Hit and Run Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run accident charge in New Jersey is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying penalties from fines and license suspension to potential jail time. If you are accused of leaving the scene of an accident, securing a skilled hit and run lawyer New Jersey is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
In New Jersey, a hit and run, formally known as leaving the scene of an accident, is governed by statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. The law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene, provide their information, and render reasonable assistance. Failure to do so constitutes a hit and run. The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome: property damage only, personal injury, or death. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the immediate steps needed after such an allegation.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and local rules can be found at the New Jersey Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Hunterdon County, a hit and run accident charge lawyer New Jersey will note that these cases begin in Municipal Court. New Jersey treats traffic offenses as quasi-criminal matters, meaning you have the right to a trial before a judge. The prosecution must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and willfully failed to stop. A common defense strategy involves challenging the evidence of knowledge or identity.
- Receive the summons and complaint detailing the hit and run charge.
- Consult with a hit and run lawyer New Jersey to review the evidence and police report.
- Appear for an arraignment in Municipal Court to enter a plea of not guilty.
- Your attorney engages in pre-trial negotiations, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser offense like careless driving.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for and proceed to a bench trial before the Municipal Court judge.
- Address any sentence or appeal options post-verdict.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in NJ
In New Jersey, penalties for leaving the scene of an accident escalate based on whether the incident involved property damage, injury, or death, and can include jail time, significant fines, and lengthy license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Traffic Offense | Possible up to 30 days | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | Points on license; surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Traffic Offense / Criminal (if serious) | Up to 180 days | $2,500 – $5,000 | 1-year revocation | Potential civil liability; mandatory community service |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Indictable Crime (3rd Degree) | 3-5 years state prison | Up to $15,000 | Revocation for life (or min. 10 yrs) | Felony record; substantial civil lawsuits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93% firm-wide. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your hit and run accusation.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Our firm has a documented record of 4,739+ case results across our service areas with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. While specific results are unique to each case, our firm-wide experience includes successful resolutions for clients facing serious traffic offenses like leaving the scene of an accident.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Hunterdon County and represents individuals at courts including the Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage in Flemington. We provide legal support for communities like Flemington, Clinton, and Lambertville. As a hit and run lawyer near Hunterdon County, we are accessible for consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leaving the scene of an accident a crime in New Jersey?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) is a traffic offense that can become a criminal indictable crime if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury or death, carrying potential state prison time.
What should I do if I am charged with a hit and run?
It depends. Do not speak to police without an attorney. Immediately contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer New Jersey. Your lawyer will obtain the police report, review the evidence against you, and begin building a defense, which may focus on lack of knowledge or mistaken identity.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in NJ?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey mandates a license suspension: 6 months for property damage, 1 year for injury, and a minimum of 10 years to life revocation for an accident involving a death.
What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include proving you were not the driver, you lacked knowledge an accident occurred, you stopped as soon as practicable, or the property damage was so minor it was not reasonable to perceive. A hit and run accident charge lawyer New Jersey can evaluate the best strategy for your case.
Will my insurance cover a hit and run?
It depends on your policy. If you are the accused driver, your liability coverage may not apply if you are convicted. If you are the victim of a hit and run, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply for injuries, and collision coverage for vehicle damage, subject to your deductible.
For more information on traffic defense, see our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Somerset County and with related issues such as criminal defense in Hunterdon County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.