Leaving the scene of an accident in Staten Island, New York, is a serious offense under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, carrying penalties from a traffic infraction to a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Richmond County. You need a Leaving the Scene Lawyer Staten Island who understands local court procedures.
Leaving the Scene Lawyer Staten Island, New York
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 600, leaving the scene of an accident — commonly called hit and run — occurs when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop, provide identification, or render aid. The law applies to accidents involving property damage, personal injury, or death. If you are involved in an accident, you must immediately stop, exchange information with the other party, and report the accident to the police if there is injury or significant property damage. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defending these cases in Staten Island.
Last verified: April 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | NY VTL § 600 (New York State Senate — official site)
For the full text of the statute, see NY VTL § 600 (New York State Senate — official site). For information on court procedures in Richmond County, visit Richmond County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov — official site).
In Richmond County Supreme Court and NYC Criminal Court — Staten Island, prosecutors routinely pursue leaving the scene charges aggressively, especially when injury or significant property damage is involved. We have observed that early intervention by a skilled hit and run defense lawyer Staten Island can often prevent charges from being filed or reduce their severity.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all evidence, including photos, videos, and police reports.
- Contact a fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Staten Island immediately.
- Attend all court hearings as required.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice on plea negotiations or trial strategy.
In Staten Island, New York, leaving the scene of an accident carries penalties ranging from a traffic infraction to a felony, depending on the severity of the accident.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving scene — property damage only | Traffic infraction | Up to 15 days | Up to $250 | Possible suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Leaving scene — personal injury | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | Mandatory suspension | Criminal record, driver responsibility assessment |
| Leaving scene — death | Class E felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | Mandatory revocation | Felony record, potential civil liability |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled extensive criminal defense experience in Staten Island. Our team understands the local court system and works tirelessly to protect your rights.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While specific case results for Staten Island are not available, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 400 miles from Richmond County Supreme Court, with access via I-278, Staten Island Expressway, and West Shore Expressway. We serve the communities of Staten Island (St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, Port Richmond). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fight a traffic ticket in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
Usually yes, if the charge carries demerit points or criminal exposure. Prepaying a ticket is a guilty plea — it adds points to your record, may raise insurance for years, and cannot be undone. At NYS Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB — NYC/Buffalo/Rochester) or Richmond County (Staten Island) local Justice Court, an attorney can negotiate reductions, present calibration and technical defenses, and in many cases avoid conviction entirely. Reckless driving, DUI, and suspended-license charges should never be paid without consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in New York?
Under NY VTL § 600, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail. If the accident involves injury or death, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) or a Class E felony (up to 4 years in prison).
Can a hit and run charge be reduced in Staten Island?
It depends. In Richmond County Supreme Court and NYC Criminal Court — Staten Island, prosecutors may consider reducing a felony leaving the scene charge to a misdemeanor if there is no serious injury, the driver stopped shortly after, or there is no prior criminal record. An experienced hit and run defense lawyer Staten Island can negotiate these reductions.
Do I need a lawyer for a fleeing accident scene charge in Staten Island?
Yes. A fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Staten Island is critical because these charges carry potential jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. An attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to avoid a conviction.
For more information, visit our DWAI Lawyer Bronx page. You may also be interested in DWAI Lawyer New York or DWAI Lawyer Nassau County. For related practice areas, see DWI Lawyer Richmond County or DWI Lawyer Staten Island.
Last updated: 2026-04-30