Hit and Run Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defenses?
A hit and run accident charge lawyer Bergen County can be critical if you are accused of leaving the scene of an accident. In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, with penalties that escalate based on property damage or injury.
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
New Jersey law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other involved parties and any police officer. If the property owner is not present, you must leave a note with your information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to the police within one hour. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the offense of leaving the scene, commonly called hit and run.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, outlines specific penalties. For accidents involving only property damage, it is a disorderly persons offense. If the accident causes injury or death, the charges become indictable crimes (felonies). The severity hinges on the facts of the case, making early intervention by a hit and run lawyer Bergen County essential.
Local Court Process for Hit and Run Charges in Bergen County
Hit and run cases in Bergen County are heard in the Municipal Court located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. These are quasi-criminal proceedings. The process begins with a summons or complaint. An experienced leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Bergen County can review the evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and any video footage, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Receive the Summons: You will get a ticket or complaint specifying the hit and run charge and your court date.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a hit and run accident charge lawyer Bergen County immediately to discuss the details and potential defenses.
- Case Review & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain discovery, review evidence, and investigate the scene and circumstances.
- Court Appearance & Negotiation: Your lawyer will appear with you, potentially negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable resolution, and present your defense if the case goes to trial.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted, your attorney will argue for minimal penalties. If a plea is reached or you are found not guilty, the matter is resolved.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a hit and run conviction carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension, fines, potential jail time, and points that trigger costly NJ surcharges.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 30 days | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | 2 points; Insurance surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Court Discretion | 1-year suspension (minimum) | Felony record; Significant surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years | Court Discretion | 1-year suspension (minimum) | Felony record; Life-altering penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) also imposes surcharges. Drivers with 6 or more points pay $100 per year for each point over 6, for three years. A hit and run conviction adds points and can lead to an “Unsafe Driver” surcharge of $250 per year for three years.
Our Experience with Traffic Defense in New Jersey
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience includes over 120 combined years in practice and more than 4,739 documented case results. We focus on providing clear, direct legal defense. Our approach is to analyze the specific facts of your hit and run charge and develop a case-specific strategy for the Bergen County court.
Case Results
While we maintain firm-wide statistics of 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%, every case is unique. Our hit and run lawyer Bergen County evaluates each situation individually to seek the best possible result, which may include dismissal, reduction of charges, or minimization of penalties.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Bergen County Municipal Court in Hackensack. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need a hit and run lawyer near Hackensack, Fort Lee, or Paramus, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Serving: Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, Lyndhurst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leaving the scene of an accident a criminal charge in NJ?
Yes. Depending on whether there was property damage, injury, or death, it is charged as a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime (felony). You need a lawyer immediately.
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Bergen County?
First, do not speak to police without an attorney. Then, contact a hit and run lawyer Bergen County who can get the police report, review the evidence, and start building your defense for your Municipal Court date in Hackensack.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in New Jersey?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension, ranging from 6 months to a year or more, depending on the severity of the accident.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Defenses can include lack of knowledge you were in an accident, mistaken identity, emergency circumstances, or that you fulfilled your duty to report. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Bergen County can determine which arguments apply to your case.
How many points is a hit and run in NJ?
A hit and run involving only property damage results in 2 points on your driving record. Points trigger New Jersey’s costly insurance surcharge system, adding hundreds of dollars in annual fees.
Related Pages: New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer | Hunterdon County Traffic Lawyer | Bergen County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.