Leaving the Scene Lawyer Kings County, NY

Facing a leaving the scene charge in Kings County (Brooklyn) can be disorienting, especially if you were involved in an accident and are unsure of your next steps. Whether the incident involved only property damage, minor injuries, or more serious consequences, a conviction carries steep penalties—criminal record, license suspension, heavy fines, and the possibility of jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for individuals charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect your rights and future at every stage. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Leaving the Scene Means in Kings County

New York law requires every driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage or personal injury to stop and exchange information. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, failing to do so—frequently called “leaving the scene” or “hit and run”—is treated as a serious offense. The severity of the charge escalates with the harm caused:

Property damage only: a traffic infraction, but still carries fines and points on your license.
Personal injury: a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Serious physical injury or death: a felony, which can lead to state prison time and a permanent criminal record.

Kings County (Brooklyn) is within New York City, which means some leaving the scene cases are heard in the NYC Criminal Court, while felony charges may proceed in Kings County Supreme Court. The Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handles only non-criminal traffic infractions; leaving the scene cases with injury or felony allegations are criminal matters and are not resolved at the TVB. The Kings County Supreme Court operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Counsel appearing on traffic matters should plan filings accordingly.

Because leaving the scene charges often involve both administrative DMV consequences and criminal court proceedings, early legal guidance can help you understand what you are facing and avoid mistakes that could harm your defense.

How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Leaving the Scene Cases

A leaving the scene charge does not automatically mean a conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Carefully examines the evidence in every case—police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, and any surveillance footage—to identify defenses. Possible strategies include challenging the identification of the driver, showing that the driver was unaware an accident occurred, or demonstrating that the driver did stop and exchange information. The goal is to work toward the most favorable resolution possible, whether that is a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, knows how the state builds leaving the scene cases and can anticipate the arguments prosecutors will make. This background, combined with the experience of the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, helps clients in Brooklyn navigate both the criminal and administrative aspects of their case. The team also assists with DMV hearings to contest license suspensions or revocation orders that may arise from the same incident.

Throughout the process, the firm’s New York location serves clients throughout Kings County, from Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg to Bay Ridge, Crown Heights, and Coney Island. Consultations are by appointment; reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who now devotes his practice to representing individuals facing traffic and criminal charges. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris brings a thorough understanding of how leaving the scene cases are investigated and prosecuted. He 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 contribute extensive collective experience in traffic and criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect the rights of clients in Kings County and across New York. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in New York?

The penalties depend on the severity of the accident and whether anyone was injured. For property damage only, you face fines, license points, and possible license suspension. If someone was injured, the charge becomes a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail, and for serious physical injury or death it becomes a felony carrying state prison time. The court can also order restitution and impose a driver responsibility assessment fee.

Do I need a lawyer for a leaving the scene charge in Kings County?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but leaving the scene charges are serious and can have lasting consequences. A conviction can result in a criminal record, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify possible defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you at court appearances and DMV hearings, which can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

What are some possible defenses to a leaving the scene charge?

Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the driver, and compliance with the duty to stop and exchange information. For example, if the contact between vehicles was minor and the driver reasonably did not realize it happened, that may be a defense. Each case is fact-specific, and the firm’s attorneys investigate thoroughly to determine the strongest approach.

Will a leaving the scene conviction affect my driver’s license?

Yes, a leaving the scene conviction typically leads to license suspension or revocation by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. The length of the suspension depends on the offense level and whether there were prior violations. In addition, the DMV can hold a separate administrative hearing that is independent of the criminal case, so it is important to address both proceedings.

Can leaving the scene charges be dropped or reduced?

It is possible for leaving the scene charges to be dismissed or reduced depending on the circumstances and the strength of the evidence against you. If the prosecution cannot prove the elements beyond a reasonable doubt, or if you present exculpatory evidence, the charges may be dropped. In some situations, an attorney can negotiate a plea to a lesser offense that avoids jail time and some collateral consequences.

What should I do if I am arrested for leaving the scene in Brooklyn?

If you are arrested, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent; do not discuss the incident with anyone until you have spoken with an attorney. Request to speak with a lawyer immediately. Avoid posting about the situation on social media, and take note of any witnesses or evidence you can recall. Early contact with an attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Related Practice Areas:

Authoritative Sources:
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600
NYC Criminal Court
Kings County Supreme Court

Last reviewed: July 2026

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.

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