Leaving After Colliding Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defenses?
Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) in Bergen County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying potential jail time, fines, and license suspension. If you are facing a leaving after colliding charge, you need a lawyer who understands the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for these charges in Hackensack and across Bergen County.
New Jersey Hit-and-Run Law: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129
The legal duty to stop after a motor vehicle accident is defined by New Jersey statute. N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene, provide their information, and render reasonable assistance. The severity of the charge depends on the outcome of the accident.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm approaches each case with a deep understanding of traffic law and prosecution tactics.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (New Jersey Legislature). For local court procedures, visit the Bergen Vicinage website (New Jersey Courts).
Local Court Process for Leaving After Colliding Charges in Bergen County
In Bergen County, leaving after colliding cases are typically heard in the Superior Court, Law Division, or Municipal Court, depending on the severity. Prosecutors in Hackensack take these charges seriously due to public safety concerns. The court will examine evidence like police reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage to determine if you knowingly left the scene.
- Initial Appearance: You will be arraigned, the charges will be read, and you will enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery Phase: Your attorney will obtain and review all evidence from the prosecution, including police reports and any video footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Negotiations: Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a potential reduction to a lesser offense, such as a careless driving ticket.
- Trial or Resolution: If a fair plea cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a bench or jury trial where your defense will be presented.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in New Jersey
In Bergen County, leaving after colliding carries severe penalties that escalate based on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
| Offense Severity | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Only | Traffic Offense / Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 30 days jail | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | Community service, court costs |
| Bodily Injury | Indictable Crime (3rd/4th Degree) | 180 days – 5 years prison | Up to $15,000 | 1-year suspension (mandatory) | Civil liability, permanent criminal record |
| Death | Indictable Crime (2nd Degree) | 5 – 10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | 1-year suspension (mandatory) | Civil wrongful death lawsuit, severe felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled thousands of traffic and criminal matters across New Jersey. Our approach is direct: we investigate the facts, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and build a strong defense strategy focused on protecting your driving privileges and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in Bergen County are not enumerated, our firm-wide record across NJ, NY, VA, MD, and DC includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We apply this extensive experience to each new case, fighting for reductions, dismissals, and alternative resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Leaving After Colliding Lawyer Near Me Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. If you need an affordable leaving after colliding lawyer Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your situation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
We represent clients in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. Contact a leaving after colliding lawyer Bergen County for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving after colliding in Bergen County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Immediately contact a leaving after colliding lawyer Bergen County. Your lawyer will secure the police report, investigate the scene, and begin building your defense to protect your license and avoid jail time.
Can I go to jail for a hit-and-run in New Jersey?
Yes. Jail time is possible, especially for accidents involving injury or death, where it becomes an indictable crime. Even for property damage, a judge can impose up to 30 days in jail. An experienced lawyer is critical to argue for minimal or no incarceration.
Will my license be suspended?
It depends. A conviction for leaving the scene carries a mandatory license suspension—6 months for property damage and 1 year for injury or death. A skilled attorney may negotiate a plea to an offense without a mandatory suspension or fight for an acquittal to save your license.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
A valid defense requires showing you lacked knowledge of the accident. Your lawyer can gather evidence (like vehicle damage reports, witness statements about road conditions) to prove you were unaware, which can lead to a dismissal of the leaving after colliding charge.
How can an affordable leaving after colliding lawyer Bergen County help me?
An affordable lawyer provides important defense without excessive cost. They handle evidence review, court appearances, and negotiations, often securing outcomes that avoid the steep fines, insurance hikes, and criminal record associated with a conviction, saving you money long-term.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Bergen County.
Page last verified and updated: 2026-04-07. Laws change frequently. For current advice regarding a leaving after colliding charge in Bergen County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on leaving after colliding charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Leaving after Colliding Attorney Hudson County, NJ · Leaving after Colliding Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.