What to Do If You Missed an MVA Hearing

Attendance is mandatory if you request a Maryland MVA hearing. While having a lawyer is beneficial, they cannot attend in your place. If you fail to show up, the MVA will proceed with implementing the suspension, revocation, or any other intended action. It is best to contact an experienced lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub for legal guidance if you missed an MVA hearing.

Life is unpredictable – you might have gotten the dates confused, misplaced the notice, or had to deal with an emergency. If you can provide a valid reason or “good cause” to the MVA for missing the hearing, they will likely consider rescheduling it. As a former lawyer for the MVA, Attorney Hillel Traub can help you protect your rights and reschedule an MVA hearing if you miss your date.

How to Prepare for an MVA Hearing

An MVA hearing is your chance to mitigate severe consequences from a breath test failure, refusal, DUI charge, or other violation.

To argue against license suspension, you need to present evidence justifying your need for driving privileges and how a suspension would impact your life and possibly others. Evidence may include:

• Letter of Employment: Demonstrating your employment necessity for driving can be influential. Presenting a compelling case with proof of employment and the impact of a suspended license on your job can strengthen your argument.
• School Transcript: Similar to employment, a school transcript can indicate your need for a license to attend classes. Showcasing high academic performance or active participation in college activities can further support your case.
• Lack of Viable Public Transportation: Alongside the above, explaining why public transport is not feasible is crucial. If buses or other transport options are not available or practical, this emphasizes the necessity of your driving license.

Collecting relevant evidence is vital to the hearing and significantly influences the outcome. An attorney can identify what constitutes compelling evidence, enhancing your case’s effectiveness.

What to Do if You Missed an MVA Hearing

If you fail to attend your scheduled MVA hearing, the violation will be enforced by default. However, if there is a legitimate reason for missing the original hearing, you have the option to submit a written appeal to reschedule. This request should be sent to the MVA’s Administrative Adjudication Division (AAD).

Upon receiving your request, the AAD will review it and decide whether to reschedule your hearing. If approved, you will be informed about the new location, date, and time for the hearing. If your request is not granted, the AAD will send you a written notification of the denial.

You must send the letter to the following address:

Administrative Adjudication Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

An experienced lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help assess your legal options and represent you during the MVA hearing to protect your rights and interests.

Contact the Experienced Traffic Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub

Losing your license can impact more than just the inability to drive. It can significantly impact other aspects of your life, such as your livelihood. Attorney Hillel Traub at the Law Office of Hillel Traub has over 30 years of experience and understands what it takes to defend your rights and interests, even if you missed your initial hearing.

For a no-cost consultation, call our office today at (410) 580-1100 or fill out our contact form.