Being charged with a hit and run in Maine is a serious offense that can result in jail time, steep fines, license suspension, and a lasting criminal record—especially when injuries or property damage are involved. Many drivers make a split-second decision to leave the scene out of panic or confusion, only to face harsh legal consequences later.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys know that not every case involves criminal intent. Whether you made a mistake, didn’t realize damage was done, or were wrongly identified, we work quickly to protect your rights and minimize the impact of the charges. If you’re under investigation or have already been charged, contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group now for a confidential case evaluation.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
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Legal Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident in Maine
If you’re involved in a car accident in Maine, especially one involving injury or property damage, you have a legal obligation to report it. Under Maine law, a crash must be reported if it occurs on a public roadway or any area where public traffic is expected, and results in:
- Bodily injury or death, or
- Property damage of $1,000 or more
The driver of the vehicle is legally required to report the accident as soon as possible to law enforcement. If another driver, pedestrian, or passenger is injured, or if substantial damage has occurred, failing to report the accident can lead to criminal charges.
In Maine, failing to report an accident is a Class E crime, which may result in:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspension
If you’ve been charged with leaving the scene of an accident or failing to report a crash in Maine, it’s critical to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we can help you understand your rights and fight to protect your freedom.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Maine
Hit and run charges in Maine are serious criminal offenses, and the penalties depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. Whether a vehicle is struck while parked or occupied, or an individual is injured or killed, the severity of the charge escalates quickly.
- Class E crime – Leaving the scene of a minor accident (e.g., hitting a parked car and not stopping):
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Class D crime – Fleeing after an accident that results in property damage or minor injury:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- 90-day license suspension
- Class C crime – Leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death, or failing to report it to law enforcement:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- 90-day license suspension
Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A §2252, any driver involved in an accident that causes personal injury or death is legally required to immediately stop at the scene or return to it as soon as possible. Failing to do so can result in a Class C felony, even if you were not at fault for the collision.
If you are charged with leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving injury or death, the consequences can be life-altering. It is essential to consult with our experienced Maine criminal defense attorneys who can assess your case and protect your rights.
OUI Hit and Run Charges in Maine Carry Severe Penalties
Being involved in a hit and run while under the influence in Maine can escalate an already serious situation.
If you are accused of leaving the scene of an accident and are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you could face both Operating Under the Influence (OUI) charges and a Class C felony for failing to report an accident involving serious injury or death. Convictions for OUI-related hit and run offenses in Maine can result in a license suspension of up to four years, in addition to steep fines and potential jail time.
To protect your future, it is critical to work with an experienced OUI defense attorney who understands how to fight both charges and minimize the long-term impact.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in or Charged with a Hit and Run in Maine
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident in Maine, it’s important to understand what steps to take—especially if you’ve already left the scene and are now facing criminal charges. Many people leave the scene out of fear, panic, or confusion in the immediate aftermath of an accident. You may not have realized the severity of the incident or thought returning later would make things right. Unfortunately, under Maine law, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, and the penalties can be severe.
Whether the accident involved minor property damage or resulted in injury or death, failing to remain at the scene can elevate the legal consequences significantly. You may face misdemeanor or felony charges, along with possible jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Law enforcement may attempt to contact or question you, and if alcohol or drug use is suspected, they could pursue additional charges such as OUI (Operating Under the Influence). In many cases, police rely on field sobriety tests, blood test results, and witness statements—but these forms of evidence can be challenged by an experienced defense attorney.
If you’ve already been charged or believe you’re under investigation for a hit and run, it’s crucial to speak with a defense lawyer before talking to the police. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our attorneys are highly experienced in handling hit-and-run and OUI-related cases throughout the state. We’ll review the facts, assess the legality of any tests or evidence collected, and build a strong defense to protect your rights.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate this alone. The sooner you reach out for legal help, the more options you may have to reduce or fight the charges.
Contact Our Maine Hit and Run Defense Attorneys Today
If you’ve been charged with a hit-and-run in Maine, don’t wait to take action. These cases move quickly, and any delay can put your driving privileges, freedom, and future at risk. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we understand the complexities of hit-and-run charges and are ready to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our office today or fill out our secure online form to schedule a confidential consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building a strong defense to protect your rights.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
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