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Virginia Hit and Run Charges
November 3, 2017 by Jean Humbrecht
A Virginia Hit and Run is also known as Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Both drivers and passengers have a duty under Virginia law to make sure that an accident was properly reported. Failure to report an accident by either a driver or passenger can result in Virginia Hit and Run charges. For more information on Virginia Hit and Run charges, read the post below.
What Are Virginia Hit and Run Charges?
Jail and Fines Are Some of the Many Possible Penalties for Virginia Hit and Run Charges
Virginia Hit and Run charges need to be taken seriously. Virginia Hit and Run charges are punished with jail (or prison), fines, DMV demerit points, and driver’s license suspension or revocation.
Virginia Hit and Run Charges: Failing to Report an Accident
Virginia law requires any driver involved in a car accident to give the other driver or property owner his name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. If the driver cannot locate the other property owner, he must leave a note with this information, in addition to his contact information, the date, time, and location of the accident, and a description of the property damage. He must also report the accident to the police within 24 hours. The driver also has a duty to render aid to anyone injured as a result of the accident if it appears necessary or the person requests such aid.
Virginia Hit and Run Charges Involving Property Damage
Virginia Hit and Run charges involving damage to unoccupied property are misdemeanors. If the damage was less than $250, the Hit and Run charge is a Class 4 misdemeanor. The offender can be fined up to $250 and the DMV will assess 3 demerit points to his Virginia driving record.
If the accident resulted in more than $250 in property damage, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and 3 DMV demerit points. If the damage exceeded $500, the driver’s license can be suspended up to 6 months and the DMV will assess 4 demerit points to the offender’s driving record.
Virginia Hit and Run charges involving damage to occupied property can be misdemeanors or felonies. If the damage was less than $1,000, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and 4 DMV points. Additionally, the driver’s license can be suspended for up to 6 months if the accident resulted in more than $500 in property damage. If the property damage was more than $1,000, the offense is a Class 5 felony, punished with up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, 6 DMV demerit points, and driver’s license revocation for one year.
Click here for more information on Virginia Hit and Run charges involving unoccupied property.
Click here for more information on Virginia Hit and Run charges involving occupied property.
Virginia Hit and Run Charges Resulting in Injury or Death
If someone died as a result of a Hit and Run in Virginia, the offender will also be charged with a Class 5 felony. This offense is punished with up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, 6 DMV demerit points, and driver’s license revocation for one year.
Click here for more information on Virginia Hit and Run charges resulting in injury or death.
Virginia Hit and Run Charges Involving Passengers
A passenger has a duty to report a car accident within 24 hours if he knows the driver did not make the required report. If a passenger fails to report the accident, he will be charged with a Hit and Run. If the accident resulted in less than $250 in damage to unoccupied property, the offense is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250. If the accident resulted in property damage over $250, to either unoccupied or occupied property, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. There is an additional penalty of driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months if the property damage exceeded $500. If the accident resulted in injury or death, the passenger will be charged with a Class 6 felony. This offense is punished with up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and driver’s license revocation for one year.
Click here for more information on Hit and Run charges in Virginia involving a passenger’s failure to report.