Traffic Lawyer Maryland for Traffic Tickets & Offenses
Looking for a top-rated traffic lawyer in Maryland? Whether you have been accused of reckless driving or a DUI, Paolo Gnocchi of Scrofano Law is here to help.
How Can a Traffic Lawyer in Maryland Help?
Many traffic violations lead to traffic tickets that usually represent an inconvenience for the driver. But, although most Maryland traffic violations may not seem serious, some of them can result in long-lasting consequences. In addition, penalties for serious traffic offenses can include fines, license suspensions, and even jail time for some offenses. That’s why you need a team of experienced Maryland traffic lawyers on your side.
If you are not familiar with this legal process, the prosecution can defeat you in the courtroom. That can mean receiving points on your driver’s license and paying associated fines.
Having a skilled Maryland traffic lawyer on your side can help you keep your driving record clean and maintain your driving privileges.
Maryland Traffic Attorney Explains the Point System
The State of Maryland, as well as the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), take some traffic offenses very seriously. Traffic violations in Maryland are tracked by using points. You are assessed points for some traffic offenses if you don’t contest the charges at the MVA hearing and simply pay the fine, or if you are convicted of a traffic violation.
You may wonder why points matter so much. First of all, your insurance premiums rise with the number of points you have, although the insurance companies only look back for several years. Another reason is because serious violations carry more points. Having too many points during two years can have serious consequences.
In addition, the number of points assessed varies based on other circumstances. For example, driving from 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit carries 1 point, but if the same traffic violation occurs along with a car accident, you may get at least 3 points.
Having more than 8 points will result in license suspension, and acquiring more than 12 will lead to license revocation. According to Maryland law (16-303), if the individual’s driver’s license or driving privileges are suspended, they can’t drive for a certain amount of time. But, if someone’s license is suspended, in some cases, she or he may be eligible to apply for a restricted license.
Best Traffic Lawyer in Maryland for All Types of Traffic Violations
There are two types of violations in Maryland – payable minor traffic infractions and must-appear offenses. Although any Maryland traffic violation can negatively impact one’s future, the state law makes a distinction between minor traffic offenses where you can just pay a fine and a couple of points on your license and serious Maryland traffic cases where a court appearance is mandatory.
Payable traffic violations are those where you can plead guilty and appear for a waiver hearing, pay a fine without any court appearance, or request a trial date. These violations include, for example, failing to stop for a school bus, improper turning, running a stop sign, and speeding tickets.
No matter how minor a traffic offense may seem, keeping your driving record clean can be beneficial in the long run. For example, keeping an offense off your traffic record can save you hundreds of dollars in insurance premiums.
That being said, a qualified lawyer can help with getting any potential charges and penalties reduced.
Serious Traffic Violations and Potential Penalties
Must appear are serious traffic offenses which can include driving on a suspended license or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Driving on a suspended license is a crime that is punishable by a maximum penalty of $1,000.00 in fines and one year in jail. Repeat offenders may even have to spend three years in jail with advanced penalties. But, just being charged with driving on a suspended license is a serious matter, although you are not taken to the police station in handcuffs.
Drunk driving crimes are misdemeanors in Maryland. Penalties for this serious crime can range from $500 to several thousands of dollars in fines, along with jail or prison time and a revocated or suspended license.
Being charged with a must-appear traffic offense must be taken seriously because there is a potential for incarceration. Those who are charged can’t just pay fines; they have to appear in traffic court, usually accompanied by a Maryland traffic lawyer who also has applicable knowledge of dealing with criminal defense cases.
Top-Rated Traffic Attorney in Maryland for Speed-Related Driving Offenses
The charge of reckless driving can often be added to speeding charges, although speeding alone is usually not enough to satisfy the legal elements of reckless driving. That’s why it is important for Maryland traffic attorneys to have a strong line of cross-examination prepared for the police officer who issued the traffic ticket or citation because their testimony is often the only evidence against you in a reckless driving case.
If you receive a traffic ticket for reckless driving or any other driving offense, don’t forget that you have the right to be defended by a traffic attorney who can represent you in traffic court! Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor offense, and if convicted, you may face serious penalties along with a permanent criminal record.
When you receive the ticket, you have 30 days to request a hearing or pay the traffic or speeding tickets before the Maryland Vehicle Administration has your driver’s license suspended for failing to comply with the citation by either paying it or requesting a trial.
At this hearing, you or your experienced traffic lawyer and the citing police officer will argue before a judge. Usually, it is better to request a trial than to pay the ticket because your Maryland traffic lawyer can try to fight the citation or argue for reduced points.
If your loved one or you are dealing with traffic violation charges, make sure you contact a competent criminal defense attorney such as Paolo Gnocchi. She has extensive experience in several practice areas to handle your traffic case and offer a piece of legal advice about what you should do after an arrest.
How Much Does Traffic Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a Maryland traffic lawyer can vary greatly. Of course, the price can depend on the type of the Maryland traffic offense, the complexity of the case, and the individual’s prior record.
Although that may seem excessive, bear in mind that it can cost you even more if you try to handle your Maryland traffic case by yourself. In addition, dealing with your case yourself may result in losing the case, and the money you’ve saved by not hiring a Maryland traffic attorney will be spent on higher insurance rates.
The Maryland criminal justice system can be frightening. When searching for a qualified traffic attorney, consider hiring those who have experience in dealing with Maryland driving offenses as well as criminal charges.
How to Get a Good Traffic Lawyer in Maryland
There are other offenses where legal advice from a Maryland traffic lawyer can help you avoid harsher penalties.
For example, driving an uninsured vehicle in Maryland is not only a bad idea but also a criminal offense that could carry very strict penalties. As an uninsured motorist, you may face criminal charges. Possible ramifications of driving without insurance conviction include up to a $1,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail, and 5 points against your driver’s license, which can lead to mandatory enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program.
Many operable vehicles are not registered. However, if a person drives an unregistered vehicle in Maryland or allows an unregistered vehicle to be driven, they face fines and other potential restrictions. Citation for an unregistered vehicle is a serious matter that must be addressed quickly to avoid future restrictions on a person’s license and driving privileges.
What to Consider When Hiring a Traffic Lawyer in Maryland
When considering whether to hire a Maryland traffic lawyer, don’t forget that they know what to say to the judge, law enforcement officer, and even what to do to get your penalties reduced. In other words, Maryland traffic lawyers are professionals who can only add value to your situation.
Also, a Maryland traffic attorney can appear on your behalf and handle your traffic ticket or a driving offense charge without your presence. In cases where your speed was, for example, high above the limit and your record is not sparkling clean, a Maryland traffic lawyer can give you the extra edge. It can show to the judge you have taken your ticket seriously by having spent time and money to handle your case.
Whether you are charged with a moving violation such as failure to yield or speeding or breaking a Maryland law by driving a motor vehicle with a suspended license or without a license at all, an experienced traffic lawyer has the information and legal resources to make a difference in your case.
Paolo Gnocchi is an excellent attorney of the Scrofano Law firm who will remain in your corner and protect your rights throughout your case. Reach out for a free consultation today.
