Leaving the Scene Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) in Montgomery County is a serious offense under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102, carrying up to 5 years in prison for injury accidents. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 17 documented traffic case results in Montgomery County. A leaving the scene lawyer Montgomery County can challenge the state’s evidence that you knowingly fled.
Maryland Law on Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Maryland law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop, provide identification and assistance, and report the accident to police. The statute, Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102, classifies violations based on the severity of the accident. Failing to stop after an accident causing bodily injury is a felony. The penalties escalate significantly if the accident resulted in death.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County Website
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Montgomery County
Hit and run cases in Montgomery County begin with a citation or a criminal summons. For misdemeanor charges involving property damage only, your case will be heard at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. Felony charges for accidents involving injury or death are handled in Montgomery County Circuit Court. Prosecutors must prove you knew an accident occurred and willfully failed to stop. A hit and run defense lawyer Montgomery County can investigate whether you were aware of the incident, which is a common defense.
- Receive Citation or Summons: You will receive a traffic citation (for property damage) or a criminal summons/arrest warrant for more serious incidents.
- Initial Appearance/Arraignment: You will appear in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony) to be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions, review police reports, witness statements, and any video evidence (traffic, security, dashcam).
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s Office for a reduction or alternative disposition. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, the judge will impose penalties which may include jail, fines, probation, and license suspension.
- MVA Administrative Action: A conviction triggers an automatic driver’s license revocation by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, leaving the scene penalties range from points and fines for property damage to felony imprisonment for fatal accidents, plus mandatory license revocation.
| 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 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Mandatory revocation | Felony criminal record |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Mandatory revocation | Vehicular manslaughter charges possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Montgomery County Traffic Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to traffic defense. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Montgomery County, we have a documented history of achieving positive results for clients facing serious traffic allegations. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we provide full representation, from the initial MVA hearing to courtroom defense.
Case Results for Traffic Offenses in Maryland
Our firm has achieved documented results for clients across Maryland. In Montgomery County specifically, our traffic defense team has a record of 17 documented results, all of which were reduced or amended to more favorable outcomes. Firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his decades of experience as a former prosecutor and his deep understanding of Maryland traffic statutes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Leaving the Scene Lawyer Near Montgomery County, MD
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. A fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Montgomery County from our team is accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Leaving the Scene Charges
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Maryland?
It depends. Leaving the scene is a felony if the accident caused bodily injury or death. If only property damage occurred, it is typically a misdemeanor. The severity dictates the court (District vs. Circuit) and potential prison time.
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Montgomery County?
Contact a leaving the scene lawyer Montgomery County immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone else. Your attorney will obtain the police report, review evidence like traffic or security camera footage, and determine if the state can prove you knowingly failed to stop, which is a required element of the charge.
Can I lose my license for a hit and run in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction for leaving the scene involving injury or death carries a mandatory driver’s license revocation by the MVA. Even for property damage, the 8-point assessment will trigger an MVA suspension hearing.
What defenses are available for a fleeing accident scene charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, mistaken identity of the driver, or an emergency that compelled you to leave. A fleeing accident scene charge lawyer Montgomery County can investigate the circumstances to identify the strongest defense for your case.
How many points is leaving the scene in Maryland?
Leaving the scene of a property damage accident results in an 8-point assessment on your Maryland driving record. Accumulating 8 points triggers an automatic MVA hearing, and 12 points leads to revocation.
For more information, see our Maryland traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges, our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers can help.
Page last verified: 2026-04. 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.