Pre-Arrest Representation
The most critical time is BEFORE police contact. I intervene immediately to protect your rights, prevent charges from being filed, or minimize the severity of charges.
31+ Years Experience
Since 1994, I have handled hundreds of leaving the scene cases. I know exactly how prosecutors evaluate these cases and how to position you for the best outcome.
Serious Injury & Death Cases
I have successfully defended clients facing felony leaving the scene charges, criminally negligent homicide, and manslaughter. These cases require immediate, aggressive defense.
24/7 Immediate Response
When you call me at (631) 903-3733, you reach me directly. Leaving the scene cases demand immediate attention—hours matter.
Defending Hit and Run Charges in Suffolk & Nassau Counties
Long Island Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyer
If you left the scene of an accident in Suffolk County, Nassau County, or anywhere on Long Island, you are likely experiencing intense fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about what comes next. You may be wondering whether to contact police, what charges you face, or if turning yourself in is the right move. Stop. Before you do anything else, contact an experienced attorney.
Leaving the scene of an accident—commonly called ‘hit and run’—is one of the most serious traffic-related criminal offenses in New York. Depending on the circumstances, you could face anything from a traffic violation to a felony punishable by years in state prison. The actions you take in the hours and days after the incident will determine the outcome of your case.
I am Edward Palermo, a Suffolk County and Nassau County criminal defense attorney with over 31 years of experience. I have successfully defended hundreds of clients facing leaving the scene charges, from minor property damage incidents to cases involving serious injury and death. In November 2024, a Newsday article highlighted a case involving my client who received remarkably lenient treatment—a direct result of immediate legal intervention before any police contact occurred.
(631) 903-3733
Related Services
I treasure my clients, and I will do everything in my power to get you a great result. Call me before you speak to anyone else.
Notable Results
Former Police Officer
Lenient Resolution
Represented former police officer charged with leaving the scene of an accident with fatality. Case received significant media attention including Newsday coverage. Through immediate legal intervention and strategic negotiation, achieved resolution far below normal sentence in similar situations.
Medical Doctor
Probation - No Jail
Represented medical doctor with no prior criminal history charged with leaving the scene of an accident with fatality. Faced up to 4 years in state prison. Convinced New York State Supreme Court Justice to sentence client to probation without any jail time. Case highlighted in November 2024 Newsday article as unusually favorable outcome.
NYC Crane Operator DWI
Not Guilty - Jury Verdict
NYC crane operator arrested for DWI. Employment was in jeopardy if convicted. Case tried in Nassau First District Court before the Honorable Joseph Girardi. Jury returned not guilty verdict on driving while intoxicated charge. Client retained employment and clean record.
DWI - Vehicle Into House
Reduced to Traffic Violation
Client charged with DWI after driving vehicle into a residential home in Suffolk County. District Attorney originally recommended jail time. Negotiated very favorable outcome leading to dismissal of criminal charges and only a traffic violation after 1 year of good conduct by client.
College Student - Manhattan
No State Imprisonment
Represented college student from New York City in tragic vehicular death case in Manhattan wherein a young Scottish woman died. Conviction carried up to 11 years in State prison. Case covered in major newspapers including the Times, Post and Daily News. Negotiated very favorable disposition and avoided any state imprisonment.
Aggravated DWI - Teacher
Not Guilty After Trial
Client charged with aggravated DWI and additional violations with motor vehicle accident in Nassau County. Scheduled matter for trial before Judge Joseph Girardi. Obtained dismissal of additional violations after motion during trial. Client then found NOT GUILTY of aggravated DWI charge after trial. All charges dismissed. Client, a teacher, resumed career with clean record.
First Degree Assault
Acquitted - All Charges
Represented young man charged with first degree assault and assorted felonies and misdemeanors carrying maximum sentence of 25 years and minimum of 5 years. District Attorney offered 15 years. Rejected offer and scheduled for trial in Suffolk County Supreme Court. After four week trial with 15 witnesses including 3 experts, jury needed only four hours to acquit client of all charges. Case reported in Newsday.
Second Degree Burglary
Not Guilty - Released
Represented client charged with violent Second Degree Burglary facing three strikes rule and life imprisonment. Tried case and convinced Suffolk County Jury that client was not guilty. Client immediately released after having been detained in jail for more than 8 months awaiting trial.
