D.C. Hit-and-Run/Leaving After Colliding Lawyer/Attorney

Last updated: April 19, 2026 — Reviewed by Lawyer

It is a criminal offense in Washington, D.C. to leave the scene of an accident without reporting the incident or waiting for police to arrive.

Also known as “hit-and-run,” the offense is formally referred to as “Leaving After Colliding” in the District.

For a criminal defense firm with a successful track record handling this type of case, please contact Koehler Law at 202-549-2374.
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What is Hit-and-Run/Personal Injury in D.C.?

In the case of an accident in which another person has been injured, the driver must immediately stop and make sure that emergency assistance is provided as necessary. The person must also (1) remain on the scene until police arrive and (2) provide identifying information to both law enforcement personnel and to the injured person.
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What is Hit-and-Run/Property Damage in D.C.?

In cases in which the car accident results in property damage or in injury to a domestic animal, the person must immediately stop. The person must also provide identifying information to the owner of the property or animal. If the owner is not present, the person must provide identifying information and the location of the collision to law enforcement or to the 911 operator. D.C. Code § 50-2201.05c
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What are the maximum penalties for Hit-and-Run/Leaving After Colliding in D.C.?

	Hit-and-Run Property Damage	Hit-and-Run Personal Injury
1st Offense	3o days/$100 fine	180 days/$1,000 fine
2nd Offense	90 days/$500 fine	1 year/$2,5oo fine

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Will I need a lawyer for Hit-and-Run/Leaving After Colliding in D.C.??

It is highly inadvisable to represent yourself in a criminal matter.

Working directly with the police officers who are conducting the investigation, an experienced hit-and-run lawyer can do much to head off the launching of criminal charges in the first place.
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Why Koehler Law?

Focusing exclusively on D.C. Superior Court with over 15 years of experience, Koehler Law has a proven track record of making these cases go away.

In a recent case, for example, the Metropolitan Police Department dropped its investigation after Koehler Law produced 911 calls and eyewitness statements to prove that no offense ever occurred.
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What should I do if I am contacted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

You should consult a lawyer immediately.

You do not want to incriminate yourself. For example, one of the most natural responses in the world would be to say you had no idea that you had even been in an accident. While well-intentioned, such a statement would constitute your confession that you had been the car in question.

Here is a list of email addresses for the hit-and-run investigator in each District:

1st District: Portia.Perkins2@dc.gov
2nd District: Fawn.Waddell@dc.gov
3rd District: David.Leone@dc.gov
4th District: Donna.McEachern@dc.gov
5th District: Charles.Adegunleye@dc.gov
6th District: Tamika.Steen@dc.gov
7th District: Bernard.Snowden@dc.gov

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How can I avoid criminal charges for Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run in D.C.?

The first step for your lawyer will be to prevent criminal charges from being brought in the first place. This is a rare instance in which the lawyer is able to speak with police officers before an arrest. The goal is to prevent police from forwarding the paperwork to the Office of the Attorney General for possible prosecution. In fact, the overwhelming majority of investigations can be resolved without criminal charges.
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What happens if I am formally charged with Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run in D.C.?

In cases in which criminal prosecution cannot be avoided, you will be issued a citation to appear in court. Alternatively, a judge could sign a warrant for your arrest.

After being arraigned, you will appear at a number of court hearings to decide the proper course for your case.
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What are my legal defenses if I am charged with Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run in D.C.?

Very few of these cases will be to trial. That said, depending on the specific facts of the case, there are a number of defenses to hit-and-run charges:

Lack of knowledge
Mistaken identification of driver
Exigent circumstances
Fear for personal safety

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Will I go to jail for Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run in D.C.?

Very few people will go to jail after being convicted of Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run in D.C. It is, after all, a misdemeanor offense.

The most likely outcome is a period of probation, possibly unsupervised, and a small fine.

First-time offenders should be offered a diversion program in which they perform an agreed upon set of conditions (community service, for example) in exchange for the charges being dismissed without trial.
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What will happen to my driver’s license/operating privileges if I am convicted of Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run in D.C.?

Assuming the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is notified, conviction for this offense will result in 12 points and automatic revocation of your D.C. driving privileges for a period of at least six months.
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