Prince George’s County Hit and Run Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Prince George’s County is a serious traffic offense under Maryland law, often charged as leaving the scene of an accident. Penalties escalate based on property damage or injury. A conviction can mean points, fines, and jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Hit and Run Law & Penalties
Maryland law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop, provide information, and render reasonable aid. Violating these duties constitutes the offense of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called hit and run. The specific statute is Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102. The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built a practice focused on courtroom defense. We understand that a hit and run charge often stems from panic, not criminal intent, and we work to present that context effectively.
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Transp. § 20-102 (Official Maryland General Assembly) – The state statute defining duties following an accident.
- District Court for Prince George’s County – Official court website for location, hours, and procedures.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Prince George’s County, all hit and run cases begin in the District Court at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. Prosecutors here treat leaving the scene of an accident seriously, especially if there is an injury. A key local procedural fact is that the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will administratively suspend your driver’s license upon conviction, separate from any court penalty. This is also to the points assessed on your driving record.
- Receive the Citation or Summons: You may be mailed a citation or summoned to court for a hit and run accident charge.
- First Appearance / Arraignment: At the District Court, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty to preserve your right to a trial or negotiations.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney will meet with the State’s Attorney to review evidence, discuss weaknesses in the state’s case, and explore potential resolutions to avoid a hit and run conviction.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge. Your attorney will challenge the state’s evidence that you were the driver and knew an accident occurred.
- Sentencing or MVA Action: If convicted, the court will impose penalties. The MVA will then separately initiate a license suspension proceeding based on the conviction.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene
In Prince George’s County, a hit and run conviction carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension from the MVA, points on your record, and possible jail time, with penalties increasing sharply if the accident caused injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 8 points; MVA suspension | Civil liability for damages |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $3,000 | 12 points; MVA revocation | Personal injury lawsuit |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | 12 points; MVA revocation | Wrongful death lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, we have a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results and a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive representation. For your hit and run case, this means a defense built on knowing local court tendencies and using proven strategies to protect your driving privileges.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific Prince George’s County hit and run results are confidential, our firm-wide approach has secured favorable outcomes in similar traffic matters. Mr. Sris, our founding attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. Our goal is to avoid the severe collateral consequences of a hit and run conviction, such as a mandatory license suspension and skyrocketing insurance rates.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Defense Near Prince George’s County
Our Maryland office in Rockville represents clients facing hit and run accident charges at the Prince George’s County District Court in Upper Marlboro. We serve communities throughout the county, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Hit and Run Lawyer Prince Georges County FAQ
Is a hit and run a felony in Maryland?
It depends. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a misdemeanor. However, if the accident caused a death, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Cases involving bodily injury remain misdemeanors but carry heavier penalties.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident triggers a mandatory driver’s license suspension by the Maryland MVA, separate from any court-imposed fine or jail sentence. This is a critical reason to fight the charge with a hit and run lawyer Prince Georges County.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
This is a common defense. The state must prove you knew an accident occurred. If you can show you were unaware of any contact—due to road noise, a minor bump, or other circumstances—it may be a valid defense to the “knowledge” element of the leaving the scene of an accident charge.
Can I settle a hit and run case without going to court?
Sometimes. If the only issue is minor property damage and you can quickly compensate the other party, the victim may be unwilling to pursue criminal charges. However, once a police report is filed and charges are issued, the criminal case proceeds independently of any private settlement. Legal guidance is crucial.
How long does a hit and run stay on my record in Maryland?
A hit and run conviction remains on your Maryland driving record permanently. The associated points (8 for property damage, 12 for injury) remain active for two years from the violation date and are used to calculate MVA suspension thresholds during that period.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.