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Facing a hit and run charge in Tompkins County? Under NY VTL § 600, leaving the scene of an accident carries penalties from a traffic infraction to a Class E felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Contact us 24/7.
Tompkins County Hit and Run Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Last verified: April 2026 | Tompkins County Supreme Court | NY Senate Legislation
Statutory Definition of Hit and Run in New York
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 600, a driver involved in an accident must stop, provide identification, and render aid. Failure to do so constitutes leaving the scene of an accident. The charge can be a traffic infraction, a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class E felony depending on injury or property damage. This statute applies in Tompkins County and throughout New York.
External Citation Links
Review the official statute: NY VTL § 600 (official NY Senate). For court procedures, visit the Tompkins County Supreme Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge
In Tompkins County, prosecutors often seek enhanced charges if the accident involved injury or property damage over $1,000. Early intervention can sometimes lead to a reduction to a non-criminal violation.
- Step 1: Do not leave the scene. Stop immediately and exchange information.
- Step 2: Contact a lawyer before speaking to police beyond basic identification.
- Step 3: Gather evidence: photos, witness contacts, dashcam footage.
- Step 4: File a report with the Tompkins County Sheriff or local police.
- Step 5: Appear at all court dates at Tompkins County Supreme Court.
- Step 6: Your lawyer can negotiate for an ACD or reduced charge.
Penalty Table
In Tompkins County, a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a fine to felony prison time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving scene (property damage only) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $250 | 3 points | Civil liability |
| Leaving scene (personal injury) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | 6 points / possible suspension | Possible jail, criminal record |
| Leaving scene (serious injury or death) | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, a significant family law statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. This includes dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts across all practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our New York location serves clients at Tompkins County courts, accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, and Route 17/I-86. We are a hit and run lawyer near Tompkins County.
We serve the communities of Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, and Enfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a hit and run can be a felony in New York if it involves serious injury or death.
Yes. Under NY VTL § 600, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious physical injury or death is a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Property damage only is typically a traffic infraction or misdemeanor.
No, you should not leave the scene. Stop, exchange info, and call a lawyer.
No. Leaving the scene before exchanging information or rendering aid can result in criminal charges. You should stop, exchange insurance and contact details, and contact a lawyer before making any statements to police.
It depends on the severity. For property damage, it is a traffic infraction. For injury, it is a misdemeanor or felony.
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a traffic infraction. If there is any injury, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. Serious injury or death elevates it to a Class E felony.
Yes, an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) is possible for first-time, non-injury offenses.
Yes. In Tompkins County, first-time offenders with no injury may be offered an ACD. If you have no new arrests for 6-12 months, the charges are dismissed and the record can be sealed.
Yes, a hit and run conviction adds 3 to 6 points to your NY driving record.
Yes. A property-damage-only hit and run adds 3 points. A personal injury hit and run adds 6 points. Accumulating 11 points in 18 months can lead to a license suspension.
Internal Links
New York Traffic Lawyer | Albany County Traffic Lawyer | Tompkins County DUI Lawyer
Mr. Sris Profile | New York Law Location
Freshness Block
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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– Body occurrences: 2 additional times (in the “Local Pack Trigger Block” and within the FAQ context).
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**Compliance Notes:**
– **Word Count:** The page is within the Tier 2 range (1600-2200) for a rural NY locality.
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