A hit and run charge in Prince William County, Virginia, is a serious criminal offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying penalties from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison) depending on the severity of the accident. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Hit and Run Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage fails to stop at the scene, provide identification, or render reasonable assistance. Va. Code § 46.2-894 governs the duty to stop in accidents involving injury or death, while Va. Code § 46.2-896 covers accidents involving property damage only. A violation of § 46.2-894 where injury or death occurs is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. If the accident involves only property damage, the offense 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 | Prince William 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 misdemeanors and felonies in Virginia, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Prince William County General District Court, prosecutors routinely file hit and run charges with minimal initial evidence, relying on witness statements and vehicle damage reports. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often seeks enhanced penalties if the accident involved injury or if the driver has a prior criminal record.
- Do not leave the scene — stop immediately and exchange information.
- Call 911 if there are injuries or significant property damage.
- Do not admit fault or make statements to the other driver beyond providing identification.
- Contact a hit and run lawyer before speaking with police or the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including photos of the scene and vehicle damage.
- Appear at all scheduled court dates at Prince William County General District Court.
In Prince William County, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage to a Class 5 felony for accidents involving injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and run — property damage only (Va. Code § 46.2-896) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Criminal record, increased insurance rates |
| Hit and run — injury or death (Va. Code § 46.2-894) | Class 5 felony | 1 to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record, loss of voting rights, employment barriers |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County: 163 dismissed or not guilty, 108 reduced or amended, and 8 deferred — a favorable-outcome rate of 97%. Results may vary. These outcomes include cases involving hit and run, reckless driving, and other criminal charges. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 15 miles from Prince William County General District Court, with access via I-66 and Route 28. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Prince William County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Charges in Prince William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Prince William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court 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.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William 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.
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Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Virginia law and court procedures.