Hit and Run Lawyer Charles County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Charles County is a serious traffic offense under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102, carrying up to 60 days in jail, 8 points, and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for hit and run accident charges at the District Court of MD for Charles County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Hit and Run Law
Maryland law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene. You must provide your name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license to the other involved parties and police. If the property owner is not present, you must leave a note with your information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to police within 48 hours. Failure to do any of these steps constitutes the offense of “failure of driver involved in accident to stop and furnish required information,” commonly called hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, review Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102 (official Maryland General Assembly). All Charles County traffic cases are heard at the District Court of MD for Charles County located at 200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646.
Charles County Court Process for Hit and Run Charges
In Charles County, a hit and run charge begins with a citation or criminal summons. The case is scheduled for an initial hearing at the District Court. Prosecutors here must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and willfully failed to stop and provide the required information. A common defense is lack of knowledge—arguing you were unaware a collision occurred. The court also considers the extent of property damage. For cases involving injury or death, the charges escalate significantly.
- Receive your citation or summons with a court date for the District Court of MD for Charles County.
- Consult with a hit and run lawyer Charles County to review the evidence, including police reports and any witness statements.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions or negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution, such as a reduction to a non-criminal violation.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for a bench trial before a District Court judge to contest the charges.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Charles County
In Charles County, a hit and run involving only property damage is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and 8 points on your Maryland driving record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 8 points | Possible restitution; insurance increase |
| Hit & Run (Bodily Injury) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $3,000 | 12 points; possible revocation | Felony potential if injury is serious; mandatory court appearance |
| Hit & Run (Fatality) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | License revocation | Investigation by Crash Team; severe penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on building a strong defense by investigating the scene, challenging the state’s evidence of knowledge and intent, and exploring all options to protect your driving record and avoid jail time.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in traffic cases. While specific results depend on unique case facts, our approach is thorough and client-focused. Mr. Sris, our founding attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. We work to achieve dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses, or alternative dispositions that avoid points and jail.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Charles County Hit and Run Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Maryland location serves clients in Charles County, including La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. We represent clients at the District Court of MD for Charles County in La Plata.
Hit and Run Lawyer Charles County FAQ
Is a hit and run a felony in Maryland?
It depends. A hit and run involving only property damage is a misdemeanor. If the accident results in serious bodily injury or death, the charge can be a felony with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Charles County?
Contact a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Charles County immediately. Do not discuss the case with police or insurance adjusters without counsel. Your attorney will obtain the police report, assess the evidence against you, and develop a defense strategy, which may include arguing a lack of knowledge about the accident.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction adds 8 points for property damage or 12 points for injury. Accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA hearing, and 12 points leads to revocation. A hit and run lawyer Charles County can fight to avoid a conviction and these points.
What if there was no damage in the hit and run?
If there was no property damage or injury, the state may have difficulty proving the required elements of the crime. However, you can still be charged. An attorney can argue for dismissal based on lack of evidence of reportable damage.
How can a lawyer help with a hit and run accident charge?
A hit and run accident charge lawyer Charles County investigates the scene, reviews officer testimony for inconsistencies, challenges the proof that you knew of the accident, and negotiates with prosecutors. The goal is to have charges reduced or dismissed to avoid jail, steep fines, and points on your license.
For more information, see our Maryland Traffic Lawyer hub. We also assist with Criminal Defense in Charles County and DUI/DWI charges.
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.