A hit and run accident charge lawyer Union County defends you against leaving the scene of an accident charges under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. In Union County, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious traffic offense that can be a disorderly persons offense or a crime, depending on injuries. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Hit and Run Law and Penalties
New Jersey law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to stop immediately and provide their information. Failing to do so constitutes leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run. The specific statute is N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances of the accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling complex traffic cases like hit and run across New Jersey.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Title 39, Section 4-129. Court procedures for Union County are managed by the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Union County
In Union County, a hit and run charge is handled as a quasi-criminal matter in Municipal Court, which is part of the Superior Court Vicinage system. The Key Local Procedural Fact is that New Jersey treats traffic offenses like hit and run seriously, with plea bargaining often used to reduce charges from a more severe offense like leaving the scene of an accident with injury to a lesser violation, potentially saving you from criminal penalties and extensive license points.
- Receive Your Summons: You will receive a summons to appear at the Union County Municipal Court at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth.
- Initial Consultation with Counsel: Discuss the details of your case with your attorney to build a defense strategy.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may engage in plea negotiations with the municipal prosecutor to seek a charge reduction.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or Dismissal: The judge will issue a verdict; if guilty, penalties are imposed based on the statute.
- Post-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file appeals or motions for reconsideration if necessary.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in New Jersey
In Union County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties including fines, jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record, with the exact punishment determined by whether the accident involved property damage, injury, or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Traffic Offense / Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 30 days jail | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | 5 points, insurance surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years prison | Up to $15,000 | 1-year suspension minimum | Felony record, civil liability |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | Revocation | Felony record, severe civil liability |
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. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we have the depth of knowledge needed for complex traffic defenses. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on all major cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Union County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our approach involves meticulously reviewing police reports, witness statements, and accident details to challenge the prosecution’s assertion that you knowingly left the scene.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Union County courts. We serve communities throughout the area including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hit and Run in Union County
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Union County?
Contact a hit and run lawyer Union County immediately. Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Your lawyer will obtain the complaint, police report, and any evidence to build your defense, which may involve showing you were unaware of the accident or that you returned to the scene.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a criminal offense in NJ?
It depends. Leaving the scene with only property damage is typically a disorderly persons offense. If the accident caused injury or death, it becomes a felony (3rd or 2nd degree crime). A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Union County can explain the specific charges you face.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in New Jersey?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident carries a mandatory license suspension. For property damage, suspension is up to 6 months. For accidents involving injury or death, the suspension is at least one year and can be a revocation. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Union County may seek alternatives to minimize this impact.
What are the insurance consequences of a hit and run conviction?
A conviction will likely cause your insurance premiums to increase significantly or lead to policy cancellation. New Jersey also imposes surcharges through its Motor Vehicle Commission. You will be assessed $100 per year for three years for each point over six on your license, and a hit and run conviction adds 5-8 points.
What defenses are available for a hit and run charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the accident, mistaken identity, returning to the scene, or necessity. An experienced hit and run lawyer Union County will investigate to see if the prosecution can prove you knowingly left the scene, which is a required element of the charge.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Union County, DUI/DWI charges, and family law matters. For a broader view of our traffic defense practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Somerset County and Bergen County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your 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.