Greenbelt Traffic Lawyer

Whether facing civil penalties in District Court or administrative penalties from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), it is recommended that you hire a qualified lawyer in Greenbelt who is knowledgeable about Maryland traffic laws and is experienced in providing a successful defense to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

A simple traffic citation for speeding, a broken headlight, or running a red light may cause an increase in your auto insurance rates, leave you with mandatory driver’s training, result in a few demerit points on your driving record, or cost you hundreds of dollars in fines. More severe violations of Maryland traffic law, however, can result in criminal penalties. Charges for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and reckless driving can leave an individual without a license or land them in jail.

Reckless and Negligent Driving in Greenbelt

Title 21 of the Maryland Transportation Code defines the penalties associated with various traffic violations. While these penalties may vary based on the location of the offense and its degree of severity, many state moving violations are charged as misdemeanors. Many traffic offenses can incur fines of up to $500, but for reckless driving, a heftier fine may apply. For repeat offenders, the sentencing becomes more and more severe.

Reckless and negligent driving go beyond simple traffic violations, and are defined in §21-901 – 1 of the Code, as follows:

Endangering the lives or well-being of other drivers and passengers on Maryland roadways calls for legal action. With skillful representation, however, you may be able to avoid conviction or earn a reduction in charges. Such violations can have serious repercussions, so it is best to secure a Greenbelt traffic lawyer to provide you with qualified counsel and an effective defense.

DUI and DWI Offenses in Greenbelt, MD

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts your own life, as well as the lives of other motorists, at grave risk.  Both nationally and within the state of Maryland, drunk or impaired driving accidents are responsible for more than one-third of all traffic fatalities each year, and nearly one-third of all alcohol-related accidents result in injuries requiring medical care.

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are misdemeanor offenses. While those accused of DUI/DWI are subject to fines, jail time, license suspension, and more, a skilled Greenbelt traffic lawyer may be able to help the individual with:

• Avoiding a conviction
• Obtaining a reduction in sentencing
• Getting probation
• Or achieving a case dismissal

Penalties

A DUI conviction is subject to fines of $1000 to $3000 and jail sentencing of one to three years, depending on the number of prior offenses. License suspension or the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle is also a common penalty in DUI cases.

A DWI, which may be charged when the offender’s blood alcohol content is less than 0.08 percent, is subject to 8 demerit points against an individuals drivers license, a $500 fine, and 60-days to 12-months behind bars.

When you are charged with an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense, your record is reviewed for past offenses. In addition to recidivism, the following factors can result in harsher penalties:

• The transport of minors while under the influence
• Operating a commercial vehicle or transporting hazardous materials while impaired
• If the person is under 21 at the time of their arrest

Contacting a Greenbelt Traffic Lawyer

Prince George’s County, home of Greenbelt, MD, sees thousands of DUI and reckless driving arrests each year. If you are one of the many individuals facing misdemeanor charges and a criminal conviction, contact a Greenbelt traffic lawyer. With training geared toward traffic-related criminal defense, your attorney will review your driving history and the specific details surrounding your arrest to determine the best approach for a successful defense.

Reduced charges can result in lesser penalties, and exposing procedural missteps such as failure to properly perform an arrest or lack of probable cause can result in a case dismissal. By listening to your version of events and investigating the details of your case, your lawyer will work diligently to help you obtain the best possible results in your case. Call a Greenbelt traffic lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.