Fairfax Hit And Run Attorney
fighting for your rights
You’re in a traffic crash. It wasn’t your fault – the light was green, and you never even saw the other vehicle. You’re late for work already, the damage is minor, and no one seems to be hurt. Do not give in to the temptation to leave the scene. If you do, the police may be looking for you—and you’ll likely need a Fairfax hit and run lawyer to defend you.
A hit-and-run accident is a serious criminal offense in Virginia that carries severe legal and personal consequences. Whether you are accused of leaving the scene of a minor fender bender or a more serious incident, a conviction can result in harsh penalties, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. These charges become even more severe if the incident involves property damage, injuries, or loss of life, potentially elevating the offense to felony hit and run. A skilled hit and run lawyer can help you understand the charges, explore your defenses, and work to reduce or dismiss penalties.
A permanent criminal record can impact your future, limiting employment opportunities and affecting personal relationships. Every hit-and-run case is different. No one can be certain how we may react to extreme emotions like panic and fear. The precise circumstances of a hit-and-run mishap, and how you act or react, are crucial elements if you are charged with criminal hit-and-run. A knowledgeable hit and run lawyer will evaluate every detail of your case and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
If you are facing hit-and-run charges, it is critical to take immediate action to protect your rights and future. The legal process for defending against these allegations requires a clear understanding of Virginia’s traffic and criminal laws. At The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC, our hit and run lawyer represents individuals accused of hit-and-run offenses, helping them navigate the legal system and work toward favorable outcomes.
Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
What constitutes hit-and-run?
Hit-and-run is a criminal offense in Virginia. More than 4,800 hit-and-run incidents were reported in this state in 2018. Hit-and-run is leaving the scene of an accident without providing your insurance information to the other driver – or assisting anyone who is injured. If you’re being investigated or charged, a hit and run lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Hit-and-run can be a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia. It’s a misdemeanor if the vehicle damages in the accident is less than $1,000. It’s a felony if the damage value exceeds $1,000 or if the crash resulted in injuries. A qualified hit and run lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and work to minimize the legal consequences.
Hit-and-run involving a parked vehicle – or any unattended property – is a misdemeanor charge punishable upon conviction with up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and restitution. If the damage in such a case exceeds $500, a six-month driver’s license suspension may also be imposed.
What are the specifics of hit-and-run charges in virginia?
Most hit-and-run charges in Virginia will be filed as Class 5 felonies, Class 1 misdemeanors, or Class 4 misdemeanors:
- As a Class 5 felony: A Class 5 felony is charged if a driver leaves the scene of an accident with a vehicle or property that was attended to and there was a death, injury, or over $1,000 of property damage. A conviction is punished with up to ten years in prison.
- As a Class 1 misdemeanor: A Class 1 misdemeanor is charged if the vehicle or property was attended and the damage was below $1,000, or if unattended, the damage is valued at $250 to $1,000. The penalty for a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction is up to a year in jail.
- As a Class 4 misdemeanor: A Class 4 misdemeanor is charged if the vehicle or property was unattended and the property damage is valued below $250. Class 4 misdemeanor convictions are punished with fines.
What happens after a hit-and-run incident?
Police agencies in Virginia aggressively investigate hit-and-run incidents. They frequently obtain information from eyewitnesses and video cameras, and they often find the driver they’re looking for. If you’re under investigation, it’s crucial to contact a hit and run lawyer as early as possible to protect your rights.
If you’ve committed a hit-and-run, or if you believe that you will be falsely accused of a hit-and-run, speak to a lawyer before the police speak to you. If you’re arrested and charged with a hit-and-run, answer no questions and politely insist on your right to have your lawyer present for questioning. A skilled hit and run lawyer can advise you through every step and help mitigate the legal consequences.
Crashes involving occupied vehicles require drivers to stop at once and meet their legal obligations. Drivers must render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. Any failure to follow the law is a felony if the crash causes an injury, a death, or more than $1,000 of damage.
if you are accused of a hit-and-run in fairfax
A felony hit-and-run conviction can mean a jail sentence, serious fines, and a driver’s license suspension or revocation. If there were serious injuries, or if alcohol or drugs were involved, a jail sentence is likely upon conviction. It’s a conviction that you very much want to avoid.
However, hit-and-run charges are sometimes difficult to prove because prosecutors often rely on eyewitnesses and circumstantial evidence. The most serious hit-and-run cases frequently go to trial, so having the right defense attorney at your side is imperative.
Meet attorney scott C. Nolan
A winning defense against a hit-and-run charge will take the knowledge and skills of a defense lawyer like The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC. With his substantial experience in both traffic law and criminal defense, The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC is the Fairfax hit-and-run defense attorney you can count on.
His extensive background in the Virginia criminal justice system uniquely equips The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC to protect your rights, develop your defense strategy, and fight for the best possible resolution to your hit-and-run case.
Get a free case evaluation
If you weren’t aware that an accident happened, if you were confused, or if another driver was the person who left the scene and you’ve been wrongly accused, attorney Scott C. Nolan, PLLC will make sure that your side of the story is fully told and clearly understood.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC’s law offices, or contact him online. He’s a trained and experienced Fairfax hit-and-run defense attorney who will fight for justice and bring your hit-and run case to the most positive resolution.
Contact us today for help with your case.
Hit and Run FAQs
A hit and run (sometimes called “Leaving the Scene of an Accident”) in Virginia occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or render aid, regardless of fault.
Penalties range from fines, license suspension, probation, and restitution for property damage or injuries. Felony charges may result in jail time for serious injuries or deaths.
First offenses may be treated as misdemeanors, potentially resulting in fines, probation, community service, and mandatory driving courses, depending on the circumstances.
A skilled attorney can challenge evidence, investigate the accident scene, and provide defense strategies, including mistaken identity or lack of intent to flee.
Insurance rates may increase significantly, and the driver may be denied coverage for damages or injuries caused, depending on the policy and state laws.
Criminal liability involves prosecution by the state, potentially resulting in fines, probation, or jail. Civil liability involves lawsuits by injured parties seeking compensation for damages.
Law enforcement may arrest the driver based on probable cause, take personal information, and file charges with the court. Bail may be set depending on the severity of the incident.
Evidence may include witness statements, surveillance footage, accident reports, photographs, and GPS or telematics data to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Misdemeanor hit and run typically involves property damage without injury. Felony hit and run involves serious bodily injury or death, carrying harsher penalties including longer jail time.
A driver’s duty after an accident varies depending on whether the accident involved another person or whether it only involved “unattended property.” If another person is injured or killed, or if the accident involved an occupied vehicle, then the driver must stop and report the accident to the police and trade contact and insurance information with the other person (if possible). Where the accident only involved unattended property, the driver must make a reasonable effort to find the owner and report the damage. If that is not possible, they must leave a note with their contact information and report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
Yes. Hit and run charges can carry serious legal and financial consequences. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and help develop a strong defense.
Depending on evidence and circumstances, charges may be reduced or dismissed, particularly if there is a credible defense or lack of intent to flee.
Convictions remain on your criminal record indefinitely and may impact employment, insurance rates, and driving privileges.
Avoid discussing the case with others, preserve any evidence that supports your defense, and contact a Fairfax hit and run attorney immediately.
Yes. Convictions can result in license suspension or revocation, in addition to fines, probation, and potential jail time, depending on the severity of the incident.
