Montgomery County Traffic Lawyer
Even other experienced Montgomery County attorneys may seek advice from traffic lawyers when it comes to traffic court. Some traffic offenses are considered civil infractions while others may be misdemeanors or even felony crimes. Traffic violations can involve state laws or city ordinances and law enforcement officials at the city or state level.
Often those accused of Montgomery County traffic violations are out-of-state travelers who would be hard pressed to return for a court date. Regardless of the situation, a Montgomery County traffic lawyer could help.
An experienced attorney familiar with how offenses are treated by the local courts and the defense strategies that have proven successful in different types of cases could evaluate your situation and create a plan to achieve a positive outcome.
Types of Typical Traffic Violations
Driving is an important part of life for most people in the mid-Atlantic region. Because society is so mobile, the opportunities for traffic violations are numerous and diverse. The Maryland state government has numerous laws on the books which, if violated can result in fines, insurance rate increases, loss of driving privileges and even imprisonment.
Some of the traffic offenses attorneys in Montgomery County most frequently assist with include charges of:
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Moving violations
- Driving in excess of the speed limit
- Violations that affect Commercial Drivers Licenses
- Driving without insurance
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Failing to register a vehicle
While in some cases at first glance it may seem expedient to simply admit guilt and pay a fine, the long-term effects of that strategy can be problematic. Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt which then can make a driver appear to be habitual offender if that driver is later stopped for another alleged violation. An experienced Montgomery County traffic lawyer could review the circumstances to determine whether it makes sense to challenge a particular charge.
Driving on a Suspended License is a Jailable Offense
Years ago, a driver caught driving with a license suspension would simply be ordered to pay a fine. Now, however, the laws are more serious and the penalties more severe.
Section 16-303 of the Maryland Transportation Code provides that in most cases, those who drive with a license that has been refused, canceled, suspended, or revoked in either this state or any other may be imprisoned for up to one year for a first offense and face a fine of up to $1,000. For subsequent violations, the potential term of imprisonment doubles to two years. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to reach out to a Montgomery County traffic attorney.
Speeding Tickets Can Be Issued in Surprising Situations
While many people in Baltimore believe a driver must be going at least 12 miles an hour over the speed limit in order to be stopped for speeding, the law says otherwise. Many speed cameras are set to go off at the 12 mile-per-hour setting, but the police may stop a driver clocked at only one mile over the limit.
In cases of inclement weather, a driver can be considered to be driving too fast for conditions, which might warrant a speeding ticket or even a charge of negligent or reckless driving, which carries heavier penalties.
Speak with a Montgomery County Traffic Attorney
Even a conviction for a minor traffic offense in Montgomery County can be costly. Accumulated points on a driver’s record can lead to substantially increased insurance rates and can even cause a license revocation.
If you are facing traffic charges, consult a knowledgeable Montgomery County traffic lawyer to learn how an experienced advocate could help protect your driving privileges and reach the best outcome in your case.