Leaving the Scene Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A leaving the scene charge in Prince George’s County is a serious traffic offense under Maryland law, often carrying misdemeanor penalties and license consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals accused of fleeing an accident scene. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results. If you are facing a hit and run charge, immediate legal advice is critical.
Maryland Law on Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Under Maryland Transportation Code § 20-102, a driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene, provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license information to the other involved parties or a police officer, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. Failure to do so constitutes the offense of leaving the scene, commonly called “hit and run.” The severity of the charge escalates based on the accident’s outcome: property damage only, personal injury, or death.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full statutory text, review Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102 (official Maryland General Assembly). All cases are processed through the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County located at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
Local Court Process for a Fleeing Accident Scene Charge
In Prince George’s County, a leaving the scene citation initiates a case at the District Court. Prosecutors must prove you were the driver, knew an accident occurred, and willfully failed to stop and fulfill the statutory duties. A common defense involves challenging the state’s proof of your knowledge of the accident or your identity as the driver. For cases involving injury, the state may pursue more severe penalties.
- Receive Citation or Summons: You will get a traffic citation or criminal summons with a court date for the District Court in Upper Marlboro.
- Initial Consultation: Consult with a leaving the scene lawyer to review the charges, police report, and potential defenses.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a lesser non-criminal offense or seek a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction and points.
- Trial Preparation: If no agreement is reached, your lawyer will prepare for a bench trial, challenging the state’s evidence on knowledge, identity, and intent.
- Court Appearance & Resolution: Appear in court for trial or to enter a plea. A skilled defense can result in dismissal, acquittal, or a favorable plea agreement.
- Handle MVA Consequences: If convicted, address any resulting license points or suspension with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, leaving the scene penalties range from points and fines to jail time, depending on whether the accident involved property damage, 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 | Civil liability for damages |
| Leaving Scene – Personal Injury | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $3,000 | 12 points | Possible civil lawsuit |
| Leaving Scene – Death | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Severe civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we aggressively defend clients in Prince George’s County and across Maryland. We understand the local court procedures and the high stakes of a hit and run conviction.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific locality results are protected, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Our team, including founding attorney Mr. Sris, leverages deep legal knowledge to advocate for reductions, dismissals, and alternative resolutions like PBJ to protect clients’ driving records and futures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince George’s County Traffic Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts. We represent individuals from Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions (Leaving the Scene Charges)
What should I do if I’m charged with leaving the scene in Prince George’s County?
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact a hit and run defense lawyer Prince George’s County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, like photos or witness information, and be prepared for your court date at the District Court in Upper Marlboro.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with only property damage in Maryland?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a misdemeanor in Maryland punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and 8 points on your license. A strong defense is essential to mitigate these risks.
Is a hit and run charge a felony in Maryland?
It depends. A leaving the scene charge is a felony if the accident resulted in a death, carrying up to 5 years in prison. If the accident caused only property damage or non-fatal injury, it is typically charged as a misdemeanor, though penalties are still severe.
What is the best defense against 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 skilled leaving the scene lawyer Prince Georges County can evaluate the evidence to identify the most effective defense strategy for your specific situation.
Will my insurance go up if I’m convicted of leaving the scene?
Almost certainly. A conviction for leaving the scene is a major traffic violation that insurers view very negatively. It will likely lead to significantly higher premiums or even policy cancellation, also to the 8-12 points assessed by the MVA.
Can I get a PBJ for a hit and run charge in Prince George’s County?
It depends on the circumstances and your prior record. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a possible outcome for first-time offenders charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene. A PBJ avoids a conviction and points, making it a critical goal for your defense attorney to pursue.
Related Legal Services: If you are dealing with other traffic matters, our firm also provides representation for reckless driving in Montgomery County and criminal defense in Prince George’s County. For a full overview of our traffic practice, visit our Maryland traffic lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on a leaving the scene charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.