Ferndale Traffic Lawyer

Few things stir up anxiety as quickly and effectively as the sight of flashing blue and red lights in your rear-view mirror, and the dreadful pitch of a cop car’s siren. With hundreds of thousands of car crashes injuring and killing people each year, police officers on traffic duty in Ferndale fulfill a crucial role in keeping our roads safe, although they draw the ire of motorists all around town. 

Whether a driver committed a violation that endangered another’s life or not, police officers must correct the behavior that could lead to an accident. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers in Ferndale are sometimes overzealous in their pursuit of traffic offenders and cite drivers for more serious violations than they deserved. At other times, they might issue citations freely to meet end-of-month quotas. No driver deserves to receive a ticket for an offense they didn’t commit, and no driver should be targeted for an officer’s personal gain.

If you recently received a traffic ticket in Ferndale, it might be worthwhile to discuss it with a traffic attorney, even if the fine is something you can afford. Remember, paying a fine is an admission of guilt, so although the ticket will go away, you will still add points to your license, and that offense will remain on your driving record.  

Most Common Traffic Violations in Ferndale

Residents of Ferndale may receive a citation for either a payable or “must appear” offense. A payable offense is one that can be resolved by paying a fine. They’re also known as “minor traffic violations” because they do not carry the possibility of incarceration upon a conviction. Examples of payable or minor traffic violations are:

• Running red lights and stop signs
• Speeding at less than 10 miles per hour over the limit
• Improper turning
• Failure to wear a seatbelt
• Texting while driving

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) provides a few options for resolving a payable offense. You can pay the fine by sending a check in the mail or making a payment online. You could also request a hearing and have an attorney represent you in court. Both choices are valid, but choosing an attorney usually leads to the most favorable outcome because an attorney can fight the charge by pointing out weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If your attorney’s defense is stronger than the prosecution’s argument, you can avoid points on your license. 

What is a “Must Appear” Traffic Offense?

Must appear offenses are serious criminal charges for which a driver should seek quality representation. A must appear offense carries the possibility of incarceration in addition to license points and steep fines. Pleading guilty to a must appear offense will open a criminal record, which may influence future opportunities for employment.

The following traffic violations are criminal traffic offenses. If you’ve been arrested and charged with any of the offenses below, speak with a knowledgeable criminal traffic lawyer in Ferndale:

• DUI
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• DUI Manslaughter
• Hit and Run Accident
• Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License
• Driving Without a License
• Fleeing Law Enforcement Officers

The penalties for the above offenses may include up to a year of incarceration, fines of up to $1,000, and several points against your license. Fight the charge for a chance to keep your freedom and driving privileges.

How License Points can Threaten Your Driving Privileges

If you choose to pay a traffic ticket or fail to contest the ticket, you will likely accumulate points for the offense. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration assigns different point values to different offenses; typically, more serious offenses incur more points against your driver’s license.

Once you accumulate a certain number of points, the MVA will suspend your license. The best way to avoid a license suspension is to work with an attorney who understands how the Maryland MVA operates. Your attorney should be able to challenge the charges against you so you can avoid points.

Maryland Driver License Point System

The driver’s license point system is designed to punish drivers for failing to follow the rules of the road. Once you reach a certain number of points, you can lose your driving privileges. Driving with a suspended license can lead to a must appear traffic charge and even more points. 

• 3-5 points in a 2-year period: A warning letter from the MVA. You do not need to respond to this letter.
• 5-7 points in a 2-year period: Enrollment in a points system conference or participation in a driver improvement course. This is your final warning from the MVA.
• 8-11 points in a 2-year period: License suspension of several months or years depending on the specific offenses you got convicted of.
• 12 or more points in 2 years: The MVA will revoke your license for several years. 

Don’t accept a traffic ticket as a fact of life. An attorney with vast experience fighting traffic charges in Baltimore and surrounding areas can help you avoid points and keep your license safe.

Discuss Your Traffic Charge with a Ferndale Traffic Lawyer

The sooner you get in touch with a qualified attorney, the better your results can be. Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has served the people of Ferndale and greater Baltimore for more than 20 years. As a former Maryland Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, he understands how they will respond to your traffic charge and try to restrict your driving privileges.

The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a boutique firm with expansive resources. Hillel Traub will personally handle your case and represent you in court. Don’t pay a traffic ticket and don’t ignore criminal charges. Speak with Hillel Traub to learn your options for your defense at this difficult time. Call (410) 580-1100 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.