Hit and Run Lawyer Monroe County, NY
If you were cited for leaving the scene of an accident—commonly called hit and run—in Monroe County, New York, the weeks ahead matter. A conviction under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law can add points to your license, raise your insurance rates for years, and, in cases involving injury, carry criminal exposure including possible jail time. Because these charges are heard in local justice courts throughout the county rather than at the New York City Traffic Violations Bureau, plea bargaining is available, and an experienced traffic attorney can work to negotiate a reduction or dismissal. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on representing drivers facing hit and run and other traffic charges in Monroe County and across New York. To discuss your situation and next steps, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Hit and Run Charge Means in Monroe County
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Article 22 and related sections require any driver involved in an accident with property damage or injury to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance. Failing to do so is treated as leaving the scene – commonly referred to as a hit and run. The charge can range from a traffic infraction for property damage only, up to a felony when a person is injured or killed. Monroe County (Finger Lakes region) handles these cases in town and village justice courts, not the TVB, because the TVB’s jurisdiction is limited to the five boroughs of New York City. That means local judges, local prosecutors, and the opportunity to plea bargain are all part of the process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly at the Monroe County Supreme Court (99 Exchange Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14614) and in the justice courts serving communities such as Rochester, Irondequoit, Greece, Brighton, Pittsford, Fairport, Henrietta, Webster, and Brockport.
Because Monroe County is part of the 7th Judicial District, the procedural rhythm can differ from downstate regions. Local courts set their own calendars, and the assistants district attorney handling traffic matters often have broad discretion to reduce charges when mitigating facts support it. Still, a hit and run allegation is not a simple ticket—prosecutors treat it seriously because it involves leaving the scene, which can affect their charging decisions. Without legal representation, a driver risks accumulating demerit points (3 to 11 depending on speed-related compounding), facing a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $100–$250 per year for three years if six or more points are assessed, and possible license suspension or revocation. An experienced attorney can present evidence of mistaken identity, vehicle condition, the driver’s lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, or negotiate an alternative disposition that protects your driving record.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Cases
Our approach begins with a careful review of the police report, the accident scene documentation, and any statements made to investigating officers. We look for gaps in the investigation— whether the officer correctly identified the driver, whether the damage level actually required a stop under the statute, or whether the driver had a reasonable belief that no accident occurred. If the case is a misdemeanor or felony, we also assess whether all required procedural steps were followed before the charge was filed. Because Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience in New York traffic courts, we can often engage the prosecutor early to discuss a resolution that avoids a conviction for leaving the scene, which can carry consequences far beyond a simple moving violation.
When negotiation does not lead to a full dismissal, we prepare to take the matter to trial. That means securing evidence such as surveillance video, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data, then presenting a defense that challenges the prosecution’s burden of proof. Throughout the case, we keep our client informed about what each court appearance means and what to expect at the next stage. We also explore whether the driver may be eligible for a youthful offender or other diversionary program if the charge is a first offense. Every case is unique; we tailor the strategy to the specific facts, the court where the case is pending, and the prosecutor handling it.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who built the firm in 1997 around the principle that a person facing a criminal or traffic charge deserves a vigorous defense from attorneys who understand both sides of the courtroom. Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results underlie every representation. Results may vary. The firm practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and our attorneys appear regularly in Monroe County courts.
Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Reach our New York location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run charge in Monroe County?
Yes, because a conviction for leaving the scene can trigger license points, high insurance costs, and even a criminal record. Even a first-time property-damage-only hit and run is a traffic infraction that adds points to your license and may lead to a Driver Responsibility Assessment. If anyone was injured, the charge is at least a misdemeanor, and a felony conviction can mean imprisonment. An attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and work to protect your driving privileges. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with us about your specific situation.
What are the possible penalties for a hit and run in Monroe County?
Penalties range from fines and points to jail time, depending on the severity. A property-damage-only hit and run is a traffic infraction carrying fines and 3 points. If personal injury results, it becomes a misdemeanor with possible jail of up to one year and heavier fines. A felony charge, which applies when someone is seriously injured or killed, can lead to state prison. Additionally, the New York DMV may suspend or revoke your license, and the conviction stays on your record for years. A lawyer can advise you on how the specific facts of your case affect the potential outcome.
How does a hit and run case proceed in Monroe County?
Your case will be assigned to a local town or village justice court, not the TVB. After you receive your ticket or appear for arraignment, you will have opportunities to negotiate with the prosecutor. Unlike in New York City, plea bargaining is available in Monroe County. Your lawyer can speak with the District Attorney’s office, file motions, and, if necessary, take the case to trial. The timeline varies depending on the court’s calendar, but the process generally moves more quickly outside the TVB system.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, in many cases a hit and run can be reduced to a lesser traffic violation or dismissed entirely. Common defenses include showing that you were not the driver, that you did not know an accident occurred, or that you promptly provided information after the fact. The prosecution may agree to dismiss the charge if they cannot prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced lawyer will investigate the facts and present them to the prosecutor in a way that encourages a favorable resolution.
What should I do immediately after being charged with hit and run?
Do not discuss the facts with anyone except your attorney. Preserve any dashcam footage, photos, or witness information you have. Avoid calling your insurance company to give a statement until you have legal guidance. Then schedule a consultation with a traffic lawyer who can evaluate the evidence, explain the potential consequences, and help you decide whether to fight the charge or seek a plea arrangement. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.
Where can I find a hit and run lawyer near Monroe County?
You can reach a traffic lawyer at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. The firm’s New York location serves Monroe County from Buffalo and appears regularly in the local justice courts across the county. We offer consultations by appointment and can discuss your case over the phone. With over 120 years of combined experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, our team works to achieve favorable outcomes in traffic matters. Results may vary.
Hit and Run defense in New York—also see:
Manhattan Traffic Lawyer ·
Brooklyn Traffic Lawyer ·
Queens Traffic Lawyer ·
Staten Island Traffic Lawyer ·
Nassau County Traffic Lawyer
New York legal resources:
New York Vehicle & Traffic Law ·
Monroe County Supreme Court ·
NY DMV — Points & Driver Assessment
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.