In Rockland County, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a Class E felony under NY VTL § 600, carrying up to 4 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, defends these charges. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Rockland County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 600 governs leaving the scene of an accident. The law requires any driver involved in an accident to stop, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance. A violation occurs when a driver knowingly leaves the scene without fulfilling these duties. The severity of the charge depends on the level of injury or property damage involved. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), brings former prosecutor insight to these cases.
For leaving the scene charges specifically, NY VTL § 600(2)(a) addresses accidents involving personal injury. This statute is distinct from general traffic infractions. The prosecution must prove you knew an accident occurred and intentionally left. This knowledge element is often the central issue in these cases.
Review the official statutes: NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600 (official New York State Senate). For court procedures, visit the Rockland County Supreme Court website.
- Step 1: Do not leave the scene. Stop immediately and exchange information with the other driver.
- Step 2: Call 911 if anyone is injured. Report the accident to local police.
- Step 3: Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, location, and any visible injuries.
- Step 4: Do not make statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.
- Step 5: Contact a leaving the scene lawyer Rockland County immediately to preserve your rights.
In Rockland County, leaving the scene of an accident carries penalties ranging from a traffic infraction to a felony, depending on injury severity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving scene — property damage only | Traffic infraction | Up to 15 days | Up to $250 | Points assessed | Civil liability |
| Leaving scene — personal injury | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | License suspension possible | Criminal record |
| 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 D felony | Up to 7 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Felony record, potential civil wrongful death |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across NY, VA, MD, NJ, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative and courtroom knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. While specific Rockland County leaving the scene results are not available, the firm’s track record demonstrates consistent results in traffic and criminal defense matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Rockland County courts, accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, and I-287. We serve New City, Nanuet, Spring Valley, Suffern, Haverstraw, Pearl River, Nyack, Stony Point, and Sloatsburg. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: Can I get a leaving the scene charge reduced in Rockland County?
Yes. A skilled leaving the scene lawyer Rockland County may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like a traffic infraction if the accident involved only property damage and you returned to the scene promptly.
Q: What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Rockland County?
It depends on injury severity. Property damage: up to 15 days jail and $250 fine. Personal injury: up to 1 year jail. Serious injury: up to 4 years prison. Death: up to 7 years prison.
Q: Does New York have cash bail for leaving the scene charges?
No. NY reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Most defendants in Rockland County are released on recognizance for leaving the scene charges.
Q: Can I get my record sealed after a leaving the scene conviction in Rockland County?
It depends. NY offers conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 for qualifying convictions after 10 years. Misdemeanor leaving the scene may qualify. Felony convictions have stricter sealing rules.
Q: What should I do if I am charged with leaving the scene in Rockland County?
Contact a leaving the scene lawyer Rockland County immediately. Do not speak to police without counsel. Preserve evidence including photos of your vehicle and the accident location. Your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.