Hit and Run Lawyer Kings County, NY
You were on the BQE when the accident happened
You were driving on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway near the Atlantic Avenue exit, or maybe on Flatbush Avenue in downtown Brooklyn. Traffic was heavy. Your bumper tapped the car ahead, but you thought it was nothing—so you kept going. Days later a detective shows up at your door. Now you’re facing a leaving-the-scene charge in Kings County, and you’re not sure what comes next. The stress of a potential criminal record, license suspension, and the unknown court process can feel overwhelming. Having an experienced hit-and-run lawyer who understands Kings County courts can make all the difference.
Strategy Options for Your Hit and Run Case
Every leaving-the-scene matter starts with a careful review of what the prosecution must prove. Was there actually an accident? Did you know or have reason to know that personal injury or property damage occurred? The identity of the driver is often challenged. An effective defense may involve gathering traffic camera footage, locating witnesses, or establishing that you reasonably believed you had exchanged information. In some situations, we work to demonstrate that you stopped but were not aware of the obligations to report. In others, we negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a reduction to a less serious traffic infraction, keeping the incident off your criminal record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the facts, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and build a defense tailored to the specific circumstances and to the practice of the Kings County courts where your case will be heard.
What to Expect in Kings County Court
Hit and run charges in Kings County are generally prosecuted in the New York City Criminal Court (for misdemeanors) or in Kings County Supreme Court (for felony-level offenses involving serious physical injury or death). Your first appearance will be an arraignment where you are formally advised of the charges and a plea is entered. From there, the case proceeds through discovery and motion practice, with possible resolution conference dates. The Brooklyn courthouse at 360 Adams Street handles high-volume traffic matters, and the assistant district attorney assigned to your case will have specific instructions from the District Attorney’s office. Because Kings County is one of the busiest jurisdictions in New York, the timeline for your case can depend heavily on the court’s docket and the complexity of the evidence. Having counsel who is familiar with the assigned court part, the AJL (administrative judge) expectations, and the discovery compliance requirements can reduce uncertainty and help you navigate the process effectively.
Penalty Overview – A Narrative Look
New York treats leaving the scene of an accident seriously, and the penalties can escalate sharply if the accident involved injury or death. A conviction for a misdemeanor leaving-the-scene charge can result in a driver’s license revocation, a fine, and up to a year in jail. If the charge is a felony because the accident caused serious physical injury, a conviction can lead to state prison time, a permanent criminal record, and the long-term collateral consequences that come with a felony conviction—difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, and immigration repercussions for non-citizens. Even if no one was injured, a conviction for leaving the scene of property damage still carries points on your driving record, elevated insurance premiums, and potential license sanctions. The actual penalties are determined by the specific charges filed, your driving history, and the judge’s assessment of the facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to seek the trusted resolution under the circumstances, whether that means negotiating a reduction, fighting the charges at trial, or securing a conditional discharge.
Attorney Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and brings the insight of someone who has seen cases from both sides of the courtroom. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris has built a practice that concentrates in traffic law, criminal defense, and complex litigation across all five jurisdictions. He and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s New York location serves clients throughout Kings County, including Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, and all surrounding neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident in Kings County?
Stop, call 911 if anyone is injured, and exchange information with the other driver. New York law requires you to stop and identify yourself at the scene. If you left the scene because you panicked, it is critical to hire a lawyer before speaking to police or the district attorney’s office. Do not try to explain yourself to law enforcement without counsel present, as anything you say can be used against you. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can guide you through the process from the first contact with investigators through resolution of the court case. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a leaving-the-scene charge be reduced in Kings County?
Yes, depending on the facts and your record, a hit and run charge may be reduced to a non-criminal violation or traffic infraction. In Brooklyn, the assistant district attorney assigned to your case will consider factors such as the extent of damage or injury, whether you came forward voluntarily, your driving history, and the strength of the identification evidence. An experienced attorney can present mitigating circumstances and negotiate a plea that keeps the matter off your criminal record or avoids license revocation. Every case is different; the outcome depends on the specific evidence and the assigned prosecutor.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge if no one was hurt?
Even a seemingly minor leaving-the-scene matter carries serious consequences, so having legal counsel is strongly recommended. Even if the accident only involved property damage, a conviction can lead to eight demerit points on your driving record, a driver’s license suspension, and a substantial fine. The DMV may also require you to pay a driver responsibility assessment for three years. A lawyer can evaluate whether the police have enough evidence to prove you were the driver and whether you were aware of the accident. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does the court process work for a hit and run in Brooklyn?
After an arrest or a desk-appearance ticket, you will be given a date to appear in either Brooklyn Criminal Court or Kings County Supreme Court. At the first court date, you will be arraigned and a bail or release decision will be made. The case then moves through pretrial discovery, possible motions, and finally a resolution—either a plea agreement, a dismissal, or a trial. Because Brooklyn courts handle a large volume of traffic and criminal cases, the process can take months. An attorney familiar with the Kings County court system can often speed things along by engaging in early negotiations with the assigned ADA.
Serving Kings County and Beyond
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent drivers throughout the five boroughs and across New York State. Nearby local pages include:
Official New York Traffic and Court Resources
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
To discuss your hit and run matter and learn how Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assist, call (888) 437-7747 (toll-free) during business hours. Appointments are available by request at our New York location and by phone. Our firm serves clients in Kings County and across the state.
New York Location
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
(838) 292-0003
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.