Hit And Run Lawyer Essex County NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Essex County, NJ, is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying penalties from fines to jail time. If you are facing these charges, a hit and run lawyer Essex County NJ from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide a defense. Our firm has documented results in Essex County courts. Contact us for a consultation.
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
New Jersey 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. Leaving the scene, or a “hit and run,” is a criminal traffic violation defined under N.J.S.A. Title 39, specifically sections 39:4-129 and 39:4-130. The severity of the charge depends on whether the accident caused property damage, bodily injury, or death. A conviction can lead to points on your license, substantial fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Essex Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the specific statutes and court procedures is critical. You can review the official New Jersey traffic laws, including hit and run provisions, on the New Jersey Legislature’s website. For Essex County court information, including locations and procedures, visit the New Jersey Courts website for the Essex Vicinage.
Local Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Essex County, hit and run cases are heard in the Municipal Court where the violation occurred. These are quasi-criminal proceedings, meaning you have the right to an attorney and the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A common local procedural fact is that prosecutors may be willing to negotiate a reduction from a leaving the scene charge to a lesser offense like careless driving, which carries fewer points and avoids the mandatory license suspension associated with more serious hit and run violations.
- Receive the traffic summons or complaint detailing the hit and run charge.
- Consult with a hit and run attorney Essex County NJ to review the evidence and police report.
- Appear for your arraignment in Essex County Municipal Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will engage in pre-trial negotiations or prepare for a trial to challenge the state’s evidence.
- If a resolution is reached or a verdict is rendered, the court will impose any applicable sentence, which may include fines, surcharges, and license penalties.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run Conviction
In Essex County, a hit and run conviction carries a range of penalties based on the accident’s severity, from fines and points to mandatory jail time and license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Traffic Offense | Possible up to 30 days | $200 – $400 | 2 points, possible suspension | NJ Surcharges, insurance increase |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Traffic Offense / Criminal | Up to 180 days | $2,500 – $5,000 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Possible civil liability, NJ Surcharges |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Indictable Crime (3rd Degree) | 3-5 years state prison | Up to $15,000 | Mandatory 1-year revocation | Felony record, civil lawsuits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Essex County Traffic Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined 120+ years of legal experience and over 4,739 firm-wide case results, our team understands the nuances of Essex County’s traffic courts. Our approach is grounded in a detailed review of the evidence and the specific circumstances of your case.
Documented Case Results
Our commitment to client defense is reflected in our track record. In Essex County traffic matters, our firm has achieved documented results, including charges being reduced or amended. We focus on building a defense strategy that addresses the specific allegations and aims for the best possible resolution under the law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Hit And Run Law Firm Essex County NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Essex County. We are accessible from major highways including I-280, I-78, and the Garden State Parkway. If you need a hit and run attorney near Newark, Montclair, or West Orange, our team is available for consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-0900
By appointment only.
We serve communities including Newark, Montclair, Livingston, West Orange, Bloomfield, Nutley, Belleville, South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, East Orange, Orange, Irvington, Caldwell, Glen Ridge, Verona, and Cedar Grove. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hit and run a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a traffic offense. However, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death is an indictable crime (felony) in New Jersey, specifically a third-degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in state prison.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run?
Yes, in many cases. New Jersey law mandates a one-year driver’s license revocation for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death. For property damage-only incidents, the court has discretion to impose a suspension, and you will also receive points on your license.
What should I do if I’m accused of a hit and run?
First, do not speak to law enforcement or insurance investigators without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Essex County NJ immediately. Your attorney can obtain the police report, investigate the scene and any evidence, and begin building a defense, which may involve challenging the identification of your vehicle or your knowledge that an accident occurred.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced?
Yes, it is possible. Through pre-trial negotiations, an experienced attorney may seek to have a leaving the scene charge amended to a lesser violation like careless driving. This can significantly reduce the points, fines, and avoid mandatory license suspension, though the final decision rests with the prosecutor and judge.
How long do I have to report an accident in NJ?
New Jersey law requires you to stop and report an accident immediately. If the accident causes injury, death, or property damage over $500, you must file a written report with the local police or the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission within 10 days if the police did not investigate at the scene.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing traffic charges in Essex County, you may also want to learn about New Jersey reckless driving defense. For charges in neighboring areas, see our page for a reckless driving lawyer in Bergen County. If you have other legal needs in Essex County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your hit and run case in Essex County, NJ.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.