Hit and Run Lawyer Kings County, NY
If you are facing a hit and run charge in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, the decision you make about legal representation can affect your driving privileges, your criminal record, and your future. A charge of leaving the scene of an accident—whether it involves property damage, personal injury, or a fatality—is handled in the Kings County criminal courts, not through the Traffic Violations Bureau that processes routine traffic tickets. These are criminal matters that can carry license suspension, substantial fines, and in serious cases incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents drivers throughout the five boroughs, including Brooklyn, who have been accused of failing to stop or failing to report after a motor vehicle incident. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Hit and Run Charge Means in Kings County
In New York State, the duty to stop and identify oneself after an accident is defined in the Vehicle and Traffic Law. A violation of these provisions—commonly called hit and run or leaving the scene—can be charged as a traffic infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony depending on the circumstances. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these offenses in either the NYC Criminal Court in Brooklyn or, for felony-level charges, the Kings County Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street. The firm’s New York location represents clients at both courthouses.
Because Brooklyn has dense street traffic and a high volume of pedestrian and cyclist activity, an accident that results in a hit and run allegation can have heightened visibility and may be investigated actively. A driver who is accused of striking another vehicle, a person, or property and then departing without fulfilling the statutory reporting requirements faces a proceeding that can move quickly and involve both the criminal justice system and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Understanding the procedural landscape in Kings County—where cases may be handled in various parts depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or an indicted felony—is essential to protecting your rights.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Hit and Run Cases
Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, has practiced since 1997 and appears in New York courts on behalf of drivers accused of traffic-related criminal offenses. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in criminal defense and traffic law. Together, they evaluate the state’s evidence, including accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and any admissions the driver may have made. A central question in many leaving-the-scene cases is whether the driver knew or had reason to know that an accident had occurred—an element the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defense counsel reviews the statutory elements under the applicable sections of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and examines whether the prosecution can satisfy its burden. Where the evidence does not support the charge as filed, the firm advocates for a reduction or dismissal. In cases that proceed further, the firm’s lawyers prepare for hearings and trial, working toward an outcome that minimizes the impact on the client’s license and record. The firm’s approach does not promise any specific result; each situation is evaluated on its own facts.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and is admitted to practice in New York as well as four other jurisdictions. He has tried cases before state and federal courts and testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—independent, non-employee lawyers who contract directly with the firm—include practitioners with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and criminal defense. For traffic matters in Kings County, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys draw on their collective courtroom experience to represent clients facing charges such as leaving the scene, reckless driving, and related offenses. The firm does not quantify its overall case volume; each matter is handled attentively, and the legal team works to achieve a resolution favorable to the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal definition of leaving the scene of an accident in New York?
New York law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage or personal injury to stop, exchange information, and report the incident to law enforcement. The specific obligation depends on the type and severity of the accident. Under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, a failure to stop or to fulfill the reporting requirement can lead to charges ranging from a traffic infraction to a felony. The prosecution must prove the driver knew that an accident had occurred and willfully omitted to stop or report. If you have been charged, the precise statutory section cited in your case will determine the potential exposure.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Kings County, Brooklyn?
Yes—a hit and run charge in Kings County is a criminal matter that can result in a permanent record, license consequences, and even incarceration. A lawyer can evaluate whether the prosecution can establish that you were aware of the accident and intentionally left the scene. Legal counsel also negotiates with the prosecutor, prepares any defense, and advises you on how to handle the dual proceedings—criminal court and the DMV. Because this is not handled as a simple traffic ticket, having an experienced defense attorney is critical.
Which court handles hit and run cases in Kings County?
Hit and run charges are heard in either the NYC Criminal Court in Brooklyn or the Kings County Supreme Court, depending on the level of the offense. Misdemeanor charges are typically heard in the Criminal Court; felony charges are indicted and proceed in Supreme Court. Cases do not go through the Traffic Violations Bureau, which handles only non-criminal traffic infractions. The court location matters for procedural timing and the judge assigned, but the firm appears in both venues on behalf of clients. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss the specifics of your case.
What are the possible penalties for leaving the scene in New York?
Penalties vary widely depending on whether the incident involved property damage, personal injury, or a fatality. For a property-damage-only hit and run, the offense may be a violation or a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, surcharges, and license points. Incidents involving injury can elevate the charge, and if a death resulted, the potential sentence is substantially greater. In addition to criminal sanctions, the DMV may suspend or revoke driving privileges. The court considers many factors, and the consequences differ from case to case.
How do I find the right hit and run attorney in Brooklyn?
Look for a lawyer who practices regularly in Kings County criminal courts and understands the procedural nuances of New York’s hit and run statutes. An attorney who is familiar with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the local judiciary can guide you through the process. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has appeared in Brooklyn courts and accepts cases throughout the five boroughs. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Related practice areas: Manhattan Hit and Run Lawyer, Queens Hit and Run Lawyer, Staten Island Hit and Run Lawyer, Long Island Hit and Run Lawyer. For a broader overview, visit our New York traffic defense practice.
Authoritative sources: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600 (leaving scene), Kings County Supreme Court, New York DMV.
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. Consultation available by appointment; reach our location at (888) 437-7747.