Facing Charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident? Our Defense Attorney Will Stand By You
If you’ve been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Massachusetts, you need a defense attorney who understands what’s at stake and how to build a strong case. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our criminal defense law firm has offices located at 55 Union Street, Suite 400, in Boston and 15 Church Street, Suite 105, in Salem, serving clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties.
We focus on motor vehicle offenses and offer aggressive legal representation backed by a former prosecutor who brings insight into how the other side operates. Whether you’re in Boston, Salem, Cambridge, Lynn, or any nearby city, we take your case seriously and fight to protect your record, your rights, and your future.
Understanding the Charge: Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, Leaving the Scene of an Accident—sometimes referred to as a hit-and-run—is treated as a serious criminal offense. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, a person who knowingly leaves the scene of a motor vehicle accident without providing their name, address, and vehicle registration number can face criminal charges.
The law distinguishes between two main types of this offense:
- Leaving the scene after causing property damage
- Leaving the scene after causing personal injury or death
Penalties can range from fines and license suspension to jail time, depending on the facts of your case. Even a first-time offense for property damage can result in a misdemeanor charge, a fine between $20 and $200, and up to two years in jail. More severe outcomes, such as injury or death, could lead to felony charges and significant prison time. These consequences highlight why it’s critical to consult with a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney who focuses on motor vehicle offenses.
Why You Need an Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our approach is direct and strategic. We know the nuances of Massachusetts criminal law and use this knowledge to question the evidence against you. Whether it’s identifying a lack of intent, challenging witness statements, or reviewing surveillance footage, we analyze every aspect of your case to determine the strongest defense.
Because we have a former prosecutor on our legal team, we understand how the Commonwealth builds its case and how to respond effectively. Our criminal defense law firm is known across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties for taking an assertive stance in court while maintaining professionalism and respect for the legal process.
We defend clients charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County: Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea
- Essex County: Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus
- Middlesex County: Cambridge, Somerville, Newton
- Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Quincy
What to Expect If You’ve Been Charged
If you’ve been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, the court process will begin quickly. You may receive a summons or be arrested, and your driver’s license could be suspended under Massachusetts RMV regulations.
Here’s what may happen next:
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance, where charges are formally read.
- Pre-trial hearing: Where the prosecution and defense exchange evidence.
- Motion hearings: Legal arguments made to exclude certain evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial: If the case proceeds, both sides present their case before a judge or jury.
Throughout this process, having a trusted criminal defense attorney on your side is essential. We take your case personally and stand by your side at every stage.
Building Your Defense: Strategies That Work
Each case involving Leaving the Scene of an Accident is unique, and the defense strategy depends on the specific facts. Our approach begins with a detailed review of the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Some common and effective defense strategies may include:
- Lack of knowledge: You were unaware that an accident occurred, especially if there was minimal or no noticeable damage.
- Mistaken identity: You were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident.
- No actual damage or injury: The situation did not result in damage to property or harm to another person, which may affect how the charge is handled.
- Justified departure: You had a valid reason to leave the scene, such as an immediate medical issue or personal safety concern.
- Prompt reporting: Even if you left the scene, you quickly contacted law enforcement to report the incident, which may be considered in your favor.
At our criminal defense law firm, we carefully assess all available evidence, including police reports, video footage, and witness accounts. From there, we develop a defense tailored to your situation, with the goal of minimizing penalties, protecting your record, and resolving the case as effectively as possible.
Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Law Firm
We aren’t just any law firm—we’re a criminal defense law firm that focuses on protecting individuals facing motor vehicle offense charges. From Boston to Salem and surrounding areas, we’ve earned a reputation for tough, strategic advocacy that gets results. We know Massachusetts criminal law, and we use that knowledge to challenge the prosecution’s case and keep your record as clean as possible.
Clients trust us because:
- We offer aggressive legal representation without being over-the-top.
- We understand both defense and prosecution perspectives.
- We don’t treat your case as just another file—we take it personally.
- We have real experience defending motor vehicle offenses, including hit-and-run allegations.
- We serve local communities with offices in Boston (55 Union Street, Suite 400) and Salem (15 Church Street, Suite 105).
Contact Us to Set Up a Strategy Session
If you or someone you know has been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Boston, Salem, or any of the surrounding areas in Massachusetts, don’t wait. Your rights, your license, and your future could be at risk. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson to set up a strategy session. We’ll review your case, help you understand your options, and get to work immediately on your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident a felony in Massachusetts?
It can be. If the accident caused injury or death, it may be charged as a felony. If only property damage occurred, it is typically a misdemeanor, but still a criminal offense.
Can I lose my license for leaving the scene?
Yes. The RMV can suspend your license upon conviction, and the suspension length depends on the severity of the offense.
What if I left because I felt unsafe?
If you left due to safety concerns but reported the incident to law enforcement promptly, that may be used in your defense. These circumstances require a detailed legal strategy.
What should I do if I’m under investigation but not yet charged?
You should speak with a Massachusetts defense attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used later, so it’s best to consult legal counsel before speaking with the police.
How do I know if I have a strong defense?
Only a skilled criminal defence attorney who has studied the evidence and comprehended the specifics can assess the strength of your case. Get in touch with our office to arrange a strategy meeting.