Maryland Hit and Run Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a Maryland motor accident, you might be tempted to leave the scene, especially if you think no one witnessed your collision. But in this technological age with surveillance cameras everywhere, you’ll need to resist that temptation because you could get in serious trouble with the law.
Fleeing an accident scene without stopping to help anyone who was hurt or assess any property damage is generally known as a hit-and-run. Not only are such acts morally inexcusable they also constitute a serious criminal offense under Maryland law. The penalties for such offenses vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether anyone got hurt in the collision. But it’s safe to say that you could end up in jail if convicted.
You can avoid a hit-and-run charge in Maryland by stopping to render help to anyone who gets hurt in the collision and following other requirements of the Maryland transportation code for such incidents. But if you’re already facing such charges as a hit-and-run driver, it might be time to consult a car crash attorney with extensive experience in hit-and-run cases who can fight your case in court and guide you through this difficult time.
Maryland Hit-And-Run Offenses: What Does the Law Say?
Title 27 of the Maryland Code provides for several categories of hit-and-run offenses depending on the nature of the road accident and specifies the punishment for each accordingly.
For each type of road accident specified under the law, the driver is obligated by section 104 to perform several acts, including:
- Stopping to assist the victim and transporting them to medical care if injured.
- Providing the victim(s), driver, or any policeman present with their name, address, insurance company information, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license if it is available for inspection. Suppose the victim or vehicle driver cannot receive the above information due to their injuries, and there is no police officer at the scene. In that case, you must report the incident at the nearest police station after making arrangements for the victim’s transportation to the hospital.
Consequences of a Maryland Hit and Run
Other than the criminal law penalties mentioned in the previous section, a hit-and-run conviction exposes you to other long-term consequences.
A hit-and-run conviction amounts to a moving violation in Maryland. It can add between 8 to 12 points to your driver’s record. According to Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration, your driver’s license could be suspended if you’ve accumulated between 8 to 11 points. Twelve points or more signifies an automatic license revocation.
The victim may also commence a civil suit against you to get compensation for the following:
- Property damage
- Medical bills for physical injury and psychological trauma
- Lost wages.
Legal Consequences and Penalties for Hit and Run Offenses in Maryland
In Maryland, hit and run offenses carry severe legal consequences, reflecting the seriousness of fleeing the scene of an accident. If the incident results in bodily injury, the driver can face up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000. If a death occurs, the penalties increase to a maximum of ten years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
For accidents involving only property damage, penalties include up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500. In addition to criminal penalties, drivers may also face civil liabilities, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. A conviction for hit and run can also result in 12 points added to the offender’s driving record, leading to an automatic license revocation. For more detailed information on penalties, refer to the Maryland Code, Transportation § 20-102.
Contact Reputable Hit-And-Run Lawyers at Scrofano Law
At Scrofano Law, we understand the difficulties associated with a hit-and-run case, especially since the outcome also affects your driving privileges. Our goal is to protect each client’s rights throughout the criminal justice process and work to establish a suitable outcome for them as much as the circumstances allow.
With years of criminal defense experience, we have a deep understanding of the laws governing auto accidents in Maryland, and we are in a solid position to offer you optimal legal advice and representation throughout your case.
Also, if you or anyone you know is dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Washington, DC, our DC hit-and-run lawyer can also help with your defense. For a start, you can read through our FAQ: DC hit & run page to further understand your case and how to proceed in the circumstances.
Contact us as soon as possible, and let us fight your hit-and-run charges together.
Contact Our MD Criminal Defense Lawyers
Being accused of a crime can be terrifying. An imperfect justice system has placed a target on your back, and you’re left to jump through hoops while somebody else chooses your fate.
With our Maryland team on your side, you can rest assured that your future lies in good hands. Our Maryland criminal defense lawyers understand how to even the chances when it feels like it’s you against the world. Contact us today to schedule a confidential case assessment and discover how we can make justice work for you rather than against you.