A hit and run accident charge lawyer Cumberland County handles leaving the scene of an accident cases under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, which can be a serious traffic offense or even a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for drivers in Bridgeton and Vineland. A hit and run lawyer Cumberland County can challenge evidence and negotiate for reduced penalties.
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
In New Jersey, a hit and run, formally known as leaving the scene of an accident, is governed by statute. The law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop, provide their information, and render reasonable assistance. Failure to do so constitutes the offense. The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome: property damage only, bodily injury, or serious bodily injury/death.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Cumberland Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Title 39, Section 4-129. Court procedures and local rules for Cumberland County are available on the New Jersey Courts website for the Cumberland Vicinage.
Local Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Cumberland County, hit and run cases are heard in the Municipal Court located at the Superior Court complex in Bridgeton. These are quasi-criminal proceedings. A key local procedural fact is that New Jersey’s point and surcharge system adds significant long-term costs to a conviction. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Cumberland County can often negotiate to reduce a charge from a more serious injury-related offense to a property damage offense, which carries fewer points and avoids mandatory license suspension.
- Receive the summons and complaint detailing the hit and run charge.
- Consult with a hit and run lawyer Cumberland County to review the police report and evidence.
- Appear for your arraignment in Bridgeton Municipal Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney may engage in pre-trial negotiations with the municipal prosecutor.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before the municipal judge.
- Address any sentencing, which may include fines, community service, or license suspension.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene
In Cumberland County, a hit and run conviction carries penalties ranging from fines and points to potential jail time, depending on the severity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Traffic Offense | None | $200 – $400 | 2 points | NJ Surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 180 days | $2,500 – $5,000 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Community service, NJ Surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Serious Injury/Death | Crime of the 3rd Degree (Felony) | 3-5 years | $15,000 max | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record, significant surcharges |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We focus on building a strong defense by examining the details of the accident scene, the validity of the identification, and whether the driver had knowledge of the accident—a key element the prosecution must prove in a hit and run case.
Case Results
While specific Cumberland County hit and run results are protected by confidentiality, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our approach. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Defense Near Cumberland County
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Cumberland County, including Bridgeton, Vineland, and Millville. We provide representation for hit and run accident charges at the Cumberland Vicinage courts.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hit and run a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a traffic offense. If the accident caused serious bodily injury or death, it is a third-degree felony (indictable crime) under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Cumberland County?
First, do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Cumberland County immediately. Your attorney will obtain the police report, review the evidence against you, and begin building a defense, which may involve challenging whether you knew an accident occurred or negotiating a reduction in charges.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in NJ?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury carries a mandatory one-year driver’s license suspension. A property damage-only conviction adds points but does not carry a mandatory suspension, though accumulated points can lead to suspension.
How can a lawyer help with a hit and run accident charge?
A hit and run accident charge lawyer Cumberland County can investigate the scene, question witness identification, argue you lacked knowledge of the accident, and negotiate with the prosecutor. The goal is often to reduce the charge to avoid a license suspension and minimize points and insurance surcharges.
What are the long-term costs of a hit and run conviction?
Beyond fines and possible jail time, a conviction adds points to your license. New Jersey’s surcharge system can cost you $100 per year for three years for each point over six. A conviction also leads to significant increases in your auto insurance premiums for years.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a hit and run charge, you may also want to learn about New Jersey reckless driving defense. For other legal issues in the area, consider our pages on Cumberland County criminal defense or Cumberland County DUI/DWI defense.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current advice regarding a hit and run charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.