A hit and run charge in Arlington County is a serious criminal offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying penalties from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years imprisonment) depending on injury or property damage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Hit and Run Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Under Va. Code § 46.2-894, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must immediately stop at the scene, provide their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration to the other party or law enforcement, and render reasonable assistance to any injured persons. Failure to comply constitutes a hit and run offense. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances: if the accident involves only property damage, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor; if it involves injury or death, it escalates to a Class 5 felony. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious allegations.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the hit and run statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-894 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on the classification of crimes and penalties, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely pursue hit and run charges aggressively, especially when injuries are involved. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often seeks maximum penalties in cases where the driver left the scene to avoid detection. Early intervention by a hit and run lawyer in Arlington County can be critical to negotiating a reduction or dismissal.
- Stop immediately at the scene of the accident.
- Exchange information with the other party or law enforcement.
- Do not admit fault or apologize.
- Document the scene with photographs and witness contact information.
- Contact a hit and run accident charge lawyer Arlington County as soon as possible.
- Follow all legal advice from your attorney to avoid self-incrimination.
In Arlington County, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage to a Class 5 felony for injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and run (property damage only) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record, increased insurance rates |
| Hit and run (injury or death) | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension | Felony record, loss of civil rights, employment impact |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand the local court system in Arlington County. We have handled 21 documented cases in Arlington County, achieving dismissals or not guilty verdicts in 11 instances and reductions or amendments in 10 others. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects our commitment to providing aggressive, client-focused representation regardless of the complexity of your case.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed or not guilty, 10 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. These results include cases involving destruction of property, littering, fare evasion, failure to appear, and highway sign violations. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Arlington at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is approximately 1.5 miles from Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), with access via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Arlington County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Charges in Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County, Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, and Commercial Litigation Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-894
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.