What is a Virginia Hit and Run?
A Virginia Hit and Run can be charged any time a driver or passenger leaves the scene of an accident without making the necessary report. Drivers in Virginia who are involved in an accident are required by law to provide the other driver (or police) with their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. If the accident involved unattended property and the driver cannot find the property owner, he must leave a note with this information as well as his contact information, the date, time and location of the accident, and a description of the property damage, as well as notify the police within 24 hours.
Virginia Hit and Run Penalties
Virginia Hit and Run charges are punished with fines, jail (or even prison), driver’s license suspension or revocation, and DMV demerit points.
A Hit and Run in Virginia resulting in less than $250 in damage to unattended property is a Class 4 misdemeanor. If the accident resulted in more than $250 in damage to unattended property, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Virginia Hit and Run involving less than $1,000 in damage to attended property is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the damage to attended property exceeded $1,000, it is a Class 5 felony. If someone was injured or killed, the Hit and Run is a Class 5 felony.
A passenger involved in a Virginia Hit and Run who fails to report the accident within 24 hours will be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor if the accident resulted in less than $250 in damage to unattended property. He will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for failing to report an accident resulting in more than $250 in damage to unattended property or for failing to report an accident resulting in any damage to attended property. If someone was injured or killed, the passenger will be charged with a Class 6 felony.
Contact Hit and Run Attorney in Virginia Jean Humbrecht Today
If you have been charged with a Virginia Hit and Run, contact Hit and Run attorney in Virginia Jean Humbrecht today. An experienced Hit and Run attorney in Virginia can determine any possible defenses you may have and help to obtain the best outcome for your situation.