Hit Run Leaving The Scene in Maryland — What Are the Penalties?
A hit run leaving the scene charge in Maryland is a serious criminal offense under Md. Code, Transp. § 20-102, not just a traffic ticket. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death can be a felony. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Hit and Run Law
In Maryland, the law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene, or as close as possible without obstructing traffic. The driver must provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license to the other involved parties and any police officer present. If the property damage is to an unattended vehicle or property, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or leave a written notice with the required information in a conspicuous place.
Last verified: April 2026 | Maryland District & Circuit Courts (statewide) | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Md. Code, Transp. § 20-102 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Maryland Judiciary website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Defense
Cases involving a hit run leaving the scene in Maryland are typically heard in the District Court for the county where the incident occurred. For charges involving serious injury or death, the case may originate or be transferred to Circuit Court. The process begins with a citation or a criminal summons. An experienced leaving scene lawyer can challenge the state’s evidence that you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, or knowingly failed to stop.
- Receive Citation/Summons: You will receive a citation with a court date or a criminal summons requiring your appearance.
- Arraignment: At your first court date, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if your rights were violated during the investigation.
- Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or favorable plea. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose penalties which may include jail, fines, license suspension, and probation.
Potential Penalties for Hit Run Leaving The Scene
In Maryland, penalties for a hit run leaving the scene conviction vary based on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death, with fines up to $5,000 and jail time up to 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Scene – Property Damage | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 8 points; Possible suspension | Civil liability for damages |
| Leaving Scene – Bodily Injury | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $3,000 | 12 points; Mandatory revocation | Felony if injury is serious; Civil lawsuits |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Mandatory revocation | Permanent criminal record; Vehicular manslaughter charges possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Accident Flight Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a charge for hit run leaving the scene can upend your life, and we work diligently to protect your driving privileges and your future.
Case Results for Traffic Offenses
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against serious traffic charges throughout Maryland. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every client benefits from deep, collective experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Maryland Defense for Hit Run Leaving The Scene
Our Rockville location serves clients across Maryland, including Southern Maryland and Maryland Heights. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040 — meetings by appointment only. If you need a hit and run attorney near Maryland, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Maryland?
It depends. Leaving the scene is a felony only if the accident resulted in a death. If the accident caused only property damage or non-fatal injury, it is typically charged as a misdemeanor, though penalties are still severe.
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run but didn’t know I hit something?
This is a common defense. You must contact a hit and run defense lawyer immediately. The prosecution must prove you knew an accident occurred. Your attorney can investigate road conditions, vehicle damage, and witness statements to challenge the “knowledge” element of the charge.
Will my license be suspended for a hit-and-run conviction?
Yes. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will assess 8 points for a property damage conviction and 12 points for an injury-related conviction. Accumulating 8-11 points triggers a suspension hearing, and 12 or more points mandates a license revocation.
Can I go to jail for a first-time hit-and-run offense?
Yes. Maryland law allows for jail time even for a first offense, especially if the accident involved injury. The maximum is 60 days for property damage, 1 year for injury, and 5 years if a death occurred. An experienced leaving scene lawyer can argue for alternatives like probation.
What’s the difference between a hit-and-run and failure to report?
A hit run leaving the scene involves failing to stop and provide required information at the scene. “Failure to report” may be a separate charge if you left the scene and also failed to file a written report with police within a required time frame, typically 24 hours.