Criminal Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident

 Posted on December 20, 2025 in English

If you are involved in an accident — even a minor one — leaving the scene can lead to criminal charges. Maybe you were in a rush and thought there was no real damage. Maybe it was dark, and you believed you hit an animal instead of another car. Or maybe you had been drinking or driving without a valid license. You may have panicked and made a decision you now regret.

No matter why you left the scene, hit-and-run cases are taken very seriously in Maryland. These cases can result in misdemeanor charges if no one was hurt, or felony charges if someone was injured or killed. Understanding how Maryland classifies hit-and-run cases is important because penalties can increase quickly. An experienced Rockville, MD hit-and-run attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

What Are the Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Hit-and-Run Charges in Maryland?

In Maryland, the main factor that determines whether a hit-and-run is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony is whether someone was injured. A misdemeanor hit-and-run involves property damage only. The penalties can include up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500. These cases often involve hitting a parked car, a mailbox, or a road sign.

When a hit-and-run causes bodily injury or death, the penalties are harsher. If another person is seriously injured, felony charges may apply, with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. If a person dies as a result of a hit-and-run, the charge is a more serious felony. Penalties can include up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

In some cases, prosecutors may also file additional charges, such as vehicular manslaughter or DUI, which can greatly increase the consequences. Both misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run convictions can lead to a license suspension or revocation, but felony convictions often result in longer suspensions or even permanent loss of driving privileges.

What Does Maryland Law Require After Hitting Another Driver or Object?

Maryland law (Section 20-102) requires drivers involved in an accident to:

• Stop immediately
• Provide their name, address, and vehicle information
• Show a driver’s license if requested
• Give reasonable help if someone is injured
• Notify the police when required

Even if the accident was not your fault, failing to follow these steps can still result in hit-and-run charges.

Knowledge Is a Key Legal Element in Maryland Hit-and-Run Accidents

One of the most important issues in a Maryland hit-and-run case is knowledge. Prosecutors must show that you knew an accident happened and that you knew — or should have known — that there was damage or an injury.

Lack of knowledge can be a strong defense, especially in cases involving low-impact crashes, nighttime accidents, pedestrian or cyclist collisions, or chain-reaction crashes. It is also important to understand that leaving the scene to find a safer location or planning to report the accident later does not always prevent charges.

Police often identify hit-and-run drivers using traffic cameras, vehicle debris, paint transfers, witness statements, cell phone location data, and license plate readers. In many cases, drivers are identified days or weeks later, and their statements may conflict with the evidence.

Contact a Howard County, MD Traffic Offenses Attorney

If you are facing hit-and-run charges or if you left the scene of an accident and are worried about what could happen next, speaking with a Rockville, MD criminal defense lawyer from Law Offices of Mallon Snyder is an important first step. Attorney Snyder works to reduce both the immediate and long-term effects of a single mistake.

He is available 24/7, has more than 45 years of legal experience, and also helps clients with personal coaching and trial preparation. If a fair plea deal is not offered, Attorney Snyder will fight aggressively in court for his clients. Call 301-762-7500 to schedule your free consultation.