A hit and run charge in New York County (Manhattan) carries serious penalties under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law, including potential jail time and license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled numerous traffic cases across New York. A Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan can help protect your driving privileges and freedom.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | NY Vehicle and Traffic Law (official New York State Senate)
Understanding Hit and Run Charges in Manhattan
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense. The law requires any driver involved in an accident to stop, provide information, and render aid. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Manhattan understands the specific requirements of VTL § 600, which classifies the offense based on property damage versus injury. Failing to stop can result in criminal charges ranging from a traffic infraction to a felony, depending on the severity of the accident.
Statutory Definition and Penalties
New York VTL § 600 governs leaving the scene of an accident. For property damage only, it is a traffic infraction. If injury or death occurs, it becomes a class A misdemeanor (VTL § 600(2)(a)) or a class E felony (VTL § 600(2)(b)). A Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan can explain how these statutes apply to your specific case. The penalties include fines, jail time, and mandatory license revocation.
Penalty Table for Hit and Run in Manhattan
In New York County (Manhattan), a hit and run charge carries penalties ranging from fines to felony prison time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene — Property Damage | Traffic Infraction | Up to 15 days | Up to $250 | Points added | Driver Responsibility Assessment |
| Leaving Scene — Injury | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | Revocation | Possible civil liability |
| Leaving Scene — Death | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Insider Procedural Edge: handling Manhattan Courts
In New York County (Manhattan), traffic cases are handled by the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) for most infractions, but hit and run charges involving injury or death go to the New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street. The TVB does not allow plea bargaining, making early legal strategy critical.
- Step 1: Do not speak to police without a lawyer present.
- Step 2: Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan immediately.
- Step 3: Gather any evidence, including dashcam footage or witness contacts.
- Step 4: Appear at all court dates at 60 Centre Street.
- Step 5: Follow your lawyer’s advice on plea or trial strategy.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring decades of traffic defense experience to Manhattan clients.
Case Results
While no specific locality case results are available for this jurisdiction, firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York Location
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts. We are accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Hwy, all subway lines, Lincoln/Holland Tunnels, and GW Bridge. We serve all Manhattan neighborhoods including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan for a first offense?
Yes. Even a first offense can result in license revocation and criminal charges. A Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan can help you avoid the most severe penalties.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Manhattan?
It depends on the severity. Property damage is a traffic infraction with up to 15 days jail. Injury is a class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year. Death is a class E felony with up to 4 years in prison.
Can I get my license back after a hit and run conviction?
It depends. License revocation is mandatory for injury or death cases. After the revocation period, you may apply for reinstatement, but a Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan can guide you through the DMV hearing process.
Does New York have cash bail for hit and run charges?
No. NY bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Most defendants in Manhattan are released on recognizance for hit and run charges.
What is an ACD and can I get one for a hit and run?
Yes. Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is available for some first-time hit and run offenses in Manhattan. Charges are dismissed after 6-12 months with no new arrests. A Hit and Run Lawyer Manhattan can request this disposition.
Internal Links
New York Traffic Lawyer — Hub page for all NY traffic matters.
Albany County Traffic Lawyer — Sibling locality page.
DUI Lawyer Manhattan — Related practice area in same locality.
Mr. Sris Profile — Primary attorney profile.
New York Law Location — Our NY office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.