Hit and Run in Virginia: What the Court Data Shows

According to 1,466 public court records from 2023–2024, Hit and Run cases across 15 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 31.2% and an average conviction rate of 66.9%.

Hit and run involves leaving the scene of an accident and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony in Virginia depending on the circumstances. This page examines what public court records reveal about how these cases are resolved across the state.

What Our Data Shows About Hit and Run Outcomes

Our analysis of 1,466 hit and run cases across 15 Virginia jurisdictions (2023-2024) reveals:

• 29.1% average dismissal rate
• 69.2% average conviction rate — one of the higher conviction rates across charge categories
• 165 days average median case duration
• Dismissal rates range from 11.3% (Spotsylvania) to 50.0% (Frederick County)

View hit and run statistics across all Virginia jurisdictions for detailed data on each court.

Variation Across Virginia

Hit and run outcomes differ depending on which court hears the case:

• Highest dismissal rates: Frederick County (50.0%), Richmond City (47.2%), Suffolk (36.6%)
• Lowest dismissal rates: Spotsylvania County (11.3%), Chesapeake (12.5%), Stafford County (18.4%)

Richmond City's higher dismissal rate (47.2%) is notable given its large volume of 385 cases, suggesting structural differences in how hit and run cases are processed there.

Understanding Hit and Run Statistics

When reviewing our data, keep in mind:

• Hit and run charges range from property-damage-only misdemeanors to felonies involving injury or death
• Dismissal includes judicial dismissals and nolle prosequi
• Our data groups all hit and run charges together regardless of severity level
• These are aggregate statistics — individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case

Next Steps

For information about Virginia hit and run laws, consult a licensed Virginia attorney or visit the Virginia Legislative Information System.

To explore how hit and run cases are resolved in your specific court, view our hit and run data by jurisdiction.