You may not have meant to leave the scene of an accident, but now you’re facing charges that can change everything. Whether it was panic, confusion, or a simple mistake, a hit-and-run accusation can lead to serious consequences, especially if alcohol, drugs, or injuries are involved.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we help drivers take control of the situation fast. If you’re being investigated or already charged, we’re ready to step in and defend you.

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, you’re required to stop immediately after an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage. According to Maryland Transportation Code § 20-104, you must:

  • Stop your vehicle as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic
  • Give your name, address, and vehicle registration number
  • Show your driver’s license to the other party or a police officer upon request
  • Offer reasonable assistance if someone is injured, including calling for medical help

Failing to do any of these things can lead to hit-and-run charges, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. These laws apply whether you hit another car, a person, or someone’s property. You could be charged for something as seemingly minor as driving away after scraping a parked car.

In more serious cases, such as when DUI or injury is involved, the state may treat leaving the scene as a felony.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

Not all hit-and-run charges are treated the same. The seriousness of the charge depends on what happened during and after the crash.

Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run:

  • Property damage only
  • Penalties include fines, up to 60 days in jail, and license points

Felony Hit-and-Run:

  • Involves serious injury or death
  • Penalties may include years in prison, significant fines, and permanent license revocation

If DUI is suspected, prosecutors may try to increase the charges, even if you weren’t tested at the scene. These cases move fast, and the stakes are high.

What Happens to Your Driver’s License?

In Maryland, a hit-and-run charge can put your license at risk. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has the power to suspend or revoke your license based on the charges or your driving history.

You could face:

  • Immediate suspension following a felony arrest
  • Points added to your license
  • Long-term revocation if the accident involved serious injury or death

That’s why acting quickly is important. We can help you take the right steps to protect your driving privileges before they’re gone.

Why People Leave the Scene—and Why That Matters

Most people don’t plan to commit a hit-and-run. In many cases, the decision to leave happens in a moment of fear or confusion. Drivers may worry about arrest, panic due to a prior record, or assume there’s no real damage. Others simply don’t realize there was contact at all.

Understanding why someone left the scene can make a real difference in court. The law takes intent into account. If we can show that your actions weren’t intentional, or that you didn’t even know an accident occurred, it can affect the outcome.

Defending Against Hit-and-Run Allegations

We’ve handled hit-and-run cases from both sides of the courtroom. That gives us insight into how prosecutors build these cases—and how to fight back. Every case is different, but some of the strongest defenses include:

  • You weren’t aware that an accident occurred
  • You weren’t the driver at the time
  • There was no property damage or injury
  • You left to seek help and returned later
  • Police got the facts wrong or confused vehicles

Early action gives us more time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and push back before the case gains traction.

Why Early Intervention Is Important

The sooner we get involved, the more options you’ll have. In some cases, we’re able to contact police or prosecutors before formal charges are filed. That can sometimes make a big difference, even preventing an arrest.

We can:

  • Respond to police inquiries on your behalf
  • Help you avoid making statements that hurt your case
  • Request surveillance footage or 911 call records before they disappear

Fast action protects your future. That’s why we make ourselves available 24/7 to clients who need immediate help.

What Sets Hartman Attorneys at Law Apart

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we bring a prosecutor’s insight to your defense. Attorney Christian Hartman draws on his background as a former prosecutor to build strong, strategic defenses for clients accused of hit-and-run.

When you hire us, you’ll get:

  • A responsive legal team that answers the phone when you call
  • A strong defense backed by courtroom experience
  • A clear strategy tailored to your situation

We know what’s at stake, and we’re ready to fight for you from day one.

Contact an Experienced Annapolis Hit-and-Run Attorney

If you’re under investigation or already charged with hit-and-run, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we’re ready to step in fast, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome. Whether the case involves DUI, injury, or a misunderstanding, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence. Call now for a free consultation. We’re available day or night to take your call.

