Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 600, a driver involved in an accident must stop, provide their name and address, and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured. Failure to do so constitutes a hit and run offense. The severity of the charge depends on the damage or injury caused. If only property damage occurs, it is a traffic infraction. If someone is injured or killed, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor or Class E felony, respectively. The New York County Supreme Court and NYC Criminal Court — Manhattan handle these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | NY Senate — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of the statute, see NY VTL § 600 (New York State Senate — official site).
For court information, visit New York County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov — official site).
In the New York County Supreme Court, prosecutors routinely treat hit and run charges with heightened scrutiny, especially when injuries are alleged. We have observed that early intervention — before charges are formally filed — can sometimes prevent a felony filing.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident.
- Exchange information with the other party.
- Do not admit fault or apologize.
- Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer New York immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including photos and witness contacts.
- Attend all court hearings with your attorney.
In New York County (Manhattan), a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from a fine of up to $250 for property damage to up to 4 years in prison for a felony involving injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving scene — property damage only | Traffic infraction | Up to 15 days | Up to $250 | Possible suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Leaving scene — injury | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | License suspension | Criminal record, possible jail |
| Leaving scene — death | Class E felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Felony record, prison time |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Advocacy Without Borders — our firm is committed to providing aggressive representation for clients facing hit and run charges in New York County (Manhattan).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 370 miles from the New York County Supreme Court, with access via I-90 and I-87. We serve clients throughout New York County (Manhattan).
Hit and Run Lawyer New York near New York County (Manhattan).
Serving the communities of Manhattan (Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Charges in New York
Should I fight a traffic ticket in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Usually yes, if the charge carries demerit points or criminal exposure. Prepaying a ticket is a guilty plea — it adds points to your record, may raise insurance for years, and cannot be undone. At NYS Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB — NYC/Buffalo/Rochester) or New York County (Manhattan) local Justice Court, an attorney can negotiate reductions, present calibration and technical defenses, and in many cases avoid conviction entirely. Reckless driving, DUI, and suspended-license charges should never be paid without consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in New York?
It depends on the severity. Under NY VTL § 600, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250 and possible jail time up to 15 days. If injury or death occurs, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) or Class E felony (up to 4 years prison). The court handling these cases is the New York County Supreme Court or NYC Criminal Court — Manhattan.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced in New York County (Manhattan)?
Yes. In New York County (Manhattan), prosecutors may consider reducing a hit and run charge to a lesser offense like a traffic infraction if there are mitigating factors — such as no injuries, minimal property damage, or a clean driving record. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer New York can negotiate with the District Attorney’s office in the New York County Supreme Court to seek a reduction.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in New York?
Yes. A hit and run charge in New York carries serious consequences including jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer New York can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and negotiate for reduced charges or dismissal. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive experience handling these cases.
What should I do if I am facing a hit and run charge in New York?
Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer New York immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New York law require prompt action.
Related pages:
- DWAI Lawyer Bronx (State hub)
- DWAI Lawyer Nassau County (Sibling locality)
- DWAI Lawyer Westchester County (Sibling locality)
- DWI Lawyer New York (Related practice area)
- DWI Lawyer Manhattan (Related practice area)
Last verified: April 2026