Baltimore, Maryland Speeding Ticket Defense Lawyer

Every Ticket Can Be Challenged If You Know What to Do

While speeding tickets are often an annoyance for drivers, the reality is that the consequences of a speeding ticket are severe. A conviction for a speeding offense can result in increased insurance premiums, accumulation of points against a person’s driving privilege, and a person’s license being suspended or revoked. The loss of the person’s driving privilege is a serious consequence as this can result in the loss of their employment.

If you are facing these potential consequences, a Baltimore, Maryland speeding ticket defense attorney can assist you. The skilled attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. can work with you to minimize these consequences by building a strong defense.

If you recently received a speeding ticket, call (410) 995-1515 for a free consultation.

Maryland Traffic Laws

Nearly all traffic offenses carry fines and points under Maryland State law. When a person is convicted of a traffic offense, the fines and points are imposed separately. A speeding ticket creates a criminal traffic case that is adjudicated by a Maryland Court and potential administrative action by the Motor Vehicle Administration. A Court has no power over the points and the Motor Vehicle Administration has no power over the fines.

The point system is set up so that when a person receives:

· 3 to 4 points – A warning letter is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

· 5 to 7 points – The Motor Vehicle Administration requires the driver to complete a driver improvement program. Failure to complete the program results in their driving privilege being suspended.

· 8 to 11 points – Driving privilege is suspended by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

· 12 or more points - Driving privilege is revoked by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

The potential points and fines associated with each type of traffic offense vary. With regards to speeding tickets, the fines and points are based on how far above the posted speed limit a driver was traveling. Points remain on a person’s driving record for two years.

Common Mistakes in Speeding Ticket Defense Cases

A driver has three choices when they receive a speeding citation:

1. Pre-paying the citation

2. Pleading not guilty and requesting a trial

3. Pleading guilty with an explanation.

Pre-paying the ticket is a mistake because this is essentially an admission of guilt and results in the Court and the Motor Vehicle Administration imposing the full fine and points. Instead, the best course of action is to plead not guilty and request a trial.

Defenses You Might Be Able to Use

When a person receives a speeding ticket, the State of Maryland has to prove a person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Speeding tickets have no intent element, so the state does not have to prove that a person knowingly violated the speed limit. The State of Maryland still has to prove that a driver was driving in excess of the posted speed limit. While this may seem like an easy task for the State of Maryland, a solid defense by a Baltimore, Maryland speeding ticket defense lawyer may reveal weaknesses or inadequacies in the State’s case.

In cases where a plea deal is advisable to trial, a Baltimore, Maryland speeding ticket defense lawyer can work to mitigate potential consequences by highlighting a driver’s character, driving history, and efforts towards self-improvement, which may result in the imposition of a Probation Before Judgement which results in no points being imposed on a person’s driving record.

Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A.?

The consequences of a speeding ticket are more severe than a simple monetary fine. A speeding ticket can have a real effect on your life. A Baltimore, Maryland speeding ticket defense attorney can work with you to obtain a favorable result.

At Portner & Shure, P.A., our attorneys know that in a speeding ticket case, more than money is on the line. They know that our client’s ability to drive, live their life, and earn a living can be affected by a conviction. We will fight to obtain the best possible outcome.