Hit and Run Lawyer Bedford County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Bedford County is a serious traffic offense under Va. Code § 46.2-894, potentially 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 and Penalties
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 without obstructing traffic. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, occupant, or property owner. If no one is present, you must leave a note with this information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to comply is a crime known as “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident.”
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The severity of a hit and run accident charge in Bedford County depends on the outcome of the crash:
- Property Damage Only: Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Your driver’s license will be suspended for one year.
- Injury or Death: Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion) and a mandatory one-year license suspension.
You can review the official statute at Va. Code § 46.2-894 (official Virginia General Assembly). Cases are heard at the Bedford County General District Court.
Defending a Hit and Run Charge in Bedford County
A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Bedford County builds a defense by examining the facts. Prosecutors must prove you knew an accident occurred and willfully failed to stop. Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the accident (e.g., a minor bump in a parking lot), an emergency that required immediate departure, or mistaken identity of the vehicle. In Bedford County General District Court, an experienced attorney can negotiate for a reduced charge like improper driving or seek a dismissal if the evidence is weak.
- Secure Representation Immediately: Contact a hit and run lawyer Bedford County before speaking to police or insurance adjusters.
- Case Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle repair records.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly or challenge the sufficiency of the charge.
- Negotiation or Trial: Work to have the charge reduced or dismissed. If necessary, prepare for a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Consequences of a Hit and Run Conviction
In Bedford County, a hit and run conviction carries jail time, fines, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 1-year suspension | Criminal record, increased insurance rates |
| Hit & Run (Injury/Death) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | 1-year suspension | Felony record, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the immediate and long-term stakes of a hit and run accident charge lawyer Bedford County clients face, from license suspension to a permanent criminal record.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our team has secured favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal cases. For example, our attorneys have successfully argued for reductions from hit and run to lesser offenses and secured dismissals where the state could not prove knowledge or intent. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Defense Near Bedford County, VA
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Bedford County courts on 123 East Main Street. We are a trusted hit and run lawyer near Bedford, Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hit and Run in Bedford County
Is hit and run a felony in Virginia?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the accident results in injury or death, it becomes a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 46.2-894, carrying 1-10 years in prison.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Bedford County?
First, do not discuss the case without an attorney. Contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Bedford County immediately. Your lawyer will obtain the police report, investigate the circumstances, and develop a defense strategy, which may include challenging whether you knew an accident occurred.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for hit and run under Va. Code § 46.2-894 carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension of one year, regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. This is also to any jail time and fines.
What defenses are available for a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the accident, an emergency that compelled you to leave, mistaken identity of your vehicle, or that you complied with the law by leaving your information. A hit and run lawyer Bedford County can evaluate which defense applies to your case.
Will my insurance cover the damages if I left the scene?
Your insurance company will likely investigate and may deny coverage for the accident if you are convicted of hit and run, as it violates the policy’s cooperation clause. This can leave you personally liable for all property damage and injury claims.
If you are facing a hit and run accident charge in Bedford County, securing experienced legal counsel is critical. A conviction has severe, lasting consequences. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today for a confidential case evaluation.
Internal Resources: Learn more about Virginia criminal defense. For related issues, see our pages on Bedford County DUI defense and Bedford County reckless driving.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.