Hit and Run Lawyer Ontario County, NY

Hit and run charges in Ontario County, New York, can arise from a motor-vehicle accident on
the region’s highways and backroads, from the New York State Thruway (I-90) to the local
routes through Canandaigua, Geneva, and Victor. A driver who leaves the scene of an accident
without stopping and providing required information faces serious legal consequences under
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.,
and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals charged with leaving the scene
offenses in Ontario County courts, including the Ontario County Supreme Court and local justice
courts. Our firm, practicing traffic law since 1997, serves clients across the Finger Lakes
region and throughout New York. To discuss your hit and run matter, call
(888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What a Hit and Run Charge Means in Ontario County

Under New York law, a driver involved in an accident must stop immediately at the scene,
exchange information, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. Failure to do
so constitutes a leaving-the-scene offense, commonly referred to as a hit and run. The
severity of the charge depends on the nature of the accident—whether it resulted only in
property damage, caused personal injury, or involved a fatality. In Ontario County, these
cases are heard in the Ontario County Supreme Court, located in Canandaigua, or in one of
the county’s town or village justice courts, depending on the level of the offense.

Ontario County sits within New York’s 7th Judicial District, and local law enforcement
agencies—including the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments—investigate
accidents throughout the county. A hit and run investigation often includes witness statements,
accident reconstruction, and forensic evidence. Because the stakes can include
administrative license penalties from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles as well as
criminal or traffic court proceedings, an informed response is important. Drivers facing a hit
and run charge in communities such as Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, or Phelps
should understand that the matter requires careful attention from the start.

The firm’s familiarity with Ontario County courts means that clients receive practical guidance
tailored to local procedure. While every case is different, a hit and run charge in this region
typically proceeds through an arraignment, a pretrial conference, and potentially a trial or a
negotiated disposition. The court’s calendar and the approach of the prosecuting agency both
shape the timeline.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Hit and Run Cases

When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents a client charged with leaving the scene in Ontario
County, the first step is a thorough review of the incident: the traffic stop, the accident
report, witness accounts, and any available video or electronic data. Mr. Sris and the firm’s
Of Counsel attorneys examine whether the evidence shows that the driver actually knew an
accident occurred, whether the required stop and exchange of information took place, and
whether any procedural deficiencies exist in the investigation. Every detail matters.

In many cases, the defense pursues a narrative that challenges the prosecution’s
characterization of the driver’s intent. A person may have been unaware of the collision, or
may have pulled over a short distance away. Sometimes, the reporting party’s account
contains inaccuracies. By working methodically through the facts, the firm positions the case
for the favorable outcomes—whether that is dismissal, reduction to a lesser traffic
infraction, or a favorable resolution at trial. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the
firm’s Of Counsel attorneys keep the client informed of developments and the range of
possible results. The goal is always a well-prepared defense that protects the client’s
driving privileges and record.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded
the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of
Columbia, and New Jersey. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him insight
into how traffic and criminal charges are built and litigated. Mr. Sris testified before the
Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David
Bulova).

Attorneys Of Counsel to the firm bring additional courtroom experience, allowing the firm to
serve clients across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas. Every client receives
representation grounded in a careful review of the facts and the applicable law. To request a
consultation with Mr. Sris or to learn more about how the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can
assist with a hit and run matter in Ontario County, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a hit and run in New York?

Under New York law, a hit and run—also called leaving the scene of an accident—occurs when a driver involved in a collision fails to stop, provide their name and address, exhibit their driver’s license, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. The obligation applies regardless of who caused the accident. The offense is defined by the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and can be charged as a traffic infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony, depending on the severity of the resulting damage or injury.

What are the possible consequences of a hit and run conviction in Ontario County?

A hit and run conviction can lead to fines, points on your driving record, license suspension or revocation, and, in cases involving injury or death, incarceration. The New York DMV assigns points to convictions for leaving the scene, which can trigger a driver responsibility assessment and increased auto insurance premiums. The specific penalty depends on the level of the offense and the driver’s prior record. A court may also order restitution for property damage or medical expenses.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge?

Yes. A hit and run charge is a serious legal matter that can affect your driving privileges, your criminal record, and your livelihood. An experienced traffic attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural defenses, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Without counsel, a driver may inadvertently make statements that harm the defense. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing leaving-the-scene charges throughout Ontario County and can explain your options.

How does the firm handle hit and run cases in Ontario County?

The firm begins by obtaining all police reports, witness statements, and any available video or photographic evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys then analyze whether the prosecution can prove every element of the offense. Common defense strategies include challenging whether the driver knew an accident occurred, whether the driver actually failed to stop, or whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. The firm works toward the trusted attainable resolution, whether that is dismissal, reduction to a non-criminal offense, or a trial.

Can a hit and run charge be reduced or dismissed?

In many cases, yes. A charge of leaving the scene may be reduced to a lesser traffic infraction if the evidence of knowledge or failure to stop is weak, or if the prosecutor agrees to a negotiated plea. Dismissal may be possible when procedural errors exist or when the evidence is insufficient. The outcome depends on the specific facts of the incident and the skill of the defense. Results vary; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result

What should I do immediately after being charged with a hit and run in Ontario County?

Contact a traffic defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not discuss the incident with police or the other party beyond what is legally required. Preserve any dashcam or cellphone video that may have captured the event, and keep notes of your recollections while they are fresh. Follow your attorney’s instructions regarding court appearances and DMV hearings. Prompt action helps protect your rights. For guidance, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Additional New York Traffic Defense Resources:
Manhattan traffic lawyer |
Brooklyn traffic lawyer |
Nassau County traffic lawyer

Official Resources:
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law |
Ontario County Supreme Court |
New York State Courts

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.