Most car accidents in Maryland are treated as civil matters. But in some situations, an accident can lead to car accident criminal charges—especially when reckless behavior, intoxication, or serious injuries are involved. If you’ve been charged after a crash, understanding the legal landscape is critical to protecting your rights and future.
When Do Car Accidents Lead to Criminal Charges?
A car accident may result in criminal charges in Maryland if any of the following apply:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): If you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, you may face misdemeanor or even felony charges depending on the harm caused.
- Reckless or Negligent Driving: Driving in a way that shows a willful disregard for safety (e.g., excessive speeding, racing, or aggressive driving) can lead to criminal citations or jail time.
- Hit and Run: Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving injury or death, is a serious criminal offense in Maryland.
- Vehicular Manslaughter or Homicide by Motor Vehicle: If someone dies in the crash and your conduct is found to be grossly negligent or impaired, you could face felony charges with significant prison time.
- Driving Without a License or While Suspended: These violations can lead to criminal charges on top of any accident-related consequences.
Common Criminal Charges After a Car Accident
- DUI/DWI (Md. Transp. Code § 21-902):
- Up to 1 year in jail for a first offense
- Higher penalties if there’s a minor in the vehicle or if serious injury occurs
- Hit and Run (Md. Transp. Code § 20-102):
- Up to 5 years in prison for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury
- Up to 10 years if the accident resulted in a fatality
- Vehicular Manslaughter (Crim. Law § 2-209):
- Felony charge with up to 10 years in prison
- Aggravated cases (while DUI) carry up to 15 years
- Reckless Driving (Md. Transp. Code § 21-901.1):
- Misdemeanor with fines and potential jail time
- Can be charged even if no injury occurs
What Prosecutors Must Prove
To convict you of a criminal charge stemming from a car accident, the prosecution must prove:
- That you violated a specific law (like DUI or leaving the scene)
- That your actions directly caused the accident or injury
- That you acted with a culpable mental state (e.g., recklessness, gross negligence, or intent)
Consequences of a Conviction
Beyond jail or prison time, a conviction can result in:
- License suspension or revocation
- Points on your driving record
- Substantial fines
- Probation
- Increased insurance premiums
- Civil lawsuits for damages
Defending Against Car Accident Criminal Charges
A skilled Southern Maryland criminal lawyer can build a defense by:
- Challenging the legality of a traffic stop or arrest
- Contesting blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results
- Presenting evidence of a medical emergency or unavoidable accident
- Arguing that your actions were not reckless or intentional
- Identifying constitutional violations during the investigation
Every case is fact-specific. Eyewitness accounts, dash cam footage, police reports, and expert reconstruction can all influence the outcome.
Counties We Serve
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we regularly defend clients facing car accident-related charges in Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties. Whether you’re dealing with a DUI after a crash or charged with leaving the scene, our team is ready to fight for your rights.
Charged After a Car Accident? Get a Strong Legal Defense.
Don’t face criminal charges alone. Schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Southern Maryland.
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