Salisbury Traffic Lawyer
People facing a more serious driving-related offense such as a DUI or a hit and run usually seek immediate professional help to defend themselves against these criminal charges. But many drivers do not seek counsel when they face more common moving violations or other traffic citations.
Your driver’s license is your ticket to freedom and independence. Without it, getting to work on time, taking your children to school, or even getting groceries and other necessities is made much more difficult. If you received a traffic citation or notice that puts your driver’s license at risk, you should consider protecting your driving privileges by working with a seasoned attorney. A Salisbury traffic lawyer could work diligently to dismiss your charges and minimize the impact of your driving infraction on your license.
Penalties for Traffic Violations
Though a fine is one of the most common punishments for a traffic ticket, there is a range of penalties that could be imposed on convicted drivers, and many are quite severe. A consultation with an experienced lawyer in Salisbury could help the recipient of a traffic ticket understand the possible consequences.
Many convictions carry the imposition of “points” on a driver’s license. Points will increase a driver’s insurance premium and could make it harder to find insurance. If a driver accumulates enough points within a certain timeframe, their license could be suspended.
Jail sentences are also possible for certain offenses. Driving without insurance, driving without a valid license or on a suspended or revoked license, or repeated instances of reckless or distracted driving could all lead to jail sentences.
License Suspension Laws
Suspension of a driver’s license is inconvenient and expensive, as it often causes the penalized driver to rely on public transportation, taxis, or ride-share services. A license suspension also can affect future employment prospects and insurance rates.
Maryland Transportation Code §16-206 allows suspension of a driver’s license for the following reasons, among others:
- Exceeding the allowed number of points on a license
- Using a driver’s license to commit fraud or another unlawful act
- Knowingly making false statements in a vehicle title application or registration
- Failing to attend a court date relating to traffic infractions
- Non-attendance at a required driver improvement program, alcohol education program, or other alternative court-ordered program
In some circumstances, a driver could retain their driving privileges if they prove that they must use a car for employment or to get to school. A knowledgeable Salisbury attorney could help a driver who received a citation secure limited privileges or avoid a license suspension altogether.
Defending Traffic Violations
There are many ways in which a driver could be unfairly victimized by the traffic court system. Law enforcement might write a ticket for a more serious offense than the facts support, or equipment like traffic signals or speed detection devices could be faulty.
Prosecutors must have convincing proof for every element of a traffic charge, but often they only have the testimony of the officer who wrote the citation. If the dispute comes down to an officer’s word against a driver’s, an unrepresented driver might have to accept conviction. Close questioning of the officer could reveal that faulty assumptions or incomplete police work led to the officer charging the driver without sufficient justification.
A skilled Salisbury attorney could challenge a moving violation by forcing the police to prove that the speed detection device was used, maintained, and calibrated correctly.
Let an Aggressive Salisbury Traffic Attorney Defend Your Case
Your driver’s license is valuable, so it is imperative not to risk losing it by attempting to go through traffic court without qualified legal representation. Instead, allow a professional advocate to take on your case.
With a Salisbury traffic lawyer at your side, you might be able to get your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.