Charged with Hit and Run in Montgomery County? We’re Here to Help.
A hit and run charge—legally called Leaving the Scene of an Accident—can feel overwhelming. Whether the incident happened in Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Bethesda, Wheaton, Takoma Park, or anywhere in Montgomery County, the consequences can be serious. Many drivers panic or believe the impact was too minor to matter. Others are unsure damage occurred at all. Speaking with a knowledgeable Montgomery County traffic lawyer early can help clarify your legal obligations and potential defenses.
The Law Offices of David R. Waranch represents clients throughout Montgomery County who are facing hit and run allegations. Our broader experience as a Maryland traffic violation lawyer allows us to apply statewide legal strategy while focusing on local court practices. We regularly defend drivers in the Rockville and Silver Spring District Courts and understand how these cases are charged and prosecuted locally.
Whatever happened, our mission is to protect your record, your future, and your peace of mind.
Maryland Hit and Run Laws: What You Must Know
In Maryland, any driver involved in a crash—no matter how small—must stop, exchange information, and provide aid if needed. These duties are outlined in Transportation §20-102 and §20-104.
Drivers must:
- Stop immediately at or near the scene
- Provide name, address, and insurance information
- Offer reasonable assistance if someone appears injured
- Report the incident when required under Maryland law
The charge you face depends on the circumstances:
- Property Damage Only — Leaving the scene involving property
- Bodily Injury — More serious charge with enhanced penalties
- Serious Injury or Death — Felony-level offenses
Penalties may include:
- Up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines (property damage)
- Up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines (injury cases)
- Up to 5 years in prison for serious bodily injury cases
- Up to 10 years in prison when a crash results in death
- 8–12 MVA points with possible license suspension or revocation
Even a misdemeanor conviction can create long-term insurance and background check issues, especially in security-clearance or government-related jobs common in Montgomery County.
Why You Need a Montgomery County Hit and Run Lawyer
Hit and run cases are rarely as simple as the police report makes them appear. Many drivers had no intention of leaving the scene or believed they had complied with the law. A lawyer experienced with Montgomery County courts can help protect your rights and minimize the impact.
We frequently defend:
- Parking lot and low-speed “tap” cases
- Drivers accused of leaving after a minor or unclear impact
- DUI-related hit and run allegations
- Drivers who returned later or tried to report the incident
- Cases with conflicting statements or unclear video evidence
We also handle related charges, including:
We understand how Montgomery County prosecutors approach these cases and what arguments and mitigation strategies produce the best outcomes.
Common Defenses in Montgomery County Hit and Run Cases
Your defense depends on the specific facts of your case. We may argue that:
- You were unaware of any collision — common in low-speed or congested areas
- You believed you complied — you stopped, waited, or exchanged information
- You were not the driver — ownership does not prove operation
- Your rights were violated — improper questioning or unlawful stops
- Video or damage patterns conflict with the State’s claims
- Restitution was made early — often a favorable mitigating factor
When advisable, we communicate directly with police before you give any statement—helping prevent mistakes that could worsen the situation.
Where We Handle Hit and Run Cases in Montgomery County
We represent clients across all Montgomery County communities, including:
- Silver Spring
- Rockville
- Bethesda
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- Wheaton
- Takoma Park
- Clarksburg
- Olney
- Montgomery Village
- Kensington
Other counties we serve :
Don’t Face a Hit and Run Charge Alone — Get Help Today
Hit and run charges move quickly, and early intervention can significantly improve the outcome. We are here to guide you through every step—calmly, clearly, and strategically.
Call 301-563-9575 or visit davidwaranch.com to schedule a confidential consultation with a Montgomery County hit and run defense lawyer.
Law Offices of David R. Waranch — Maryland Traffic Defense. We’ve Got Your Back.
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