New York courts have held that the duty to stop is immediate, but there is room to argue about what constitutes a reasonable effort to comply. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve cases efficiently while protecting your ability to drive and your criminal record. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the prosecution builds a leaving‑the‑scene case and can identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence.
Penalties for Hit and Run Offenses in New York
Penalties for leaving the scene vary depending on the damage caused. A property‑damage‑only infraction can result in a fine and points on your driving record. If someone was injured, the charge becomes a misdemeanor with a possible jail term and a driver’s license revocation. A fatality can elevate the charge to a felony, carrying state prison time. In every scenario, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles may impose a driver’s license suspension or revocation separate from any criminal penalty. Because Ontario County lies within the 7th Judicial District, cases are often heard by a town or village justice who has significant discretion. Experienced representation that understands local court procedure is important.
A Hit and Run Charge in Ontario County—Procedural Overview
Many hit and run cases start when a police officer responds to an accident report and later issues a summons to appear in court. The first court date is an arraignment where the defendant is formally advised of the charge. In Ontario County town and village justice courts, the prosecutor may not offer a negotiated resolution at the first appearance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can appear on your behalf, review the discovery, and begin discussions with the district attorney’s office. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may be scheduled for a hearing or trial. Throughout the process, the firm works to protect your driving privileges and minimize the long‑term consequences of a conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being charged with hit and run in Ontario County?
Take no action that could affect your case before you speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the accident with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any photographs, dashcam videos, and contact information for witnesses. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 as soon as possible so Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate your situation and advise you on the next steps.
Is hit and run always a criminal offense in New York?
No; it depends on whether the accident involved only property damage or caused injury or death. Leaving the scene of a property‑damage‑only accident is usually a traffic infraction. If the accident resulted in physical injury, the charge is a misdemeanor; if death occurred, it can be charged as a felony. An experienced attorney can explain exactly what you are facing based on the specific allegations.
Can a hit and run charge be dropped in Ontario County?
Yes, in some circumstances. If the evidence is weak—for example, it is not clear that you knew an accident happened or your identity was properly exchanged—the prosecutor may agree to reduce or dismiss the charge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every detail of the state’s case to find grounds for a favorable resolution.
How does a hit and run conviction affect my driver’s license?
The New York DMV can suspend or revoke your license based on the conviction. For a misdemeanor hit and run involving injury, the revocation period can be lengthy. Even a traffic infraction adds points that may lead to a suspension if accumulated. Our firm works to protect your driving privileges by seeking a disposition that minimizes the administrative consequences.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Ontario County?
Yes, especially if injury or death is alleged. Even a property‑damage infraction can raise your insurance rates and create a record. An attorney can appear on your behalf, negotiate with prosecutors, and present factors in mitigation. Without representation, you may unknowingly accept a conviction that carries long‑term consequences.
Will I have to go to court for a hit and run case?
Almost always, yes. Most leaving‑the‑scene charges require a court appearance for arraignment and subsequent proceedings. In many cases, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can appear on your behalf at pre‑trial conferences, reducing the number of times you must personally attend. The court will advise you of your schedule at the first appearance.
What if I left the scene because I was afraid or panicked?
Fear or panic is not a legal defense, but it can be a mitigating factor. A defense attorney can present your emotional state to the prosecutor or judge when arguing for a reduced charge or a lenient sentence. The circumstances of why you left are part of what Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will investigate and present on your behalf.
Can a hit and run charge affect my immigration status?
Yes, if it is a misdemeanor or felony that constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude. Non‑citizens facing any criminal charge should speak with an attorney who can evaluate the immigration consequences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you understand how the charge may affect your status and work toward a disposition that minimizes immigration risk.
What court handles hit and run cases in Ontario County?
Depending on the seriousness of the charge, it will be heard in a local town or village justice court or in the Ontario County Supreme Court. For example, a property‑damage infraction may be assigned to the Canandaigua Town Court, while a felony leaving‑the‑scene charge would be heard in Ontario County Supreme Court. Our firm regularly appears in all Ontario County courts.
How long does a hit and run case take in Ontario County?
The timeline varies based on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case. Some traffic infractions can be resolved in weeks, while felony matters may take many months. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move your case forward as efficiently as possible while building the strong $1. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
About Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been practicing since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Our New York location serves clients throughout Ontario County, including Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, Phelps, Hopewell, and East Bloomfield. Consultations are by appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747.
For traffic matters in other New York counties, see: New York County (Manhattan) traffic lawyer | Kings County (Brooklyn) traffic lawyer | Queens County traffic lawyer | Nassau County traffic lawyer.
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