Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Somerset County, NJ — What Are Your Defenses?
A hit and run accident in Somerset County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, potentially skilled to criminal charges, license suspension, and significant fines. If you are facing a hit and run accident charge in Somerset County, securing experienced legal defense is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Hit and Run Laws and Penalties
In New Jersey, the legal duty to stop after an accident is strictly defined by statute. The law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene, provide their information, and render reasonable assistance. A violation is commonly referred to as “leaving the scene of an accident.” The severity of the charge and penalties depends heavily on the outcome of the accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built a practice on a deep understanding of state traffic codes and the local courts that enforce them. We approach each hit and run accident charge with a detailed analysis of the state’s evidence and the specific circumstances of the Somerset County case.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the New Jersey statute governing leaving the scene of an accident, refer to the official N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and filing information for Somerset County cases can be found on the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Somerset County
In Somerset County, a hit and run accident that only involves property damage is typically heard in the municipal court where the incident occurred. However, if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the case is elevated to an indictable crime (felony) and prosecuted in the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage in Somerville. A key local procedural fact is that Somerset County prosecutors vigorously pursue these charges, especially where there is evidence of intent to evade responsibility. The court at 20 North Bridge Street handles a high volume of traffic matters, and early intervention by a hit and run accident lawyer Somerset County can be key in case strategy.
- Initial Citation or Summons: You will receive a summons to appear in municipal court or, for serious cases, be processed through the Superior Court.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges against you and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery and Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution, including police reports, witness statements, and any video footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or seek to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will engage in negotiations with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal, or prepare for a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the minimum possible penalties, which may include alternatives to incarceration.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in New Jersey
In Somerset County, a hit and run accident charge carries a wide range of penalties, from fines and license loss for property damage to state prison time for fatal accidents.
| Offense Severity | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Only | Traffic Offense | Up to 30 days jail | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | Community service, court costs |
| Bodily Injury | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years prison | Up to $15,000 | 1-year suspension (mandatory) | Felony record, restitution |
| Serious Bodily Injury | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | 1-year suspension (mandatory) | Felony record, significant restitution |
| Death | 2nd Degree Crime* | 5-10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | 1-year suspension (mandatory) | Felony record, potential civil lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
*A fatal hit and run can be charged as a 1st degree crime under certain aggravating circumstances, carrying 10-20 years in prison.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the state. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges across New Jersey. Our approach is direct: we investigate the facts, challenge weak evidence, and build a defense case-specific to the specifics of your Somerset County case.
Our Approach to Hit and Run Cases
Our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While results vary, our method involves a immediate case review to identify procedural errors, challenge the proof of intent to leave the scene, and explore all avenues for charge reduction or dismissal. We represent clients at the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage, located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville.
Local Somerset County Defense
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.
Our New Jersey location represents clients throughout Somerset County, including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, and Hillsborough. We are familiar with the local courts and prosecutors. If you need a hit and run accident lawyer Somerset County residents trust for direct advocacy, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are available by appointment at our Tinton Falls location, which is accessible via major highways including I-287 and Route 18.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hit and Run Charges in NJ
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Somerset County?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run accident lawyer immediately. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747 to protect your rights from the very start of your case.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with no injury?
Yes. Even for a property damage-only hit and run in New Jersey, the law allows for up to 30 days in jail, a 6-month license suspension, and fines. The actual penalty depends on the facts and your defense. A leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Somerset County can work to avoid jail time.
What are common defenses to a hit and run charge?
Defenses may include lack of knowledge an accident occurred, mistaken identity, duress, or that you returned to the scene within a reasonable time. An experienced attorney will investigate to find the strongest defense for your specific situation.
Is a hit and run a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a traffic offense. If the accident causes injury or death, it is classified as an indictable crime (felony) of the third or second degree, prosecuted in Superior Court.
How can a lawyer help with a hit and run accident charge?
A hit and run accident charge lawyer Somerset County can challenge the state’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges (like careless driving), seek pre-trial intervention (PTI) for eligible clients, and advocate at trial to protect your driving privileges and freedom.
For representation from a hit and run accident lawyer Somerset County residents can rely on, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We provide full legal defense for those facing leaving the scene of an accident charges.
Related Practice Areas in Somerset County: DUI Lawyer Somerset County | Traffic Ticket Lawyer Somerset County
Other Locations: Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Bergen County | Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Middlesex County
New Jersey Hub: New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your hit and run accident charge.