Hit and Run Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in New Jersey is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying penalties from fines and points to jail time. If you are facing a hit and run accident charge, you need a dedicated hit and run lawyer New Jersey from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident is governed by statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. 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. Failing to do so constitutes the offense of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called a hit and run. The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome: property damage only, personal injury, or death.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 on the New Jersey Legislature website. Court procedures and forms can be found at the New Jersey Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In New Jersey, a hit and run accident charge is heard in the Municipal Court where the violation occurred. These are quasi-criminal proceedings. A common defense strategy for a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence that you were the driver or that you knew an accident occurred.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a ticket or summons ordering you to appear in Municipal Court on a specific date.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a hit and run lawyer New Jersey immediately to review the charges and evidence against you.
- Case Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your lawyer may meet with the prosecutor before your court date to discuss possible plea negotiations or case dismissal.
- Court Appearance: You and your attorney will appear in Municipal Court for a hearing or trial before a judge.
- Resolution: The case concludes through a dismissal, plea agreement, or trial verdict.
Potential Penalties for a New Jersey Hit and Run
In New Jersey, a hit and run conviction carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension, fines, and potential jail time, with penalties escalating sharply if the accident caused injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Traffic Offense | Up to 30 days | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | 2 points; possible civil liability |
| Hit & Run (Bodily Injury) | Traffic Offense / Crime | Up to 180 days | $2,500 – $5,000 | 1-year suspension | Possible 3rd-degree crime charge; 5 points |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (State Prison) | Up to $150,000 | Revocation | Mandatory community service; permanent record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive representation. We understand the immediate and long-term consequences of a hit and run accident charge, from license suspension to skyrocketing insurance premiums, and we fight to protect your driving privileges and future.
Our Experience with Hit and Run Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of handling traffic violations, including hit and run charges. While specific local results vary, our firm-wide track includes 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 Lawyer Near Hunterdon County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients across all 21 counties, including Hunterdon County. We represent individuals at the Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage in Flemington.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Flemington, Clinton, and Lambertville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hit and run a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a traffic offense. However, if the accident causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a second, third, or fourth-degree crime, which are indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies in other states).
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in NJ?
First, do not speak to police without an attorney. Then, immediately contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer New Jersey. An attorney can secure the police report, investigate the circumstances, and begin building your defense, which may involve showing you were unaware of the accident or that you returned to the scene.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in NJ?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage carries a mandatory 6-month license suspension. If the accident caused injury, the suspension is one year. A hit and run involving a death results in license revocation.
How can a hit and run lawyer New Jersey help me?
A hit and run lawyer New Jersey can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges (e.g., to careless driving), argue for minimized penalties, and represent you at trial. Their goal is to avoid a conviction or lessen its impact on your license and record.
What are the long-term consequences of a hit and run conviction?
Beyond fines and suspension, a conviction adds points to your license, triggers significant NJ MVC surcharges for three years, and can cause your auto insurance premiums to increase drastically. A criminal charge for injury or death creates a permanent criminal record.
For more information, see our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Somerset County and with related matters such as criminal defense in Hunterdon County.
Last verified: April 2026. 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.