TRAFFIC LAWYERS IN COLUMBIA, MD

With over 160,000 deaths per year, traffic accidents are the #3 leading cause of death in the United States. In Maryland, 550 people died in car accidents in 2017. Maryland police officers on traffic duty have a responsibility to protect the lives of drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and everyone else who relies on the transportation system.

Although it’s vital to entrust law enforcement with maintaining safe roads, many drivers unfairly receive citations for traffic violations. Sometimes, a citation is much harsher than the violation that occurred, while at other times it may seem like the officer issued a ticket without justification. Don’t accept a traffic ticket without a proper defense. If you received a traffic ticket in Columbia, a traffic attorney can take measures to try to keep the charges off your driving record and help you avoid points against your driver’s license.

Payable and Must-Appear Traffic Violations in Columbia

There are different types of traffic violations in Maryland based on the potential consequences of the offense. A payable traffic violation is one in which the driver may pay a traffic ticket to resolve. A must-appear traffic offense is one in which a driver could face incarceration if the court finds him or her guilty of the offense. Drivers must appear in court for “must-appear” offenses and cannot opt to pay a fine.

Examples of Payable Offenses in Maryland

Minor traffic infractions are usually payable violations. Payable infractions are the least severe violations in the Transportation Code of Maryland. Examples include:

• Speeding (1-10 miles over the limit)
• Failing to wear a seatbelt
• Failing to use a turn signal
• Running a stop sign
• Improper turning

If you have received a traffic citation for any of the above, a Columbia traffic attorney can help you contest the charge and avoid points against your license.

Examples of Must-Appear Traffic Offenses

Must-appear offenses are serious traffic violations that double as criminal acts. Drivers may face incarceration if they are found guilty of any of the following:

• Driving under the influence
• Vehicular manslaughter
• DUI which results in a fatality
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
• Fleeing and eluding police officers
• Leaving the scene of an accident

If you have received a citation for any of the above, it’s crucial to realize that you are facing a criminal charge. A criminal charge for a traffic offense could lead to many negative situations besides going to jail or prison. If your employer finds out about the offense, it may affect the terms of your employment, especially if driving is a significant part of your job. Talk to a Columbia traffic lawyer to discuss your must-appear traffic violation.

Fighting a Suspended License in Columbia

Columbia drivers rely upon their cars as a primary mode of transportation. If you live and work in Columbia and nearby cities, the chances are high that you use your car every day of the week to get to and from work and run various errands. Life would become much more difficult without the laminated card that is your valid Maryland driver’s license, which is why a license suspension can be devastating for many individuals.

A license suspension typically stems from a DUI charge or an accumulation of too many points against your license. Drivers may accumulate points by paying traffic ticket fines instead of contesting the charges. Remember, paying a ticket is an admission of guilt, which is why it’s crucial to hire a lawyer to fight any charge. If you’re past this stage and have been notified by the MVA that your license will be suspended, you can choose to fight back with the help of a suspended license lawyer in Columbia.

Turn to Traub Law to Defend Traffic Charges in Columbia

Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has over 20 years of experience defending drivers against serious traffic violations such as driving on a suspended license, DUI, and vehicular manslaughter. He also regularly fights against payable traffic offenses that pose a threat to a valid Maryland driver’s license.

If you face any traffic issue in Columbia, turn to Hillel Traub. He has profound knowledge in Maryland traffic law and served as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA before opening his legal practice. Call (410) 580-1100 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.

Call (410) 580-1100 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.