Charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Massachusetts?

A moment of panic can turn into a criminal charge — especially if you left the scene of a car accident, even unintentionally. Whether or not anyone was injured, Massachusetts law takes these allegations seriously. At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., we defend clients across Massachusetts who are facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident and help them protect their record, license, and future.

What Does It Mean to "Leave the Scene" Under Massachusetts Law?

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without stopping and providing your name, address, and vehicle registration to the other party or police.

There are two types of charges:

• Leaving the scene of property damage: When only vehicles or objects are damaged and no one is hurt
• Leaving the scene of personal injury: When someone is injured or killed in the crash

The law applies whether you're at fault or not — and even if you didn’t realize the full extent of the damage or injury at the time.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Massachusetts

Penalties depend on the severity of the incident:

For property damage only:

• Misdemeanor charge
• Up to 2 years in jail
• Fines up to $200
• Mandatory license suspension

For personal injury:

• Felony charge
• Up to 2 years in jail or 10 years in state prison
• Fines between $500 and $5,000
• Lengthy license suspension
• A permanent criminal record

You may also face increased insurance premiums and difficulty securing future employment — especially if driving is part of your job.

Common Defenses We Use

At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., we understand that many people charged with this offense never intended to do anything wrong. We’ll explore defenses such as:

• You were unaware that a collision occurred
• You didn’t know that someone was injured
• You panicked and left but took immediate steps to report the incident afterward
• The police have misidentified the driver or vehicle involved

We’ll examine the facts, challenge any assumptions made by law enforcement, and work to keep the charge off your record.

Why Choose DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.?

Clients throughout Massachusetts trust us because we offer:

• A strategic, personalized approach to each case
• Extensive experience with motor vehicle charges
• Clear communication and strong courtroom advocacy

We’re focused on protecting your license, your record, and your future.

Speak with a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Massachusetts, don’t wait to get help. 

Contact DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.