Hit and Run Lawyer New York County, NY

If you are facing a hit‑and‑run charge in New York County—Manhattan—the decisions you make now can shape the outcome of your case. A charge of leaving the scene of an accident under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law carries potentially serious consequences, including demerit points, license suspension, and even criminal penalties. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent drivers in Manhattan and throughout New York County who are charged with hit‑and‑run and related traffic offenses. The firm’s New York location handles cases at the New York County Supreme Court, the NYC Criminal Court, and the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Hit and Run Charges Mean in New York County

In New York, leaving the scene of an accident is governed by Article 22 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Section 600. The law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage or injury to stop, exchange information, and remain at the scene. Failing to do so can result in a charge of leaving the scene—often called a hit and run.

New York County handles these charges through the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) for traffic infractions or, for more serious cases, through the New York County criminal courts. The TVB, which has jurisdiction over public‑highway traffic matters in New York City, does not permit plea bargaining. That procedural fact makes experienced representation especially important. In Manhattan, a hit‑and‑run charge may be classified as a traffic infraction, a misdemeanor, or even a felony depending on whether the accident involved personal injury, serious physical injury, or death. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly at the New York County Supreme Court (60

Centre Street) and the Manhattan Criminal Court to defend these charges.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by reviewing every detail of the alleged incident. The team examines the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video or accident‑scene documentation. Because hit‑and‑run charges often hinge on whether you knew or should have known that an accident occurred, the defense may focus on that element of knowledge.

In Manhattan, the absence of plea bargaining at the TVB means that contested hearings play a central role. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare thoroughly for these administrative hearings, presenting legal arguments, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, and advocating for a dismissal or reduction of the charge. For misdemeanor and felony cases in the criminal courts, the team works to negotiate favorable dispositions and, when necessary, proceeds to trial. The timeline for a hit‑and‑run case varies: TVB hearings are typically scheduled over several months, while criminal cases can take longer depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings extensive courtroom experience to each traffic defense matter. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He and his Of Counsel team concentrate their practice on traffic law, criminal defense, and related matters.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every hit‑and‑run case they handle. They work collaboratively, drawing on each attorney’s background to craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific situation. The firm’s New York location serves clients throughout New York County, including Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Financial District, Harlem, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a hit and run always a criminal offense in New York?

Not necessarily. A hit‑and‑run that involves only property damage may be a traffic infraction handled by the TVB, while cases involving injury or death are criminal charges heard in criminal court. The classification depends on the details of the accident. An infraction can result in points and fines; a misdemeanor or felony carries the potential for jail time and a permanent criminal record. Because the line between an infraction and a crime is fact‑specific, consulting an experienced attorney is advisable.

Can I fight a hit‑and‑run ticket if it was issued at the TVB?

Yes. At the TVB, there is no plea bargaining, but you have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present evidence, cross‑examine the police officer who issued the ticket, and argue that the prosecution has not met its burden. In many cases, a thorough hearing presentation results in a dismissal or a finding of not guilty. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

What are the possible penalties for a hit and run in New York County?

Penalties range from fines and license points for a traffic infraction up to jail time and a felony conviction for a serious injury or fatal accident. For a property‑damage-only charge, you may face a fine and up to three points on your license. If someone was injured, the charge can be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. A fatal hit and run is a felony with a potential state prison sentence. The specific consequences vary based on the case facts and your driving history.

How does the TVB process differ from regular court in Manhattan?

The TVB handles most non‑criminal traffic matters in New York City and operates without plea bargaining, meaning cases are decided at a hearing rather than through negotiation. In the New York County criminal courts, prosecutors and defense attorneys can negotiate resolutions. The difference matters because a TVB hearing demands thorough preparation and a strong presentation of your side. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience with both forums and can advise you on an appropriate approach for your situation.

Should I contact a lawyer if I received a desk‑appearance ticket for a hit and run?

Yes. A desk‑appearance ticket means you are being charged with a crime, and you should seek legal advice before the court date. Even a misdemeanor hit‑and‑run can have lasting consequences for your driving record, insurance, and employment. An attorney can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charge and help you understand the legal process. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What happens if the other driver cannot be identified?

If the other driver left the scene and cannot be identified, you may still face a charge if you were involved in an accident and did not stop. The law requires every driver involved to remain at the scene and exchange information, regardless of who was at fault. If the other driver fled, your attorney can argue that your own duty to stop was triggered and that you acted reasonably. The firm investigates each case thoroughly to identify any available evidence.

For the statutory framework governing leaving the scene in New York, see the official New York Vehicle and Traffic Law at New York State Senate VTL and the New York City Traffic Violations Bureau procedures at NYC TVB.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.