Hit and Run Lawyer Queens, NY

Being involved in any accident is stressful. If you left the scene in Queens County — whether out of panic, confusion, or because you did not realize you struck another vehicle or person — you may be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run. New York law imposes separate obligations depending on whether the accident involved only property damage, personal injury, or death. A conviction, even for a first-offense leaving-the-scene charge, can carry driver-license consequences, significant fines, and in many cases a criminal record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. bring extensive combined legal experience to hit and run defense in Queens. They work to achieve favorable outcomes for each client. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What Hit and Run Means in Queens, New York

Hit and run is not a single charge in New York. The Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) breaks it into several provisions depending on the harm caused. Section 600 of the VTL makes it unlawful to leave the scene of an accident resulting in property damage without providing identification and insurance information. Section 600(2) applies when another person suffers injury, and Section 600(3) addresses accidents involving a fatality. The consequences are different for each, and the charges may be heard in the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) for traffic-infraction-level offenses or in Queens County Criminal Court for misdemeanor and felony cases. TVB proceedings, common in New York City, do not allow plea bargaining with the hearing officer. Outside the TVB, the Queens District Attorney’s office prosecutes criminal leaving-the-scene cases, and defense counsel may negotiate resolutions subject to court approval. The firm’s New York location is familiar with both TVB administrative hearings and Queens County Criminal Court proceedings at 125-01 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.

Queens is a borough with some of the busiest arterial roadways in the state — the Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway, and Belt Parkway all carry heavy traffic through the county. A fender-bender near JFK Airport or a side-swipe on Queens Boulevard can quickly escalate when a driver panics and leaves. Even if you later report the accident, prosecutors may still pursue charges if they believe you failed to stop and exchange information as required. Having a defense attorney who understands local court procedures is important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have represented clients in Queens traffic matters and work to address each case from the initial appearance through resolution.

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

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a Queens hit and run charge, an initial consultation explores how the incident occurred, whether any property damage or injury is alleged, and what information was exchanged at the scene. The firm then develops a defense approach tailored to the charge. For leaving-the-scene cases involving only property damage, the firm may investigate whether the driver properly identified themselves or made a good-faith effort to locate the other owner. In injury or fatality cases, attention turns to the driver’s awareness of the collision, the nature of any injuries, and whether a complete stop and report were made in a timely manner. The firm reviews radio logs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence where available.

In TVB hearings, advocacy focuses on the facts without the possibility of charge bargaining. The firm prepares clients for the administrative-hearing format and addresses the evidence the hearing officer will consider. In criminal court, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel may challenge the sufficiency of the prosecutor’s evidence, raise constitutional issues, and work toward a resolution that minimizes long-term consequences such as a criminal record, license suspension, or enhanced insurance premiums. Throughout the process, the firm keeps the client informed of court dates and procedural steps. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. He founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice includes traffic defense, and he previously served as a prosecutor, giving him firsthand insight into how the other side builds its cases. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience across multiple practice areas. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel serve clients in Queens and throughout New York from the firm’s New York location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hit and run a felony in New York?

Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a traffic infraction, not a felony; it becomes a misdemeanor when personal injury is involved, and a felony when someone dies or is seriously injured. Under the NY VTL, a property-damage-only hit and run is punishable by a fine and points on your license. If another person is injured, the charge is generally a class A or B misdemeanor. When a fatality occurs, it can be charged as a class B felony. The severity depends on the specific circumstances, and multiple charges may be filed. An experienced Queens hit and run lawyer can explain the charges you face and your legal options. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Queens?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but defending a hit and run charge in Queens without one is risky because even a traffic-infraction conviction can affect your driving record and insurance rates. A misdemeanor or felony leaving-the-scene conviction carries more serious penalties, including the possibility of a permanent criminal record. An attorney can investigate the facts, negotiate with prosecutors in criminal court, and represent you at TVB hearings. If you were unaware of the collision or believed you had exchanged sufficient information, an attorney can present those facts. To discuss your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I accidentally left the scene of an accident in Queens?

If you realize you left the scene, the safest first step is to speak with a lawyer before contacting the police or the other driver, so you understand your legal obligations and how to protect your rights. After consulting counsel, you may need to report the accident to the DMV and provide insurance information. A lawyer can help you make any required report in a manner that minimizes self-incrimination. The firm can advise you on whether returning to the scene or filing an accident report is advisable in your circumstances. Reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.

How can a Queens hit and run lawyer help me?

A Queens hit and run lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s case, argue that you did not knowingly leave the scene, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges. The firm can investigate whether you had the required state of mind, whether the accident evidence supports the charge, and whether any procedural errors occurred. For property-damage-only cases at the TVB, the lawyer can present evidence that you properly identified yourself or that the damage was minimal. In criminal court, the lawyer can negotiate with the Queens District Attorney’s office for a lesser charge or alternative resolution. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

What are the DMV consequences of a hit and run in New York?

A hit and run conviction can result in points on your license, a potential driver responsibility assessment, and in more serious cases, license suspension or revocation. Even a property-damage leaving-the-scene conviction adds points to your driving record, which can increase your insurance premiums significantly. If someone was injured, the DMV may hold a hearing to determine whether your license should be suspended. A felony conviction may lead to revocation. An attorney can work to minimize DMV consequences by seeking a reduction of the charge or pursuing alternative dispositions. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss how your case may affect your license.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.