Augusta County Hit and Run Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Augusta County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, classified as a Class 5 felony if injury occurs. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending leaving the scene of an accident charges.
Virginia Hit and Run Law
Virginia law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If no one is present to receive the information, you must report the accident to law enforcement. Failure to do any of these acts constitutes the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Augusta County is available at the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
Hit and run cases in Augusta County begin at the Augusta County General District Court at 6 East Johnson Street. For a hit and run accident charge lawyer Augusta County, the key is often challenging the prosecution’s proof that you knew an accident occurred. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for these charges.
- You will receive a summons or be arrested, depending on the severity of the accident.
- Your first court date is an arraignment at Augusta County General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any video.
- Pre-trial motions may be filed to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or suppress improper evidence.
- If the case is a misdemeanor, a bench trial will be held in General District Court. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held there first.
- If bound over, a felony case proceeds to a jury trial in Augusta County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Augusta County
In Augusta County, a hit and run carries penalties based on the outcome of the accident: property damage only is a Class 1 misdemeanor; injury is a Class 5 felony; death is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory minimum one-year sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Damage | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Court may suspend license | Civil liability for damages |
| Injury | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Felony criminal record |
| Death | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (mandatory min. 1 year) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Felony criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. We provide full representation for traffic and criminal matters in Augusta County.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. For example, our attorneys have successfully had charges like reckless driving reduced to improper driving and driving on a suspended license amended to a non-driving violation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including former prosecutor Mr. Sris, works collaboratively to analyze each case. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, brings a prosecutor’s insight and a background in accounting and information systems, which is particularly useful in cases involving technical evidence.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Augusta County, including Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with hit and run in Augusta County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Augusta County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, like photos of your vehicle or notes about the incident, and provide it to your lawyer. Your defense may depend on whether the prosecution can prove you knew an accident occurred.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Virginia?
It depends. If the accident only involved property damage, it is a misdemeanor. If it resulted in injury or death, it is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Augusta County can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine the potential charges.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with no injury?
Yes. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The court also has the discretion to suspend your driver’s license.
What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the driver, or an emergency that necessitated leaving the scene to get help. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Augusta County can investigate to see if any of these or other defenses apply to your situation.
Will my insurance cover the damages if I left the scene?
It depends on your policy. Most insurers will investigate and may deny coverage for claims arising from criminal activity like a hit and run. also, a conviction will likely cause your rates to increase significantly or your policy to be canceled.
Related Legal Help in Augusta County
If you are facing other charges, we also provide representation for DUI, reckless driving, and criminal defense. For a broader view of our traffic defense practice, visit our Virginia traffic lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Shenandoah County and Rockingham County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.