Leaving the Scene Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Leaving the scene of an accident in Bergen County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, potentially resulting in criminal charges, license suspension, and significant fines. If you are facing a fleeing accident scene charge, you need a dedicated leaving the scene lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Law on Leaving the Scene of an Accident
New Jersey law, specifically N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, mandates that any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must immediately stop at the scene. The driver must provide their name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other involved parties or a police officer. Failing to do so constitutes the offense of leaving the scene, commonly known as a hit and run. The severity of the charge escalates based on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms for Bergen County can be found at the Bergen Vicinage court website.
Defending a Hit and Run Charge in Bergen County
Prosecutors in the Bergen Vicinage take leaving the scene charges seriously. A common local procedural fact is that these cases often hinge on the prosecution’s ability to prove you were the driver and that you knowingly left the scene. Defenses may include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity, or an emergency that required you to leave to seek immediate medical help. For a hit and run defense lawyer Bergen County, building a strong case involves scrutinizing police reports, witness statements, and any available video evidence.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Contact a lawyer as soon as you are aware of the charge. Do not discuss the incident with anyone else.
- Case Review & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all discovery, including the police report, witness statements, and any traffic camera or surveillance footage.
- Defense Strategy Development: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will formulate a defense, which may involve negotiating for a reduced charge or preparing for trial.
- Court Appearances: Your attorney will represent you at all mandatory court dates in Hackensack, advocating for the best possible outcome.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in New Jersey
In Bergen County, leaving the scene carries penalties ranging from fines and points for property damage cases to criminal charges and prison time for accidents involving injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Traffic Offense | N/A | Up to $400 | 2 points; possible suspension | Surcharges; increased insurance |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record; restitution |
| Leaving Scene – Death | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Mandatory 1-year suspension | Felony record; civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the immediate stress a fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Bergen County client faces and provide clear, strategic defense focused on protecting your future.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin every case with a thorough investigation. For a leaving the scene charge, this means examining the timeline, your knowledge of the event, and the prosecution’s evidence. We explore all avenues, from negotiating with the prosecutor for a favorable resolution to aggressively defending you at trial if necessary. Our goal is to achieve the best possible result, whether that is a dismissal, reduction of charges, or minimized penalties.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Leaving the Scene Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Leaving the Scene Charges
Is leaving the scene of an accident a crime in New Jersey?
Yes. Leaving the scene is always a traffic offense, and it becomes a indictable crime (felony) if the accident caused injury or death, as defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129.
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Bergen County?
It depends. First, do not speak to police without an attorney. Immediately contact a leaving the scene lawyer Bergen County who can protect your rights, investigate the allegations, and begin building your defense for proceedings in the Bergen Vicinage court.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run?
Yes. If the accident involved bodily injury, it’s a third-degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison. If it involved a death, it’s a second-degree crime punishable by 5-10 years in prison.
What are the defenses to a fleeing accident scene charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity, leaving to get emergency medical help, or an inability to safely stop at the scene. A hit and run defense lawyer Bergen County can evaluate which defense applies to your case.
Will my license be suspended?
Yes, for accidents involving injury or death, a one-year license suspension is mandatory. For property damage cases, the court has discretion to suspend your license.
Related Legal Services: If you are dealing with other charges, our firm also provides representation for DUI defense in Bergen County and traffic violations in Bergen County. For a broader view of our practice, see our New Jersey criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on your leaving the scene charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on leaving the scene charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.