Meet Ed Palermo - Your Leaving the Scene Defense Attorney
I am Edward Palermo, a Suffolk County and Nassau County criminal defense attorney with over 31 years of experience defending clients facing leaving the scene of an accident charges. Since graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1994, I have successfully handled hundreds of hit and run cases—from minor property damage incidents to cases involving serious injury, death, and criminally negligent homicide.
In November 2024, Newsday reported on a case involving my client who received remarkably lenient treatment after a leaving the scene incident involving death. The article noted the outcome as unusually favorable—a direct result of immediate legal intervention before any police contact occurred. This case demonstrates the critical importance of hiring an attorney before speaking to police.
I understand the fear and anxiety you are experiencing. Leaving the scene of an accident is a terrifying situation, but it is not hopeless. With immediate, skilled representation, we can often achieve outcomes that minimize or eliminate criminal penalties, protect your license, and allow you to move forward with your life.
What sets my practice apart is accessibility and immediate response. When you call me at (631) 903-3733, you reach me directly—not an answering service, not a paralegal, not a voicemail. Leaving the scene cases demand immediate attention, and I am available to my clients 24/7 when they need me most.
I have been named Best Lawyer on Long Island for five consecutive years, recognized as a NY Law Journal Trailblazer, and maintain a 10.0 AVVO Rating. More importantly, I have helped hundreds of clients through the most difficult moments of their lives. Let me help you.
Testimonials
"...very hard working and did his best to get me a favorable outcome."
I hired attorney Ed Palermo when I was facing robbery charges last year. He was very hard working and did his best to get me a favorable outcome. Thank you, Ed!
Gabrielle S.
"Ed Palermo is your best option."
Attorney Palermo was my domestic violence defense lawyer when I was accused of domestic violence. I had a really hard time when I was charged but attorney Palermo was there to make the process easier. There's no one else I would recommend. If you are facing domestic violence charges in New York, Ed Palermo is your best option.
Jack B.
"He is extremely sharp in court..."
I had reverently used Ed Palermo as my attorney in a criminal case. Was extremely pleased with the outcome. He is extremely sharp in court and reached the exact outcome we had discussed prior. I would strongly recommend to anyone.
Billy P.
"So grateful!"
Having attorney Ed Palermo as my defense attorney was an amazing experience. He knew the law inside and out and kept me updated throughout my case. So grateful!
Richie W.
"Miracle worker and such a gentleman."
I searched for a lawyer for a friend of mine and hands down Ed is the Best lawyer on Long Island. The Best!!!!!!! I’d refer him to anyone. Miracle worker and such a gentleman.
Catherine F.
"... took care of me through every stage."
Ed guided and took care of me through every stage. Any question I had or concern he would explain the situation, options and how we overcome it to resolve the best outcome for me.
Ed H.
Online Ratings
Understanding Leaving the Scene Charges in New York
Why You Must Contact an Attorney Before Police Contact
If you have left the scene of an accident, you are in a race against time. Every hour that passes without legal representation increases your risk of facing more serious charges, making damaging statements, or losing critical evidence that could exonerate you.
Do not speak to police. Do not go to the precinct. Do not turn yourself in without counsel. These actions, while they may seem like the ‘right thing to do,’ often result in statements that prosecutors will use against you, charges that could have been avoided, and outcomes far worse than necessary.
When you hire me before police contact, I can:
- Prevent charges from being filed entirely in some property damage cases
- Negotiate the lowest possible charges before formal arrest
- Arrange a surrender on your terms, not a traumatic arrest at work or home
- Preserve evidence that demonstrates lack of criminal intent
- Coordinate with insurance to resolve property damage issues
- Position you for diversion programs or reduced charges
In November 2024, Newsday reported on a case involving my client who received remarkably lenient treatment after a leaving the scene incident. The article noted the outcome as unusually favorable—a direct result of immediate legal intervention before any police contact occurred. This is the power of early representation.
Read my detailed analysis of this case and why legal representation is critical in leaving the scene cases: Why Legal Representation is Critical in Leaving the Scene of an Accident Cases: Lessons from a High-Profile Suffolk County Case
Degrees of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in New York
New York law classifies leaving the scene of an accident into different degrees based on the severity of the incident. Understanding these distinctions is critical because the difference between degrees can mean the difference between a traffic ticket and years in prison.
Property Damage Only – Traffic Infraction (VTL 600-1a)
When an accident results only in damage to property (another vehicle, a building, a fence, etc.) with no personal injury, leaving the scene is classified as a traffic infraction—not a crime.
