In New York County (Manhattan), leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense under NY VTL § 600. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience handling these charges in New York County Supreme Court. A conviction can carry jail time, fines, and license suspension. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600 (official New York State Senate)
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 600, a driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death must stop at the scene, exchange information, and render reasonable assistance. Failure to do so constitutes leaving the scene of an accident. The charge classification depends on the severity of the accident. For property damage only, it is a traffic infraction. If injury occurs, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. If serious physical injury or death results, it can be a Class E felony. The Leaving the Scene Lawyer New York County team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the nuances of this statute and how it applies in Manhattan courts.
Mr. Sris, the founding attorney, is a former prosecutor with over 28 years of experience. He founded the firm in 1997 and has handled thousands of cases across New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. His background as a prosecutor gives him unique insight into how the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office builds these cases.
NY VTL § 600 (official New York State Senate) — This is the primary statute governing leaving the scene of an accident in New York.
New York County Supreme Court (official NY Courts website) — This is the court where most felony leaving the scene cases in Manhattan are heard.
- Step 1: Do not speak to police without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Step 2: Contact a fleeing accident scene charge lawyer New York County immediately. Early intervention can prevent charges from being filed.
- Step 3: Preserve evidence. Take photos of your vehicle, the accident location, and any damage. Save dashcam footage.
- Step 4: Your lawyer will request discovery from the prosecution, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office. In many cases, a plea to a lesser offense or an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) is possible for first-time offenders.
- Step 6: If no plea is reached, prepare for trial. Your lawyer will challenge the prosecution’s evidence of knowledge and intent.
In New York County (Manhattan), leaving the scene of an accident carries penalties ranging from a traffic infraction to a felony, depending on the severity of the accident.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene — Property Damage Only | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $250 | 3 points on license | Driver Responsibility Assessment fee |
| Leaving Scene — Personal Injury | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | License suspension possible | Criminal record, insurance surcharge |
| Leaving Scene — Serious Physical Injury | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Felony record, loss of driving privileges |
| Leaving Scene — Death | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Felony record, civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office operates. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
No verifiable case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts. The court is located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines.
Looking for a Leaving the Scene Lawyer New York County near Manhattan? We serve clients throughout Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
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What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in New York County (Manhattan)?
It depends on the severity. Property damage only is a traffic infraction with up to $250 fine. Personal injury is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Serious injury or death is a Class E felony with up to 4 years prison.
Can I get an ACD for a leaving the scene charge in New York County?
Yes, for first-time offenders with property damage only. An ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) results in automatic dismissal after 6-12 months if no new arrests occur. A hit and run defense lawyer New York County can negotiate this.
Does New York have cash bail for leaving the scene charges?
No, NY bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Most defendants charged with leaving the scene in Manhattan are released on recognizance, especially for property damage only cases.
Can I get my record sealed after a leaving the scene conviction in New York County?
Yes, under CPL § 160.59, you can seal up to 2 qualifying convictions after 10 years. ACD results in automatic sealing. A fleeing accident scene charge lawyer New York County can help with the sealing process.
What should I do if I am charged with leaving the scene in Manhattan?
Do not speak to police without a lawyer. Contact a Leaving the Scene Lawyer New York County immediately. Preserve evidence, including photos of your vehicle and the accident location. Your lawyer can negotiate with the DA’s office for a favorable outcome.