Hit And Run Lawyer Putnam NY | SRIS, P.C.
Putnam County Hit And Run Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Putnam County is a serious offense under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, potentially a misdemeanor or felony. If you left the scene, you need a strong defense to protect your license and avoid jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Hit and Run Law and Penalties
New York law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, exchange information, and provide reasonable aid. Leaving the scene, or a hit and run, is defined under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances, such as whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death. A conviction carries severe penalties, including license revocation, fines, and potential incarceration.
Last verified: April 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the immediate pressure of a hit and run investigation. We act quickly to protect your rights from the first contact with law enforcement.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600 (official New York State Senate). Court procedures and forms for Putnam County cases are available through the Ninth Judicial District website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Case in Putnam County
Hit and run cases in Putnam County are typically heard in local town or village courts, such as Carmel Town Court or Southeast Town Court. The process begins with an arraignment where you enter a plea. The prosecution must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and intentionally left the scene without fulfilling your legal duties. Evidence often includes witness statements, vehicle damage reports, and surveillance footage.
- Secure Representation Immediately: Contact an attorney before speaking to police or insurance investigators to protect your statements.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your lawyer will review the accusatory instrument, police reports, and any available video evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a non-criminal traffic violation or a favorable plea agreement, depending on the facts.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare a defense for trial, which may challenge the identification of you as the driver or the proof of your knowledge of the accident.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for minimal penalties, such as avoiding jail time and seeking alternatives to license revocation.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run in New York
In Putnam County, a hit and run conviction carries penalties ranging from fines and points to felony charges and state prison time, depending on the outcome of the accident.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Traffic Infraction / Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year (if misdemeanor) | $0 – $1,000+ | Revocation possible | Driver Responsibility Assessment, civil liability |
| Leaving Scene – Physical Injury | Class A Misdemeanor / Class E Felony | Up to 4 years (if felony) | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Mandatory Revocation | Felony record, significant civil liability |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years | $2,000 – $10,000+ | Mandatory Revocation | Permanent felony record, wrongful death suits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Hit And Run Law Firm Putnam NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a history of thousands of case results, our firm brings substantial resources to your defense. Our approach is direct: we analyze the specific facts of your Putnam County hit and run charge to build the most effective defense strategy.
Legal Support for a Hit and Run Charge
Facing a hit and run accusation can be isolating. We provide clear guidance on the legal process and fight to protect your driving privileges and record. Our team works to investigate the allegations, communicate with prosecutors, and defend your interests in court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Hit And Run Attorney Putnam NY — Contact Our Firm
Our New York location serves clients in Putnam County. We are accessible via I-84, I-87 (NYS Thruway), and the Taconic State Parkway.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (838) 292-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
We serve clients in Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson.
Hit And Run Lawyer Putnam NY FAQ
Is a hit and run a felony in New York?
It depends. Leaving the scene of an accident that caused only property damage is usually a misdemeanor. However, if the accident caused injury or death, the charge escalates to a felony under NY VTL § 600, with penalties including state prison time.
Will my license be revoked for a hit and run?
Yes, likely. New York mandates license revocation for a hit and run conviction, especially if injuries are involved. The revocation period is at the judge’s discretion but is often a minimum of one year. An attorney can argue for a shorter suspension or alternative penalties.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
This is a common defense. The prosecution must prove you knew an accident occurred. Your attorney can present evidence about road conditions, the minor nature of the contact, or a lack of audible noise to create reasonable doubt about your knowledge, which is a required element of the crime.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. You should not give any statement or recorded interview to the other party’s insurance adjuster without consulting your attorney. Their goal is to establish your liability for the accident and the subsequent leaving the scene, which can harm both your criminal and civil case.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced?
Yes, in many cases. A skilled hit and run attorney can often negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser traffic violation, such as an equipment violation, especially for first-time offenses or cases with weak evidence regarding the driver’s knowledge or identity.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our New York Traffic Lawyer hub page. We also assist with related matters like DUI charges in Putnam County. If you are facing charges in a neighboring area, our Albany County traffic lawyers can help.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.