Leaving the Scene Lawyer in Union County, New Jersey — What Are Your Defenses?
A leaving the scene charge in Union County, New Jersey, is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying potential jail time, fines, and license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for hit and run cases at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage.
New Jersey Law on Leaving the Scene of an Accident
In New Jersey, the legal duty to stop after an accident is defined by statute. 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. The severity of the charge depends on the outcome of the accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Leaving the scene where there is only property damage is typically a disorderly persons offense. However, leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury or death elevates the charge to a crime of the third or fourth degree, with significantly harsher penalties. A conviction results in mandatory driver’s license revocation. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how these cases are built from both sides.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms are available at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Defense in Union County
All Union County traffic violations, including leaving the scene, are heard at the Municipal Court located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. These are quasi-criminal proceedings before a judge. A strong defense often involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence that you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, or that there was actual injury or damage.
- Receive Summons: You will receive a summons with a court date at the Elizabeth courthouse.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the facts with a leaving the scene lawyer Union County to identify defense strategies.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may meet with the prosecutor to discuss evidence and potential resolutions.
- Motion Practice: File motions to suppress evidence if police procedure was flawed.
- Trial or Plea: Present your defense at a bench trial or accept a negotiated plea to a lesser charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose penalties, which may include NJ MVC surcharges.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Union County
In Union County, leaving the scene carries penalties from fines and points to jail time and license revocation, depending on the accident’s severity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 30 days | Up to $1,000 | 2 points; possible suspension | Court costs, NJ surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Felony record, significant surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Felony record, lifelong consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Union County Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, we have a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we fight aggressively for every client in Union County.
Documented Case Experience
SRIS actively practices in Union County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our hit and run defense lawyer Union County team uses this extensive experience to build effective defenses, whether challenging the state’s evidence or negotiating for reduced charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Leaving the Scene Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Union County courts. We serve Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Leaving the Scene in NJ
Is leaving the scene a criminal offense in New Jersey?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony (3rd or 4th degree crime). Leaving with only property damage is a disorderly persons offense. Both carry jail time, fines, and license sanctions.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene?
Contact a fleeing accident scene charge lawyer immediately. Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without counsel. An attorney can secure evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a defense based on lack of knowledge, mistaken identity, or the accident’s severity.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in NJ?
Yes. Conviction for leaving the scene with injury or death mandates a 1-year license revocation. For property damage, the court has discretion to suspend your license. All convictions add points and trigger costly NJ MVC surcharges.
What are common defenses to a leaving the scene charge?
Common defenses include: you were not the driver; you were unaware an accident occurred; no injury or property damage resulted; you returned to the scene promptly; or your failure to stop was due to a genuine emergency. An experienced leaving the scene lawyer Union County can evaluate the best approach.
How many points is leaving the scene in NJ?
Leaving the scene of an accident results in 2 motor vehicle points on your driving record. However, the criminal penalties and license consequences are far more severe than the points alone.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Hunterdon County and Somerset County. If you have other legal needs, consider our Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Union County DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Visit our New Jersey office page for location details.
Page 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.