Charged with Hit and Run in Baltimore County? Here’s What You Need to Know.
A hit and run charge — officially called Leaving the Scene of an Accident — can be frightening and overwhelming. Maybe the contact felt minor, you didn’t realize damage occurred, or you panicked in a stressful moment. Now you’re facing accusations that can lead to criminal penalties, license points, fines, and long-term insurance and employment consequences.
The Law Offices of David R. Waranch defends clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Catonsville, Essex, Dundalk, Pikesville, Randallstown, and surrounding communities. We regularly handle serious Maryland traffic charges and understand how hit and run offenses are prosecuted in Baltimore County District Courts.
Whatever happened, our job is to protect your rights, reduce the impact, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
Maryland Hit and Run Laws Explained
Hit and run offenses are outlined under Maryland Transportation Article Title 20. The law requires drivers involved in any crash to stop, exchange information, and give reasonable assistance when needed.
In Maryland, a driver must:
- Stop immediately near the crash site
- Provide contact and insurance information
- Offer aid if someone appears injured
- Report the crash when required
The penalties vary depending on whether the incident involved property damage, injury, or something more serious.
- Property Damage Only: Leaving the scene of property damage
- Injury: Leaving the scene involving bodily injury
- Serious Injury or Death: Felony-level hit and run
Possible penalties include:
- Up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 for property-only cases
- Up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 for injury cases
- Up to 5 years in prison for serious bodily injury
- Up to 10 years in prison for fatal crashes
- 8–12 Maryland MVA points with possible license suspension or revocation
Even first-time offenders can face significant consequences if the case is not handled properly.
Why You Need a Baltimore County Hit and Run Lawyer
Hit and run cases often involve misunderstandings, missing information, or assumptions made by police. A skilled Baltimore County traffic lawyer can identify weaknesses in the case and negotiate aggressively to reduce or eliminate the charges. Because these cases often overlap with other offenses, guidance from an experienced Maryland traffic lawyer can be critical.
We frequently represent drivers accused of:
- Leaving after a minor parking lot scrape
- Hit and run paired with reckless driving or DUI
- Not realizing contact occurred
- Returning to the scene later or attempting to report it
We know how Baltimore County prosecutors handle these cases — and what strategies work best.
Common Defenses in Baltimore County Hit and Run Cases
Depending on the facts, we may argue that:
- You were unaware of the impact — very common in slow-speed collisions
- You attempted to comply or believed you exchanged information
- You were not the driver even if the vehicle is registered to you
- Police violated your rights through unlawful stops or questioning
- Witness statements or video footage contradict the police report
- Restitution was offered promptly, which can significantly help your case
We also handle related charges such as Driving Without Insurance and Driving While Suspended.
Where We Handle Hit and Run Cases in Baltimore County
We represent clients across all Baltimore County communities, including:
- Catonsville
- Towson
- Essex
- Dundalk
- Pikesville
- Randallstown
- Woodlawn
- Owings Mills
If your community is not listed, we still serve you — we handle hit and run cases countywide.
Related countywide pages:
Speak with a Baltimore County Hit and Run Lawyer Today
Hit and run allegations move quickly, and early intervention can make a significant difference. Let us help you protect your future, your license, and your record.
Call 301-563-9575 or visit davidwaranch.com for a confidential consultation.
Law Offices of David R. Waranch — Maryland Traffic Defense. We’re on your side.