Hit and Run Lawyer New York

New York’s own Vehicle and Traffic Law does not use the phrase “hit and run” as an official term. The governing statute, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 600, is titled “Leaving scene of an incident without reporting,” and it is organized by subdivision rather than by “degrees.” Subdivision one covers property-damage-only incidents, while subdivision two covers incidents involving personal injury, and the seriousness of a subdivision two charge depends on the specific facts, not on a first, second, or third-degree label that does not exist in this statute. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent drivers across New York charged under § 600.

Because grading under § 600 depends on which subdivision applies and which specific factual trigger is alleged within that subdivision, a driver’s actual exposure can range from a traffic infraction to a felony depending on the details, not a fixed category tied to the words “hit and run.” Understanding exactly what subdivision and factual basis the prosecution is relying on is central to understanding a case charged under this statute. The firm does not offer free consultations. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about a New York § 600 charge.

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What “Leaving the Scene” Means in New York

§ 600(1) addresses incidents involving only property damage. Under § 600(1)(a), a driver who knows or has cause to know their vehicle caused damage to another’s real or personal property must stop, provide license and insurance information to the damaged party, or report to the nearest police station or judicial officer if the other party is not present. A violation of § 600(1) is a traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

§ 600(2) addresses incidents involving personal injury and carries a wider range of consequences depending on the specific facts. Where a violation results solely from a failure to exhibit a license or insurance identification, or to exchange information, the grading under § 600(2)(c) is a class B misdemeanor for a first offense, with a fine of $250 to $500, and a class A misdemeanor for a second or later offense, with a fine of $500 to $1,000. Any other type of § 600(2)(a) violation, meaning conduct beyond the mere failure to exhibit information, is graded as a class A misdemeanor with a fine of $750 to $1,000 on a first offense, rising to a class E felony with a fine of $1,000 to $3,000 after a prior such conviction. Where the incident results in serious physical injury, the charge is a class E felony with a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, and where it results in death, the charge is a class D felony with a fine of $2,000 to $5,000.

None of these levels are described in the statute using “degree” terminology. The grading runs entirely by subdivision, one or two, and by the specific factual trigger described within § 600(2)(c), not by a first, second, or third-degree label. A driver or their attorney describing a § 600 case in “degree” terms is using informal shorthand that does not correspond to the actual statutory structure.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle These Cases

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. concentrates in criminal and traffic defense matters across New York, including charges under § 600. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by identifying exactly which subdivision is charged and, for a subdivision two case, which specific factual trigger the prosecution alleges, since the difference between a mere failure to exchange information and an allegation involving serious injury or death changes the case significantly.

The firm reviews the reported facts of the incident, whether the driver knew or had reason to know an incident occurred, and what steps, if any, were taken afterward, since § 600 turns on the driver’s knowledge and conduct following the incident, not simply on the fact that damage or injury occurred. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contract directly with the firm and are drawn on as needed for New York § 600 matters, working alongside Mr. Sris rather than through any outside referral relationship.

The firm maintains 24/7 phone intake so a driver facing a § 600 charge, which can escalate quickly depending on the injuries involved, can reach the office and have the matter logged promptly. The firm does not guarantee a particular outcome in any § 600 case; results depend on the specific facts, the subdivision and trigger alleged, and the court where the matter is pending.

Attorney Background

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of the firm and a former prosecutor, admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm has been practicing since 1997. Mr. Sris’s academic background is in accounting and information systems from George Mason University, a foundation he has applied to cases involving detailed factual and documentary review, including incident reports relevant to § 600 charges.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contract directly with the firm and are referred to collectively, rather than individually, in firm materials. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle New York matters charged under § 600, from property-damage traffic infractions to felony-level charges involving injury or death.

The firm does not claim to be superior to other counsel and does not guarantee outcomes in any § 600 case. Drivers are encouraged to bring the specific charging documents and any available incident information to the discussion so the firm can evaluate the actual subdivision and factual trigger alleged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name of New York’s “hit and run” statute?
§ 600’s current official heading is “Leaving scene of an incident without reporting.” The older phrase “leaving scene of an accident” is not the statute’s current title.

Does § 600 use “first degree” or “second degree” language?
No. § 600 has no “degrees.” Grading runs by subdivision, one for property damage and two for personal injury, and by the specific factual trigger described within subdivision two.

What is the penalty for a property-damage violation under § 600(1)?
A violation of § 600(1) is a traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Can a § 600(2) personal-injury charge be a felony?
Yes. Depending on the facts, a § 600(2) violation can range from a class B misdemeanor up to a class D felony, with the more serious tiers applying where a prior conviction, serious physical injury, or death is involved.

Is every § 600(2) violation treated the same way?
No. A violation resulting solely from a failure to exhibit license or insurance information or exchange details is graded differently, generally less severely, than other types of § 600(2)(a) violations, which carry higher misdemeanor or felony classifications.

Does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent drivers charged under § 600?
Yes. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent drivers facing § 600(1) and § 600(2) charges across New York. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

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This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.

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For the background behind a New YorkNew York case, our page explains how New York courts handle hit and run.