Leaving the Scene Lawyer St. Mary’s County, MD
You were driving on Route 5 near Leonardtown when another vehicle pulled out unexpectedly in front of you. You swerved, clipped the back bumper of their car, and kept going. Now you are facing a leaving‑the‑scene charge in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — an offense that can carry serious consequences including license suspension, a criminal record, and higher insurance rates. The experienced traffic‑defense attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent drivers in St. Mary’s County who have been accused of leaving the scene. We appear in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County and in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, working toward a favorable resolution. If you have been charged with leaving the scene in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, or Mechanicsville, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Leaving the Scene Means in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a driver involved in an accident that causes property damage or injury must immediately stop at or near the scene, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance (Maryland Transportation Article §§ 20‑102, 20‑103). Leaving the scene — sometimes called hit‑and‑run — is a traffic offense that may be charged as a misdemeanor or, if serious bodily injury or death occurred, as a felony. In St. Mary’s County, these cases are heard initially in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County, located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. If a jury trial is requested, the case is transferred to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
A leaving‑the‑scene allegation in St. Mary’s County can result in significant penalties. The court considers the specific facts of the incident — whether anyone was injured, the extent of property damage, and whether the driver has a prior record. A conviction can lead to jail time, a fine, and points on your Maryland driver’s license. Maryland’s point system adds points to your record that can lead to an MVA administrative hearing at 8 points and revocation at 12 points. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be available for some offenses, which can avoid a conviction and keep points off your record. Speed‑camera tickets issued in St. Mary’s County are civil fines with no points and no insurance impact, but a leaving‑the‑scene charge is a moving violation that carries points and can affect your insurance if not handled appropriately.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Leaving‑the‑Scene Cases
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by examining the circumstances of the alleged incident. We look at witness statements, accident‑reconstruction data if available, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. In many cases, the prosecution must prove that the driver knew an accident occurred and intentionally left. A lack of knowledge or a genuine belief that no damage occurred can be a strong defense. We also evaluate whether the charge can be reduced to a lesser offense, such as failure to render assistance, which may carry less severe consequences.
The firm’s Of Counsel includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who brings firsthand insight into how prosecutors build leaving‑the‑scene cases in Maryland courts. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, draws on decades of experience in traffic‑defense representation. Together, we work to challenge the evidence, negotiate with the State’s Attorney, and present mitigating factors to the court. Because St. Mary’s County courts handle a steady volume of traffic cases, we know the local procedures and can advise clients on realistic outcomes based on the specific facts of their matter.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced traffic and criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring a range of experience, including former prosecution work in Maryland. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel have built a practice that represents individuals charged with traffic offenses across multiple states.
The firm’s Maryland location serves clients from all five Southern Maryland counties, including St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, and Montgomery. We appear regularly in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County and the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The firm has documented over 4,739 case results firm‑wide across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leaving the scene a felony in Maryland?
Leaving the scene of an accident is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Maryland unless someone suffered serious bodily injury or death, in which case it can be charged as a felony. Maryland distinguishes between property‑damage‑only leaving‑the‑scene, which is generally a misdemeanor, and leaving‑the‑scene involving injury, which carries harsher penalties. The specific charge depends on the facts of the case and the extent of harm. A traffic attorney can review your situation and explain the potential exposure you are facing in St. Mary’s County.
What should I do if I am accused of leaving the scene in St. Mary’s County?
If you are accused of leaving the scene in St. Mary’s County, you should contact an experienced traffic lawyer immediately and avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney. Do not make statements to law enforcement without counsel present. Preserve any evidence that might support your side, such as photographs of your vehicle, witness contact information, and a log of what you remember. A lawyer can evaluate whether you had a legal duty to stop and whether you might have a valid defense, such as lack of knowledge that an accident occurred.
Can I get points removed from my driving record for a leaving‑the‑scene charge?
Points are assessed upon conviction for a moving‑violation conviction in Maryland, but a skilled traffic attorney may be able to avoid a conviction through negotiation or trial, thereby preventing points from being added. If you are found not guilty or receive Probation Before Judgment, no points are added. Additionally, completing a Maryland‑approved driver improvement course can remove 3 points and may be part of a negotiated resolution. The District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County hears these matters, and having local counsel can help you understand the options available.
What happens if I was not aware that an accident occurred?
Maryland law generally requires that a driver must have known or should have known that an accident occurred before a leaving‑the‑scene charge can be sustained. If you can show you genuinely did not realize your vehicle made contact with another vehicle or person, that can be a defense. The court will examine the circumstances, including the extent of damage, weather and visibility conditions, and your driving conduct. Your attorney can present evidence to the judge to argue that you lacked the required knowledge.
How much does a leaving‑the‑scene lawyer cost?
The cost of legal representation varies depending on the complexity of the case and the fee arrangement you reach with the attorney. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we offer consultations by appointment. We can discuss your situation and explain our fee structure so you can make an informed decision. Contact us at (888) 437‑7747 to learn more about how we can help with your St. Mary’s County leaving‑the‑scene charge.
Do I need a lawyer for a first‑offense leaving‑the‑scene charge?
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, a first‑offense leaving‑the‑scene charge in Maryland can still result in jail time, a fine, points on your license, and a permanent criminal record, so having an experienced traffic lawyer can help protect your future. A lawyer can identify defenses, negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a less serious offense, and present your mitigating circumstances to the court. Even a first offense can have long‑term consequences, and professional legal guidance can make a difference in the outcome.
For more detailed information on Maryland traffic statutes and the specific statutory framework for leaving‑the‑scene offenses, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.
Central Maryland traffic‑defense resources: Visit our pages for Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.