Traffic violations are often viewed as nothing more than a nuisance. However, if you have received a traffic ticket, then you need to take it seriously because the consequences can be surprisingly harsh. Did you know that you can lose your driving privilege and even go to jail for some traffic violations?
If you have been handed or mailed a traffic citation from a law or traffic enforcement agency in Maryland, you can count on Portner & Shure, P.A. to help you figure out what to do next. Our Bel Air traffic defense attorneys have more than 30 years of total experience protecting the rights and driving privileges of people in our community. We would be happy to see if we can help you.
Call (410) 995-1515 or contact us online for more information.
Speeding Violations in Bel Air, Maryland
Speeding is one of the most common types of traffic violations. It is considered a payable offense, which means you can be penalized with a fine and points added to your driving record, but you will not be at risk of being jailed in most situations. The fines and points you may receive depend on how far above the posted speed limit you were traveling.
Because speeding does not carry any potential for jail time, you do not need to appear for trial and instead may pre-pay the ticket. This decision is generally a mistake, though, because pre-paying the ticket is an admission of guilt that will result in points be assessed against your driver’s license. Another mistake people make is not paying the ticket and not appearing in court. Failing to pay a ticket or failing to appear for court can result in the Court issuing a bench warrant along with the suspension of the defendant’s driving privileges.
Driving on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license is another common traffic violation. Being common does not mean it is not serious, though. People have their driving privileges suspended for a variety of reasons. Because these infractions carry the possibility of jail time, they are must-appear citations that will take the defendant to court.
Suspensions can be caused by:
- Too many violations: Pursuant to Maryland Transportation 16-303(c), a person’s license is likely suspended due to them receiving an alcohol-related driving infraction, failing to pay child support, failing to complete a driver improvement program, or receiving an excessive number of points. Individuals who are charged with violating 16-303(c) face a potential penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. A subsequent offense carries a potential penalty of 2 years in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Failures to meet obligations: Pursuant to Maryland Transportation 16-303(h), a person’s license is likely suspended due to their failure to pay a court fine, failing to appear for court, or failing to maintain insurance on their vehicle. Individuals who are charged with violating 16-303(h) face a potential penalty of 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
If an individual receives a citation for driving on a suspended license, they will likely be charged with possessing a suspended license pursuant to 16-301(J) and displaying a suspended license pursuant to 16-301(E). Both of these citations carry a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Driving Without a License
Maryland law prohibits individuals from driving without a driver’s license. Pursuant to Maryland Transportation Article 16-101, a person who is charged with driving without a license faces a potential penalty of 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. A subsequent offense carries a potential penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, because this infraction carries the possibility of jail time, it is a must-appear citation. Not appearing when summoned will carry additional criminal penalties.
Driving with a Revoked License
Maryland law prohibits individuals from driving with a revoked driver’s license. Pursuant to Maryland Transportation Article 16-303(d), a person who is charged with driving with a revoked license faces a potential penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. A subsequent offense carries a potential penalty of 2 years in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, because this infraction carries the possibility of jail time, it is a must-appear citation.
If an individual receives a citation for driving on a revoked license, they will likely be charged with possessing a revoked license pursuant to 16-301(I) and displaying a suspended license pursuant to 16-301(D). Both of these citations carry a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Driving an Uninsured Vehicle
People who own and operate a motor vehicle are required by Maryland State law to carry automobile insurance. Pursuant to Maryland Transportation Article 17-107, a person who is charged with failing to maintain automobile insurance faces a potential penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. A subsequent offense carries a penalty of 2 years in and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, because this infraction carries the possibility of jail time, it is a must-appear citation as well.
Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A. for Your Defense?
Our experienced Bel Air traffic violation attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been defending clients from the worst consequences of traffic charges for more than 30 years. In addition to excellent reviews from prior clients, our reputation in the legal community can be seen in all the awards our law firm and attorneys have earned. In fact, The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys of 2020 recently recognized Portner & Shure as one of Maryland’s “10 Best Law Firms” for cases involving criminal defense!
