Wheaton Traffic Violation Lawyers

Helping You Fight Back Against Your Traffic Ticket

While traffic tickets may seem like minor matters, the reality is receiving a traffic ticket can have dire consequences. A conviction for a traffic-related offense can result in a suspended license, the loss of one’s driving privilege, fines, and increased insurance rates. Along with this, some traffic violations carry the potential of jail time which can have other collateral effects such as loss of employment. Because of the serious nature of these offenses and the associated penalties, it’s important that you contact an experienced traffic violation lawyer in Wheaton if you have been ticketed or arrested for a traffic-related offense. Portner & Shure, P.A. has been representing clients in Montgomery County for over 30 years; reach out to us today to learn how we can help you with your case.

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Common Traffic Violations

There are a wide variety of traffic violations and related offenses under Maryland law. The Montgomery County Police aggressively enforce the state's traffic laws. Traffic violations can be divided into two categories, “payable” citations and “must appear” citations. A must appear citation generally carries the potential for jail time. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common traffic violations in Montgomery County, as well as their potential penalties.

Speeding

Citations for speeding are among the most common type of traffic violations. Speeding citations alone do not carry jail time. Instead, speeding citations carry fines and points. The potential fines and points associated with a speeding citation are dependent upon the speed at which an individual was traveling. The higher the speed, the higher the fine.

People often pay the fine without appearing in court, or simply don’t pay the fine and fail to appear in court. These actions can have profound secondary effects beyond a bench warrant.

Driving On A Suspended License

Citations for driving on a suspended license are very common. Driver’s license suspensions occur for a variety of reasons, and there are several statutes about license suspensions.

If an individual receives a citation for driving on a suspended pursuant to 16-303(c), their license is likely suspended as a result of an alcohol-related driving infraction, failure to pay child support, failure to complete a driver improvement program, or an excessive amount of points. The maximum penalty for a first offense is one year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine; the maximum penalty for a subsequent offense is two years and a $1,000.00 fine.

If an individual receives a citation for driving on a suspended pursuant to 16-303(h), their license is likely suspended as a result of their failure to pay a fine, failure to appear for court, or failing to maintain insurance. The maximum penalty is 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.

Additionally, an individual will likely receive a citation for possession of a suspended license pursuant to 16-301(J) and a citation for displaying a suspended license pursuant to 16-301(E). Each of these citations carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.

Driving Without A License

Another common traffic offense is driving without a license. Pursuant 16-101, it is illegal to drive without a license. A first offense carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine, while a second offense carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.

Driving With A Revoked License

Another common traffic offense is driving with a revoked license. Pursuant 16-303, it is illegal to drive with a revoked license. A first offense carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine, and the maximum penalty for a subsequent offense is two years and a $1,000.00 fine.

Additionally, an individual will likely receive a citation for possession of a revoked license pursuant to 16-301(D) and a citation for displaying a revoked license pursuant to 16-301(I). Each of these citations carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.

Driving An Uninsured Vehicle In Wheaton, Maryland

Maryland State Law requires drivers to carry insurance for any vehicle they own. Failing to maintain insurance can result in a license suspension and carries its own penalties. Pursuant to 17-107, A first offense carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine, and the maximum penalty for a subsequent offense is two years and a $1,000.00 fine.

Defenses to Traffic Violation Charges in Maryland

As with all criminal charges, the State of Maryland bears the burden of proving an accused individual’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A Wheaton, Maryland traffic defense lawyer can examine the facts surrounding the stop in order to determine whether the stop was valid. Additionally, a Wheaton, Maryland traffic defense lawyer can work with you in order to negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Why Hire Portner & Shure?

At Portner & Shure, P.A., our team of trusted, award-winning criminal defense attorneys understand the seriousness of traffic violation charges, and we work hard to secure favorable outcomes for our clients. This is something that can be observed in our numerous five-star reviews from past clients and countless awards and accolades the firm has received over our 25+ years in practice.

We invite you to schedule a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation with our team today. Call or submit an online contact form to get started.