Traffic Charges
Traffic-related charges and violations are some of the most common reasons why Maryland residents may need the help of an experienced attorney. Your Rockville traffic lawyer can handle everything from seemingly simple speeding tickets to more serious charges, such as reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter.
While many people may think it is easier to simply plead guilty to a traffic offense and pay the associated fine, this is not always the case. Traffic convictions can become quite troublesome, especially when they can carry criminal penalties or attach points against a driver’s record. Such penalties could potentially result in the loss or suspension of driving privileges.
A Rockville criminal lawyer can examine the facts in your case and advise you as to whether you would benefit from fighting the charges against you. Because no two traffic cases are alike, what proved the best option for one driver may not be the best course of action for another.
Your traffic attorney in Rockville can analyze your driving record, the charges you are facing, any prior traffic convictions, the evidence against you, and any mitigating circumstances – such as road and weather conditions, or reckless driving on the part of another driver – in order to determine whether it would be advantageous for you to pursue reduced or dismissed charges.
Types of Offenses
Almost any driving behavior could potentially land a driver in trouble with law-enforcement in Maryland. With its proximity to our nation’s capital and the dense commuter traffic, Rockville is a heavily patrolled area. Broad language in some of Maryland’s statutes – especially the negligent driving laws – allows charges to be brought against any driver exhibiting behavior deemed foolhardy or irresponsible.
With that said, our traffic attorneys in Rockville handle a variety of moving and non-moving violations such as:
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Running a red light
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving
Range of Penalties
Penalties for traffic violations in Maryland depend on the seriousness of the offense, as well as the driving or criminal record of the person accused at times. Some penalties can be quite severe, even for first-time offenses.
A first-time DUI, for instance, carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and up to $1000 in fines under Maryland Code § 21-902. Reckless driving is punishable by 6 points against a driver’s license and up to $1000 under Maryland Code § 21-901.1. If reckless or negligent driving results in a person’s death and it is deemed vehicular manslaughter, the driver faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $5000, under Maryland Code § 2-209.
Even so-called “simple” speeding tickets can result in points against a driver’s license. Driver history records are open to employers and the public for up to three years, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Whether you are facing a speeding violation or a more serious criminal traffic charge, your Rockville traffic lawyer can provide a consultation to help you determine a course of action.