Hit and Run Lawyer Maryland — What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene?
A hit and run in Maryland is a serious traffic offense under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102, carrying penalties from points and fines to jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Hit and Run Law
Under Maryland law, a driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death must immediately stop, provide their information, and render reasonable aid. Failure to do so constitutes the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run. The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Maryland can explain that property damage cases are typically misdemeanors, while cases involving bodily injury or death are felony offenses with much harsher penalties.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, review Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures for these cases are handled by the Maryland District Court system.
Local Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Montgomery County, hit and run cases are heard at the District Court. Prosecutors take these charges seriously due to public safety concerns. The court’s priority is ensuring drivers are held accountable for fleeing an accident. A skilled hit and run lawyer Maryland from our firm understands that early intervention is key. We often seek to negotiate for a reduced charge like “failure to report” to avoid the severe “leaving the scene” label and its associated points.
- Receive the citation or summons with a court date for the District Court in the county where the alleged hit and run occurred.
- Consult with a hit and run lawyer Maryland to review the evidence, including police reports and any witness statements or video.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions or engage in negotiations with the State’s Attorney’s Office to seek a favorable resolution, such as a charge reduction.
- If no agreement is reached, your attorney will prepare for and represent you at a bench trial before a District Court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can advocate for minimal penalties at sentencing and guide you through any MVA administrative consequences.
Potential Penalties for a Maryland Hit and Run
In Maryland, a hit and run conviction carries a mandatory 8-point assessment on your driving record, fines up to $5,000, and possible jail time, with penalties increasing sharply if the accident caused injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 8 points | Possible restitution; increased insurance rates |
| Hit & Run (Bodily Injury) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $3,000 | 8 points; possible suspension | Possible restitution; felony if injury is serious |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Permanent criminal record; significant restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Maryland Hit and Run Defense Team
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to traffic defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide full representation for hit and run charges. With former prosecutors on staff, we understand how the state builds its case and where to find weaknesses.
Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. This combined experience is a key asset when building a defense against a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Maryland charge.
Contact Our Maryland Hit and Run Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hit and run a felony in Maryland?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a misdemeanor. However, if the accident results in bodily injury or death, the charge escalates to a felony with significantly higher penalties, including years in prison.
How many points is a hit and run in Maryland?
A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in Maryland results in a mandatory 8-point assessment on your driving record. Accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA hearing, and 12 points leads to license revocation.
Should I get a lawyer for a hit and run charge?
Yes. Given the severe penalties, including points, fines, jail time, and a permanent record, consulting a hit and run lawyer Maryland is crucial. An attorney can work to have charges reduced or dismissed, potentially avoiding the 8-point assessment.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
Lack of knowledge can be a defense, but you must prove it was reasonable not to know. The state will argue a driver should be aware of a collision. An experienced hit and run accident charge lawyer Maryland can investigate to support this claim.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced?
Yes, in many cases. For first-time offenses with no injury, attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors to amend the charge to a lesser offense like “failure to report,” which carries fewer points and less severe consequences.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.