A hit and run in Passaic County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, potentially classified as a disorderly persons offense or a crime. Leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Passaic County representation from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is critical. Our firm, founded in 1997, has extensive experience handling these sensitive cases at the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage in Paterson.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
New Jersey law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other involved parties and any police officer. If the property owner is not present, you must leave a note with your information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to the nearest police department. Violating these duties constitutes leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called a hit and run. The specific charges and penalties depend on the accident’s severity, governed by N.J.S.A. Title 39, Section 4-129.
External Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s website for N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. Court procedures and locations can be found on the Passaic Vicinage official court website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Passaic County, a hit and run accident charge lawyer must handle the Municipal Court system within the Superior Court Vicinage. These cases are quasi-criminal. Prosecutors often seek significant penalties, especially if there was injury. A common defense strategy involves negotiating to address the failure to stop separately from any underlying moving violation. The court at 77 Hamilton Street in Paterson handles these matters.
- Receive Summons: You will get a summons with a court date for the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with your attorney to review the police report, witness statements, and any evidence like traffic camera footage.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your lawyer will contact the municipal prosecutor to discuss possible resolutions, which may include amending the charge.
- Court Appearance: Attend your hearing. Your attorney will represent you, entering a plea and arguing any motions.
- Resolution or Trial: The case may be resolved through a plea agreement. If not, it will proceed to a trial before a judge.
- Sentencing & Compliance: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for minimal penalties and guide you through fulfilling all court requirements.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Passaic County
In Passaic County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time, with the severity escalating based on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
| Offense Severity | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Only | Traffic Offense / Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 30 days jail | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | 5 points, MVC surcharges |
| Bodily Injury | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months prison | Up to $10,000 | 1-year suspension | Felony record, civil liability |
| Serious Bodily Injury or Death | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years prison | Up to $15,000 | 1-year suspension | Felony record, significant civil suits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we bring substantial resources to your defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation for every client facing a hit and run accident charge in Passaic County.
Case Results & Client Outcomes
While specific locality counts are proprietary, our firm-wide practice has documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. This extensive experience includes successfully defending clients against hit and run and leaving the scene charges across New Jersey.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Passaic County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Passaic County. We represent individuals in Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic City, Totowa, and surrounding communities. If you need a hit and run lawyer Passaic County, we are accessible for meetings by appointment.
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. Meetings by appointment only.
Hit and Run Lawyer Passaic County FAQ
Is a hit and run a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is usually a disorderly persons offense. If the accident caused bodily injury, it’s a fourth-degree crime. If it caused serious bodily injury or death, it’s a third-degree crime, which is a felony under New Jersey law.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene?
First, do not speak to police without an attorney. Then, contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Passaic County immediately. An attorney can secure the police report, identify defenses, and begin communicating with the prosecutor, which is often crucial for a positive outcome.
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 mandates a 6-month license suspension. If the accident involved injury or death, the suspension is for one year. A hit and run lawyer Passaic County can fight to avoid a conviction or seek a reduced charge to prevent suspension.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
Lack of knowledge can be a defense, but it is difficult to prove. The prosecution must prove you knew or should have known an accident occurred. An attorney will investigate the facts, such as the damage to your vehicle and the circumstances, to build this defense if applicable.
How long do I have to report an accident in NJ?
You must stop immediately. If the property owner is not present, you must leave a note and report the accident to the nearest police department “forthwith,” which means without unnecessary delay. Failure to do so can lead to a hit and run charge.
Related Legal Services in Passaic County
If you are facing other charges, we also provide representation for criminal defense, DUI/DWI, and reckless driving in Passaic County. For a full overview of our traffic defense practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a hit and run charge.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.