In Staten Island, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a Class E felony under NY VTL § 600, carrying up to 4 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience defending these charges. A Leaving the Scene Lawyer Staten Island can protect your driving privileges and freedom.
Understanding the Charge of Leaving the Scene in Staten Island
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 600 governs leaving the scene of an accident. The statute imposes a duty on any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to stop, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance. Failure to comply results in criminal penalties ranging from a traffic infraction to a felony, depending on the severity of the accident. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, understands how the Richmond County Supreme Court handles these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | NY VTL § 600 (official New York State Senate)
For a leaving the scene charge specifically, the key statute is NY VTL § 600(2)(a), which addresses accidents involving personal injury. This differs from the general traffic statute for a simple moving violation. The prosecution must prove you knew or should have known an accident occurred and that you intentionally failed to stop.
Review the official statute at NY VTL § 600 (New York State Senate). Court procedures are governed by the Richmond County Supreme Court (official NY Courts website).
In Richmond County Supreme Court, prosecutors often file leaving the scene charges alongside DWI or reckless driving. The key is whether the prosecution can prove you knew an accident occurred. A hit and run defense lawyer Staten Island examines police reports for gaps in witness statements and camera footage.
- Step 1: Do not speak to police without your lawyer. Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Step 2: Preserve all evidence: photos of your vehicle, the scene, and any communication with the other driver.
- Step 3: Contact a fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Staten Island immediately to discuss your case.
- Step 4: Your lawyer will request a copy of the police report and any available surveillance footage.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the DA’s office for a reduction to a traffic infraction or dismissal if evidence is weak.
- Step 6: Prepare for a possible hearing at Richmond County Supreme Court, 18 Richmond Terrace.
In Staten Island, leaving the scene of an accident carries penalties from a traffic infraction to a Class E felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving scene — property damage only | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $250 | 3 points | Driver Responsibility Assessment |
| Leaving scene — personal injury | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | 6 points | Possible license suspension |
| Leaving scene — serious injury or death | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legal authority. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
No verifiable case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic. 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.
Our New York location serves clients at Richmond County (Staten Island) courts, accessible via I-278, Staten Island Expressway, and West Shore Expressway. A Leaving the Scene Lawyer Staten Island is available near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and St. George area. We serve all Staten Island neighborhoods: St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, and Port Richmond.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can I be charged with leaving the scene if I didn’t know I hit someone?
Yes. NY law requires you to stop if you knew or should have known an accident occurred. A Leaving the Scene Lawyer Staten Island can argue you lacked knowledge based on the circumstances.
What is the penalty for a hit and run in Staten Island?
It depends on the severity. Property damage only: traffic infraction. Personal injury: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail). Serious injury or death: Class E felony (up to 4 years prison).
Will I lose my license for a leaving the scene conviction?
Yes. A conviction adds 3-6 points to your NY DMV record. 11+ points in 18 months triggers a suspension. Felony convictions result in license revocation.
Can a leaving the scene charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. A hit and run defense lawyer Staten Island may negotiate a reduction to a traffic infraction or dismissal if the prosecution cannot prove you knew an accident occurred.
How long do I have to report an accident in Staten Island?
You must stop immediately at the scene. If the accident involves injury or death, you must also report it to the police without delay. Failure to do so is a separate violation.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.