Cecil County Traffic Lawyer

Speak with one of our experienced Cecil County traffic lawyers if you want help understanding and responding to traffic charges in MD. Traffic violations are often thought of as minor annoyances, but the truth is that the State of Maryland and its various municipalities take traffic laws very seriously. Even relatively minor violations can easily result in significant legal consequences, particularly in cases when a person accumulates multiple tickets within a certain period of time. In addition, some violations are dealt with seriously even for a first offense, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or reckless driving.

The potential consequences of traffic violations can include significant fines, an increase in your insurance premiums, the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, probation, and even time in jail. As a result, it is highly advisable for anyone facing a traffic violation to discuss their case with Cecil County traffic attorney prior to pleading guilty or paying any tickets.

Cecil County and Traffic Law Enforcement

Interstate 95, which runs directly through Cecil County, Maryland, is a major artery that runs along the Atlantic Coast providing access from the Washington–Baltimore area to the south, and the New York area to the northeast. This corridor provides police a high-volume target to catch speeders and other motorists who are in violation of traffic laws. In many cases, those speeding are simply passing through the county and on their way to or from other destinations. In addition to speeding tickets, law enforcement agencies routinely issue citations for a variety of other traffic violations where a Cecil County traffic lawyer can be of assistance, including the following:

Of course, there are many other potential traffic violations of which a person can be accused, many of which will add points to their license if they are convicted or plead guilty. As a result, it is extremely important for anyone who has been issued a traffic citation to discuss their case with a Cecil County traffic attorney before determining how best to proceed.

What To Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket in Cecil County?

There are two types of traffic violations in Maryland: “payable” and “must appear” violations. As their names would imply, payable violations are payable through the mail or online without appearing in court. These are less serious offenses than “must appear” violations and are not punishable by jail time. After receiving a citation for a payable violation, you have three options:

  • Pay the fine, and plead guilty
  • Request a waiver hearing to plead “guilty with an explanation”
  • Request a trial to plead “not guilty”

While in many cases simply paying the fine and pleading guilty would seem like the easiest course of action to take, it is extremely important to understand that by doing so you are admitting your guilt. There could be significant financial and/or legal consequences to doing some, some of which may not become apparent for months or even years. For example, pleading guilty to a traffic violation could keep you from obtaining certain types of employment or even affect your ability to obtain a professional license. Consequently, it is extremely important for anyone who has been issued a citation for a payable violation in Maryland to discuss their options with an experienced Cecil County traffic attorney before taking any definitive action.

It is important to note that people who receive a citation for a payable offense have 30 days to respond to the citation; if you fail to respond, your license may be suspended. Driving on a suspended license is considered a criminal offense in Maryland and could result in incarceration.

Not surprisingly, “must appear” violations require the accused to appear in court. The types of violations carry the potential of jail if the defendant is adjudicated guilty. These cases are more serious than those arising from a payable violation, and include violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol or driving under license suspension. Of course, anyone facing a “must appear” offense in Cecil County should discuss their case with a Cecil County traffic lawyer. In addition to jail time, these more serious violations could result in fines, probation, the loss of your license, and mandatory counseling.

Seeking Legal Representation in Cecil County  

Anyone who has received a traffic violation in Cecil County, Maryland, should contact a Cecil County Traffic lawyer immediately. The sooner you do, the more quickly our attorneys may be able to build a defense strategy suited to your personal needs and circumstances. To schedule a consultation with a traffic violation lawyer, call our office today.