Ocean City Traffic Lawyer
While traffic violations are often not considered “criminal” offenses in the way that misdemeanors and felonies are, they can still lead to you facing significant financial and personal consequences over time. On top of that, more serious offenses like DUI and reckless driving could potentially produce criminal sanctions upon conviction, especially if you have a record of similar offenses in the past.
Whether you just want to contest a single traffic ticket or need to fight back against life-changing repercussions from a traffic court case, an Ocean City traffic lawyer could be a crucial ally to have by your side. After explaining your legal options and reviewing your unique situation with you, your dedicated defense attorney could work on your behalf to seek the best case outcome possible.
What are Common Types of Traffic Violations in Ocean City?
Traffic offenses occur regularly in Ocean City, and most drivers commit multiple infractions throughout their years on the road. There are many different actions and behaviors that could constitute a moving violation and result in criminal consequences, and some of these offenses may seem minor. The most common types of traffic infractions in Ocean City include:
- Speeding
- Failing to stop or yield at a light or sign
- Texting while driving, or engaging in other distractions while driving
- Reckless driving
- Making an improper turn
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
These actions range in severity, but all of them can be thoroughly sanctioned. An individual who wants to avoid having a driving infraction on their record should contact an Ocean City traffic lawyer as soon as possible for a case evaluation.
What are the Penalties for Traffic Offenses?
Most traffic infractions in the state of Maryland are “payable” offenses, which means they are minor misdemeanors punishable by no more than a $500 maximum fine, as per Maryland Code, Transportation §27-101. Any offense that can be resolved by paying a fine and without appearing in court, like speeding or running a red light, is a “payable” offense. On the other hand, “must appear” offenses are more serious violations that require a court appearance and may be punishable with jail time upon conviction, such as DUI and leaving an accident scene.
Either way, a conviction or guilty finding for any kind of traffic offense will result in a certain number of demerit points being added to the convicted party’s license, with more severe offenses having higher point values as established in MD Code, Trans. §16-402. Accumulation of points over time may result in various consequences from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, ranging from a warning letter to mandatory enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program, to license suspension or revocation upon accrual of more than 8 or more than 12 points, respectively. An Ocean City traffic attorney could discuss options for contesting a license suspension or revocation if applicable.
Fighting an Ocean City Traffic Ticket
The simplest way to respond to a traffic ticket of any kind is just to pay the associated fine by the due date listed on the ticket itself. Taking this action immediately ends the case, but it also constitutes an admission of guilt, meaning the ticketed individual waives their right to challenge the ticket’s validity in court, accepts any points that may be associated with the violation, and may be subject to consequences like a rise in car insurance rates and possibly a license suspension based on repeat offenses.
Alternatively, a person who is willing to acknowledge culpability for a traffic offense but does not want to or is unable to pay their fine can request a waiver hearing before a judge. This hearing may allow for fine reductions, the institution of a payment plan, or even alternate sentences like community service.
Finally, a person who wants to plead “not guilty” to an alleged traffic offense can do so by checking the appropriate box on their ticket and mailing it to their local traffic court. At the ensuing contested hearing, a traffic lawyer in Ocean City could help a defendant present evidence and testimony supporting their own version of events.
An Ocean City Traffic Attorney Could Help
Contesting a traffic ticket can be a time-consuming and complex process, but it is often a worthwhile one to go through if you were issued a ticket in error or have a history of other traffic convictions. Either way, assistance from skilled legal counsel could be critical to boosting your odds of a favorable resolution to your case.
An Ocean City traffic lawyer could discuss your ticket and your potential options for mitigating its consequences during a private consultation. Schedule yours by calling today.