Hit-and-Run

You may not have meant to leave the scene of an accident, but now you’re facing charges that can change everything. Whether it was panic, confusion, or a simple mistake, a hit-and-run accusation can lead to serious consequences, especially if alcohol, drugs, or injuries are involved.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we help drivers take control of the situation fast. If you’re being investigated or already charged, we’re ready to step in and defend you.

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, you’re required to stop immediately after an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage. According to Maryland Transportation Code § 20-104, you must:

  • Stop your vehicle as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic
  • Give your name, address, and vehicle registration number
  • Show your driver’s license to the other party or a police officer upon request
  • Offer reasonable assistance if someone is injured, including calling for medical help

Failing to do any of these things can lead to hit-and-run charges, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. These laws apply whether you hit another car, a person, or someone’s property. You could be charged for something as seemingly minor as driving away after scraping a parked car.

In more serious cases, such as when DUI or injury is involved, the state may treat leaving the scene as a felony.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

Not all hit-and-run charges are treated the same. The seriousness of the charge depends on what happened during and after the crash.

Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run:

  • Property damage only
  • Penalties include fines, up to 60 days in jail, and license points

Felony Hit-and-Run:

  • Involves serious injury or death
  • Penalties may include years in prison, significant fines, and permanent license revocation

If DUI is suspected, prosecutors may try to increase the charges, even if you weren’t tested at the scene. These cases move fast, and the stakes are high.

What Happens to Your Driver’s License?

In Maryland, a hit-and-run charge can put your license at risk. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has the power to suspend or revoke your license based on the charges or your driving history.

You could face:

  • Immediate suspension following a felony arrest
  • Points added to your license
  • Long-term revocation if the accident involved serious injury or death

That’s why acting quickly is important. We can help you take the right steps to protect your driving privileges before they’re gone.

Why People Leave the Scene—and Why That Matters

Most people don’t plan to commit a hit-and-run. In many cases, the decision to leave happens in a moment of fear or confusion. Drivers may worry about arrest, panic due to a prior record, or assume there’s no real damage. Others simply don’t realize there was contact at all.

Understanding why someone left the scene can make a real difference in court. The law takes intent into account. If we can show that your actions weren’t intentional, or that you didn’t even know an accident occurred, it can affect the outcome.

Defending Against Hit-and-Run Allegations

We’ve handled hit-and-run cases from both sides of the courtroom. That gives us insight into how prosecutors build these cases—and how to fight back. Every case is different, but some of the strongest defenses include:

  • You weren’t aware that an accident occurred
  • You weren’t the driver at the time
  • There was no property damage or injury
  • You left to seek help and returned later
  • Police got the facts wrong or confused vehicles

Early action gives us more time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and push back before the case gains traction.

Why Early Intervention Is Important

The sooner we get involved, the more options you’ll have. In some cases, we’re able to contact police or prosecutors before formal charges are filed. That can sometimes make a big difference, even preventing an arrest.

We can:

  • Respond to police inquiries on your behalf
  • Help you avoid making statements that hurt your case
  • Request surveillance footage or 911 call records before they disappear

Fast action protects your future. That’s why we make ourselves available 24/7 to clients who need immediate help.

What Sets Hartman Attorneys at Law Apart

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we bring a prosecutor’s insight to your defense. Attorney Christian Hartman draws on his background as a former prosecutor to build strong, strategic defenses for clients accused of hit-and-run.

When you hire us, you’ll get:

  • A responsive legal team that answers the phone when you call
  • A strong defense backed by courtroom experience
  • A clear strategy tailored to your situation

We know what’s at stake, and we’re ready to fight for you from day one.

Contact an Experienced Annapolis Hit-and-Run Attorney

If you’re under investigation or already charged with hit-and-run, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we’re ready to step in fast, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome. Whether the case involves DUI, injury, or a misunderstanding, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence. Call now for a free consultation. We’re available day or night to take your call.