Hit and Run Lawyer Ontario County, NY

You were driving on Route 96 near Canandaigua when a quick lane change led to a tap on the bumper. Flustered, you drove away – and now you face a hit‑and‑run charge in Ontario County. The offense carries serious potential consequences: license suspension, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and even incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents drivers charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Ontario County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring decades of experience to traffic defense matters and will work to protect your driving privileges and your freedom. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What a Hit and Run Charge Means in Ontario County, NY

New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) defines leaving the scene of an accident – commonly called hit and run – as a driver’s failure to stop, provide information, and render reasonable assistance after a collision. The severity of the charge depends on whether the accident caused only property damage, personal injury, or a fatality. In Ontario County, the local Justice Courts and the Ontario County Supreme Court hear these cases under New York penal and traffic law. The 7th Judicial District governs procedure, and the New York DMV assesses points and administrative penalties against a driver’s license.

For an accident involving only property damage, leaving the scene is a traffic infraction that can result in three points on your license, a fine, and a possible jail sentence of up to 15 days. If someone was injured, the offense becomes a misdemeanor: a conviction can bring up to one year in jail, a significant fine, and a license revocation. When a hit and run causes a fatality, the charge is a felony carrying a mandatory prison sentence. Additionally, the DMV’s Driver Responsibility Assessment imposes an extra fee—$100 to $250 per year for three years—for drivers who accumulate six or more points within 18 months. Ontario County prosecutors take hit and run cases seriously, particularly when the collision occurred on a busy corridor like Routes 5 & 20, State Route 332, or the Thruway (I‑90), where witnesses and surveillance cameras may be available.

Because Ontario County includes both urban centers (Canandaigua, Geneva) and rural stretches, the factual picture of an accident can vary widely. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand how local law enforcement investigates these matters and how evidence – such as paint transfer, security footage, and witness statements – can be challenged in court. They appear regularly in the Ontario County Supreme Court, located at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua, and in the local Town and Village Justice Courts that handle initial traffic matters.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases

When you become a client, the firm begins by gathering the police report, any video evidence, and all available witness information. A hit and run charge often hinges on two key issues: identification of the driver and whether the driver had knowledge of the accident. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether the police properly identified you as the operator and whether the State can prove you were aware that a collision occurred. They also explore whether the accident was so minor that a reasonable person might not have noticed it.

In Ontario County, the prosecution may be handled by the District Attorney’s Office or by a local town prosecutor. The firm’s attorneys negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a reduction to a lesser charge—such as a basic moving violation—or to obtain a dismissal where appropriate. They can also challenge the admissibility of evidence if the police failed to follow proper procedures. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep you informed of court dates and developments, and they prepare you for every appearance. Because every case is unique, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter; however, the firm works diligently to bring each case to a resolution as efficiently as possible.

For clients concerned about their driver’s license, the firm can address the administrative consequences with the DMV. A hit and run conviction can trigger a mandatory revocation or suspension; Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore whether a plea to a different offense can avoid that outcome. They also advise commercial drivers—whose livelihoods depend on a clean record—on the specific CDL disqualification rules that apply under New York law.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how the other side builds a traffic case and uses that insight to defend his clients effectively. He is admitted to the bar in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey, giving him a broad perspective on multi‑state driving issues. Mr. Sris is supported by experienced Of Counsel attorneys who assist with case preparation, motion practice, and trial work. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hit and run and leaving the scene in New York?

Under New York law, “hit and run” and “leaving the scene of an accident” describe the same offense – a driver’s failure to stop, exchange information, and report a collision. The terms are used interchangeably, though “leaving the scene” is the formal statutory name under VTL § 600(1)(a). The classification of the offense – infraction, misdemeanor, or felony – depends on the harm caused by the accident, not the label used by police or the public.

Is hit and run a felony in New York?

A hit and run becomes a felony when the accident results in serious physical injury or death. Leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident is a misdemeanor; leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a Class D felony, carrying a mandatory prison sentence of up to seven years. Property-damage-only hit and run is a traffic infraction, not a criminal offense, though it still brings points and fines.

What should I do if I am involved in an accident in Ontario County?

Stop your vehicle immediately, exchange insurance and registration information with the other driver, and call 911 if anyone is injured. Do not leave the scene, even if the damage appears minimal. Take photos, gather witness contact details, and report the accident to the police if required. If you are unsure what to do, contact a defense attorney before making any statement to law enforcement that could be used against you later.

Can a hit and run charge be reduced in Ontario County?

Yes, an experienced attorney may negotiate a reduction to a lesser traffic offense, such as a basic moving violation, or obtain a dismissal if the State’s evidence is weak. Much depends on whether the prosecution can prove you were the driver and that you knew an accident occurred. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel routinely challenge identification issues and argue that a minor tap did not give the driver reason to know of a collision, which can lead to a favorable resolution.

How long does a traffic case take in New York?

The timeline varies by court caseload, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the case proceeds to trial. A straightforward hit‑and‑run infraction in a local justice court may be resolved in a few months, while a felony case can take much longer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will give you a realistic estimate once they assess the specific facts and the assigned judge’s calendar.

How much does a traffic lawyer cost in New York?

Fees vary by case complexity, the attorney’s experience, and whether the matter is an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Discusses fees during the initial consultation. The firm’s goal is to provide capable representation at a cost that reflects the work required; contact (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.

What are the penalties for a hit and run in New York?

Penalties range from a fine and three license points for a property-damage-only infraction to up to seven years in prison for a fatal accident. A misdemeanor conviction for leaving the scene of a personal‑injury accident can result in a one‑year jail sentence, a fine of up to $1,000, and a license revocation. The court may also impose a mandatory driver responsibility assessment of $250 per year for three years if you accumulate six or more points.

Can traffic charges be dropped in New York?

Yes, if the prosecution cannot prove every element of the offense or if a procedural error occurred, the court may dismiss the charge. Common reasons for dismissal include insufficient evidence that you were the driver, a failure to prove you knew of the accident, or a violation of your constitutional rights during the investigation. An attorney can identify these weaknesses and file the appropriate motion.

What is the statute of limitations for a hit and run in New York?

The statute of limitations depends on the classification of the offense. For a non‑criminal traffic infraction, the state generally has one year to commence a prosecution. A misdemeanor charge must be brought within two years, and a felony charge within five years. If you believe a charge may be time‑barred, you should consult an attorney immediately to preserve that defense.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Ontario County?

Yes – even a minor leaving‑the‑scene infraction can result in points, insurance surcharges, and a license suspension that affects your daily life. An attorney can evaluate the strength of the State’s case, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present mitigating facts to the court. Because the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office handles many hit and run matters involving tourists and commercial drivers passing through the Finger Lakes, having local legal knowledge is an advantage. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

Hit and Run Lawyer in Nearby New York Counties

• New York County (Manhattan) Traffic Lawyer
• Kings County (Brooklyn) Traffic Lawyer
• Queens County (Queens) Traffic Lawyer
• Richmond County (Staten Island) Traffic Lawyer
• Nassau County (Long Island) Traffic Lawyer

Official New York Traffic Law Sources

NY DMV – Traffic Tickets & Violations
Ontario County Supreme Court (7th Judicial District)
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT)

Last reviewed: June 2026

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