Penalties:
- Up to 15 days in jail (rare for first offenses)
- Fines up to $250
- 3 points on your license
- Potential license suspension
Personal Injury – Misdemeanor (VTL 600-2a)
If the accident results in any physical injury to another person—no matter how minor—leaving the scene becomes a criminal misdemeanor.
Penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Mandatory license revocation (minimum 6 months)
- Criminal record (permanent unless sealed)
Serious Physical Injury – Felony (Class E Felony)
When leaving the scene of an accident results in serious physical injury to another person, the charge becomes a Class E felony.
Penalties:
- Up to 4 years in state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Mandatory license revocation
- Felony criminal record
Death Involved – Felony (Class D Felony)
Leaving the scene of an accident where someone dies is a Class D felony.
Penalties:
- Up to 7 years in state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Mandatory license revocation
- Felony criminal record
Leaving the Scene Combined with DWI: Criminally Negligent Homicide and Manslaughter
The most serious leaving the scene cases involve both departure from the scene AND alcohol or drug impairment. When intoxication is involved, prosecutors may file additional charges including criminally negligent homicide or vehicular manslaughter.
Criminally Negligent Homicide (Penal Law 125.10)
When a person dies as a result of a driver’s criminal negligence—which can include both intoxication and leaving the scene—prosecutors may charge criminally negligent homicide, a Class E felony.
Vehicular Manslaughter (Penal Law 125.12, 125.13)
If the defendant was intoxicated (BAC .08 or higher) and caused a death, leaving the scene may result in vehicular manslaughter charges:
Second Degree (Class D Felony): Up to 7 years prison
First Degree (Class C Felony): Up to 15 years prison
What to Do If You Left the Scene of an Accident
If you are reading this page because you left the scene of an accident, time is critical. Here is what you need to do immediately:
1. DO NOT SPEAK TO POLICE
Anything you say can and will be used against you. Police are not trying to help you—they are building a criminal case. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney.
2. CALL ME IMMEDIATELY: (631) 903-3733
I answer my phone 24/7. When you hire me, I will advise you on whether to contact police (usually through me, not directly), coordinate a surrender on your terms if necessary, preserve evidence that helps your case, contact witnesses before their memories fade, and negotiate with prosecutors before charges are filed.
3. DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Prosecutors monitor social media. Any post, comment, or photo related to the incident can be used against you.
4. PRESERVE EVIDENCE
Take photos of your vehicle, save any text messages or communications, and write down everything you remember about the incident while it’s fresh.
5. DO NOT CONTACT THE OTHER PARTY
Any contact with the other driver, passengers, or witnesses can be construed as witness tampering or intimidation. All communication must go through your attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Should I turn myself in?
Not without speaking to an attorney first. ‘Turning yourself in’ often means making statements to police that will be used against you. Let me coordinate a surrender on your terms, if surrender is even necessary.
Can I go to jail for leaving the scene of an accident?
Yes. Even property damage-only cases carry up to 15 days in jail (though jail is rare for first offenses). Injury cases carry up to 1 year. Serious injury or death cases carry years in prison. Immediate legal representation is critical to avoiding incarceration.
Will my insurance cover the accident if I left the scene?
Generally yes—insurance coverage is based on the accident itself, not your decision to leave. However, leaving the scene may violate your policy terms. I work with insurance issues as part of your defense strategy.
Can the charges be dismissed if I pay for the damage?
In property damage-only cases, full restitution often results in dismissal or reduction to a non-criminal violation. In injury cases, payment of medical bills is a significant mitigating factor but does not guarantee dismissal.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
Lack of knowledge is a defense. If you genuinely did not know an accident occurred—perhaps due to minimal impact, poor visibility, or vehicle characteristics—this may result in dismissal. However, ‘I didn’t know’ is a common claim that requires credible evidence.
How long do police have to charge me?
Statute of limitations varies by severity: traffic infractions (2 years), misdemeanors (2 years), felonies (5 years). However, police typically investigate and file charges within days or weeks of the incident.
Can I get a plea bargain for leaving the scene?
Most leaving the scene cases resolve through plea agreements. The quality of the plea depends on the severity of the incident, your criminal history, and—most importantly—the skill and timing of your attorney’s intervention.
Will I lose my license?
Property damage: possible suspension. Personal injury: mandatory 6-month revocation. Serious injury or death: mandatory revocation with lengthy suspension period. I fight to minimize or avoid license consequences.
Honors & Recognition
