Maryland Criminal Traffic Charges?
Many Maryland Traffic Citations Have Criminal Penalties
Maryland traffic tickets can have serious consequences to your job and your future. Some very common charges like reckless driving carry with them the risk or jail time.
Under Maryland traffic laws, offenses are divided into two categories. The more serious driving offenses are called incarcerable offenses, meaning that you can serve jail time if you are found guilty of the charges.
Incarcerable traffic offenses include:
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving on a Revoked license
- Driving without a license
- Driving without Insurance
- Fraudulent Use of a license
- DUI/DWI
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run)
- Failure to Remain at Scene of Accident Involving Bodily Injury
- Failure of Driver to Stop After Unattended Vehicle Damage
- Manslaughter by Automobile
… and more.
You are at real risk of jail time with these charges, but any guilty finding will leave you with a criminal record, that can impact your life in hundreds of ways. A criminal record will show up anytime someone does a simple internet background check on you, which can lead to you not getting a job, not getting an apartment, and more.
My Maryland criminal law firm knows how to fight these traffic charges. Will will fight to keep your record clean, and challenge the prosecution on every point. Even if you made a mistake, you do not deserve to be scarred with a permanent criminal record.
Call me to find out what we can do to prevent this. I will go over your case in a legal defense consultation and case evaluation. I’ll be completely honest, and tell you what I think the chances are of winning the case, or getting the charges reduced. Call now at (888) 452-4344 or fill out the form and I’ll get back to you.
Maryland Criminal Traffic Charges & Penalties
| Charge | Penalty | Points on Insurance Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Driving on a Suspended License | Maximum of 1 year in jail & $1000 Fine | 12 points |
| Driving Without a License | Maximum of 60 days in jail & $500 Fine | 5 points |
| Driving Without Insurance | Maximum of 1 year in jail & $1000 Fine | 5 points |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury |
Maximum of 1 year in jail & $3000 Fine | 12 points |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage |
Maximum of 60 days in jail & $500 Fine | 8 points |
| Reckless Driving | Fine—$500 | 6 points |
| Negligent Driving | Fine—$140 | 1 point |
MVA Hearings
License suspensions, particularly after a DUI/DWI charge and other matters can be challenged in a hearing at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). In these cases, you have only 10 days to request a hearing, or else you give up the right to challenge your license suspension.
Minor Traffic Charges in MD Can be Fought
If you received a ticket for a moving violation or speeding that is considered a non-incarcerable offense, there may be good reasons to challenge the ticket also.
If you have previous violations that put you at risk for a license suspension, you may want to fight the ticket in court. A suspended license can put you at risk of losing your job if a car is the only way for you to get to work, or if you drive as part of your employment
And depending on the points you are carrying on your license, it is very possible that any legal fees would be cheaper than the increased rates to your auto insurance.
I’ve had success in beating or reducing traffic citations in Maryland courts, so call me to discover if challenging your traffic ticket makes financial sense for you. (888) 452-4344