Hit and Run Lawyer New York, NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing hit and run allegations and related leaving-the-scene charges in New York City. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and Owner and Founder of the firm, understands how the prosecution builds these cases—and how to defend against them. The firm’s New York location serves all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Long Island and the Hudson Valley. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Means in New York
In New York, the offense commonly called “hit and run” is governed by the duty to stop and exchange information after a motor vehicle accident. The legal obligation arises under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. A driver involved in an accident must stop, provide identifying details, and, when necessary, render reasonable assistance. Failure to do so can lead to administrative penalties, criminal charges, or both, depending on whether the accident involved property damage, personal injury, or a fatality.
In New York City, the New York City Criminal Court and the Supreme Court have jurisdiction over cases involving personal injury or death, while the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handles non-criminal traffic infractions for the five boroughs. Outside the city, criminal complaints are heard in local justice courts, city courts, or district courts. The lack of plea bargaining at the TVB makes preparing a vigorous defense critical. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate whether the facts satisfy the statutory elements and whether any defenses apply—such as lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity, or the absence of a legally required stop duty under the specific circumstances.
When an accident results in death or serious physical injury, the consequences escalate dramatically. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident can expose a driver to felony prosecution and substantial periods of incarceration. Even when no injury occurs, a conviction for leaving the scene of property damage can lead to license suspension, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and immigration status. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team carefully examine the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, including whether the driver was lawfully identified, whether the stop requirement was triggered, and whether the alleged damage or injury satisfies the statutory threshold.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles maintains records of all reported accidents. An administrative suspension of a driver’s license often follows a hit and run charge, separate from any criminal proceeding. Challenging both the criminal charge and the administrative suspension requires a coordinated strategy. Our attorneys work toward a favorable outcome in both forums, recognizing that a driver’s livelihood may depend on retaining a valid license.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases
From the first consultation, our attorneys identify the strongest factual and legal defenses. A driver may have left the scene because they were unaware of the collision, a situation that sometimes arises with minor scrapes in heavy traffic. Alternatively, the driver may have stopped but the other party fled before information could be exchanged. In some cases, the prosecution’s identification evidence rests on a partial license plate or a blurry surveillance image. Our team scrutinizes such evidence for reliability and may retain accident reconstruction attorneys to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
When a driver did leave the scene, the defense may focus on the absence of serious physical injury to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor or from a misdemeanor to a traffic infraction. A thorough investigation often reveals that the injuries alleged do not meet the statutory definition of “serious physical injury,” weakening the prosecution’s case. Our defense attorneys also examine whether the police followed proper investigatory protocols and whether any statements taken from the driver should be suppressed due to Miranda violations or other procedural defects. Every avenue of challenge is important; a single suppressed piece of evidence can alter the entire posture of a case.
For clients facing felony charges in the Supreme Court, our approach includes rigorous motion practice and, when appropriate, negotiation with the assigned prosecutor to secure a reduction to a lesser offense that avoids a felony record. For clients in the Criminal Court, we work to obtain a dismissal, an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, or a non-criminal disposition. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and explain the practical consequences of each decision—on their driver’s license, their insurance, their employment, and any immigration repercussions they may face.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after serving as a prosecutor. His background provides insight into the tactics prosecutors use and how to counter them effectively. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey—giving the firm a broad geographic reach that serves clients who may face charges in multiple jurisdictions.
Mr. Sris works alongside a dedicated group of Of Counsel attorneys, all of whom bring substantial experience in criminal defense and traffic defense. Collectively, they have handled matters in a wide range of New York courts. Each case receives careful attention tailored to the specific facts, because the firm knows that no two hit and run allegations are the same. The firm’s New York location is available for consultations by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in New York City?
Yes, because a hit and run charge in New York City can expose you to jail time, a criminal record, and a license suspension. Even a charge for leaving the scene of property damage is not a simple traffic ticket—it can carry severe collateral consequences. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify defenses such as lack of knowledge of the accident, and negotiate for a reduced charge or dismissal. Representing yourself at the TVB or in criminal court is risky because procedural errors can damage your defense permanently. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles hit and run matters in all five boroughs. For guidance on your specific situation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
What are the potential penalties for a hit and run in New York?
Penalties range from fines and license suspension for property-damage-only offenses to felony incarceration for leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious physical injury. Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting when property damage occurs is a traffic infraction; leaving the scene of an injury accident is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the injury. A conviction triggers DMV points, possible license revocation, and substantial insurance rate increases. Because the outcome varies with the specific facts of each case, speaking with an experienced attorney is important. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a hit and run charge be dropped in New York?
Yes, a hit and run charge can be dropped if the prosecution cannot prove the required elements or if a valid defense undermines the case. For example, if the evidence shows that the driver was not the operator of the vehicle at the time, or that the driver did not know an accident occurred, the charge may be dismissed. In other cases, a prosecutor may agree to reduce the charge to a non-criminal violation, such as a minor traffic infraction, as part of a plea negotiation. Each case requires a careful evaluation of the evidence. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I’ve been charged with leaving the scene in New York?
First, do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer, and contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Any statement you make to the police, your insurance company, or even friends can be used against you. Preserve any evidence you have, such as photographs of the scene, dashcam footage, witness contact information, and repair records. Your attorney will immediately begin investigating the case and, if you have not yet been formally charged, may be able to present evidence to the prosecutor before charges are filed to avoid formal prosecution altogether. Early involvement of counsel can change the direction of the case.
How does the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handle hit and run in New York City?
The TVB handles non-criminal traffic infractions, including leaving the scene of property damage, for the five boroughs of New York City. At the TVB, there is no plea bargaining allowed; cases are heard by administrative law judges. If the charge is a misdemeanor or felony (injury or death), it will be heard in the New York City Criminal Court or, for felonies, the Supreme Court. Because a conviction at the TVB can still result in points and significant administrative penalties, representation by an attorney is important. Our firm is experienced in both TVB and criminal court proceedings.
Will a hit and run conviction affect my driver’s license?
Yes, a hit and run conviction almost always results in DMV points and may lead to a license suspension or revocation. Even a property-damage leaving-the-scene conviction adds points to your driving record; accumulating sufficient points within a defined period can result in a suspension. For injury-related offenses, the suspension or revocation period is more severe. The DMV may also take administrative action independent of the criminal case, so it is vital to address both proceedings simultaneously. Our attorneys assist clients with navigating the DMV consequences as part of a comprehensive defense strategy.
For more information about traffic defense in the surrounding areas, see our pages on: Traffic Lawyer New York County (Manhattan), Traffic Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn), and Traffic Lawyer Queens County (Queens).
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