A hit and run in Chesapeake is a serious criminal offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894. If injury or death occurs, it is a Class 5 felony carrying 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake. You need a skilled Hit and Run Lawyer Chesapeake to protect your rights.
Hit and Run Lawyer Chesapeake, 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 and provide reasonable assistance. Failure to do so constitutes hit and run. If the accident involves injury or death, the offense is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. If only property damage occurs, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake court procedures, visit Chesapeake General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Chesapeake General District Court, prosecutors routinely file hit and run charges aggressively, especially when injury is alleged. We have observed that early intervention with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can sometimes lead to charge reduction or alternative disposition.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all evidence, including vehicle damage and photos.
- Contact a hit and run lawyer Chesapeake immediately.
- Attend all court hearings at Chesapeake General District Court or Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Explore first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
In Chesapeake, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (property damage only) to a Class 5 felony (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 | License suspension possible | Criminal record, insurance rate increase |
| Hit and run (injury or death) | Class 5 felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Felony record, loss of voting rights, employment barriers |
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%. The firm has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake, handling hit and run cases at Chesapeake General District Court and Chesapeake Circuit Court.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from Chesapeake General District Court, with access via I-64 and I-464. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Chesapeake, we serve the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run in Chesapeake
What is the penalty for a hit and run in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A hit and run involving injury or death is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying 1-10 years in prison. Property damage only is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine). Cases are heard at Chesapeake General District Court or Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Can hit and run charges be reduced in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. In some cases, a hit and run charge may be reduced to a lesser offense like improper driving or reckless driving, depending on the evidence and circumstances. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake may agree to amend charges. Results vary.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A hit and run conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced hit and run lawyer Chesapeake can help protect your rights and explore defense strategies. Early legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake 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.
How does bail work for a hit and run charge in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake General District Court.
For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County. For related practice areas, see Partnership Lawyer Chesapeake and Non Compete Lawyer Chesapeake.
Last updated: 2026-05-01