Hit and Run Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A hit and run in Montgomery County is a serious traffic offense under Maryland law, often charged as leaving the scene of an accident. If you fail to stop and provide information after a crash, you face points, fines, and potential jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Hit and Run Law and Penalties
Maryland law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene, provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license to the other involved parties or police, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person. Violating these duties constitutes the offense of “failure to stop and remain at the scene of an accident,” commonly called hit and run or leaving the scene.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
The specific charges and penalties depend on the severity of the accident:
- Property Damage Only: Under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-102, failing to stop after an accident causing only property damage is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and 8 points on your driving record.
- Bodily Injury or Death: Under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 20-104, failing to stop after an accident causing injury or death is a more serious misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and 12 points (which triggers license revocation).
Beyond court penalties, a conviction leads to a permanent criminal record and will cause your auto insurance rates to increase significantly.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge in Montgomery County
All hit and run cases in Montgomery County begin in the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. The court processes a high volume of traffic cases. For a hit and run accident charge lawyer Montgomery County to be effective, early intervention is key. Prosecutors often move quickly, and evidence like surveillance footage or witness statements can solidify the state’s case if not challenged promptly.
- Receive the Citation or Summons: You will receive a traffic citation (for property damage) or a criminal summons/complaint (for injury cases) ordering you to appear in District Court.
- First 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.” This is the critical stage to have a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Montgomery County enter your not guilty plea and request discovery.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney will review the state’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor for a possible reduction or dismissal, and file any necessary motions to suppress evidence.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a District Court judge. For the most serious charges, you have the right to request a jury trial, which would transfer the case to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If found guilty, the judge will impose sentence. A favorable outcome, often negotiated by your attorney, could be Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a conviction and points if conditions are met.
Potential Penalties for Hit and Run in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, a hit and run conviction carries mandatory points, fines, and possible jail time, with penalties escalating sharply if the accident caused injury.
| Offense (Md. Code Transp.) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Points | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| § 20-102 (Property Damage) | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 8 points | Criminal record; major insurance increase |
| § 20-104 (Bodily Injury/Death) | Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | 12 points (Revocation) | Felony-level penalties; permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Montgomery County Hit and Run Defense Team
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to traffic defense. Our Maryland team is led by Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Her inside knowledge of how the state builds hit and run cases is a direct advantage for your defense. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with decades of experience, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in Montgomery County traffic cases. We have secured 17 documented results with a 100% favorable outcome rate for clients in the county, including reductions and amendments of serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Lawyer Near Montgomery County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County in Rockville. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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.
Hit and Run Defense FAQs for Montgomery County
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Montgomery County?
Do not speak to police or insurance investigators without an attorney. Contact a hit and run lawyer Montgomery County immediately. Gather any evidence you have (photos, witness info, repair estimates) and provide it to your lawyer. Your attorney will handle all communication and court appearances.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with no injuries in Maryland?
Yes. For a property damage hit and run under § 20-102, the law allows for up to 60 days in jail. While jail is less common for first-time offenses with minimal damage, it is a legal possibility the judge can impose, especially if you have a prior record or the circumstances are egregious.
What is the difference between a hit and run ticket and a criminal summons?
It depends on the severity. For property damage accidents, police may issue a traffic citation. For accidents involving injury, you will likely receive a criminal summons or even be arrested. A criminal summons requires a court appearance for a misdemeanor charge, while a ticket can sometimes be paid (pleading guilty) without appearing. You should never plead guilty without consulting a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Montgomery County.
Can a hit and run charge be reduced in Montgomery County?
Yes, often. With an experienced attorney, a hit and run accident charge lawyer Montgomery County may negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation like “defective equipment” or “failure to control vehicle speed to avoid a collision,” which carries fewer or no points. The goal is often to secure a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
This is a common defense. Maryland law requires you to stop only if you know you were in an accident. If your attorney can present evidence that you were unaware of the collision (e.g., minor contact in a large vehicle, loud environment), it may lead to a dismissal. This defense requires strong supporting evidence and skilled presentation to the prosecutor or judge.
How long does a hit and run case take in Montgomery County District Court?
From citation to final disposition, a typical case takes 2 to 6 months. The timeline includes the arraignment, pre-trial conferences, and potentially a trial. If a jury trial is requested, moving to Circuit Court can add several more months. An attorney can sometimes expedite a resolution through early negotiation.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles criminal defense, DUI/DWI, and reckless driving cases in Montgomery County.
Other Locations: We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County.
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Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.