Parkville Traffic Attorney

Residents of Parkville, Maryland, are no strangers to traffic tickets. Police officers monitoring the Parkville community routinely stop drivers for violations ranging from speeding at just a few miles over the limit to drunk driving on a busy highway. Sometimes these stops have merit, but at other times, police exaggerate charges due to a misunderstanding or for personal gain. Some traffic violations are serious criminal offenses which could lead to penalties that can negatively influence your future, which makes it crucial to fight them. 

No one doubts that traffic violations can lead to accidents that take lives and cause vast suffering. Drivers generally understand that state and local police authorities do their best to reduce instances of accident fatalities; however, everyone who receives a citation for a traffic infraction or criminal charge has the right to defend themselves in court. A driver stands to lose considerable freedoms if he or she is convicted of a serious traffic crime that may or may not have occurred. If you’re facing a traffic charge that might hurt your reputation and limit your freedoms, contact a traffic attorney in Parkville right away.

Familiar Traffic Violations in Parkville

Most drivers are familiar with non-criminal traffic violations. These are referred to as “minor traffic violations” in Maryland because they will not result in a jail sentence if you’re found guilty of the offense. While these mistakes do not result in criminal penalties, being found guilty can lead to points against your license. It’s best to work with a dedicated traffic lawyer to keep a clean driving record.

Some examples of minor traffic violations that often result in traffic tickets 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

Minor traffic violations may also be called “payable” offenses because one valid option for resolving these violations is to pay the fine that accompanies the ticket. If you choose to pay the fine, keep in mind that you’re admitting to the court that you committed the offense. The Maryland MVA will still add points to your license, which could inch you closer to a license suspension. Working with a Parkville traffic lawyer could help you avoid fines and points.

Understanding Serious Traffic Violations

Serious or “must-appear” traffic violations require you to appear in court. These types of violations cannot be resolved by paying a fine and could result in a jail sentence, in addition to fines and other penalties. When you think about a serious traffic violation, remember that it’s a criminal offense. This type of violation includes actions like:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• DUI
• Driving without a license
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• DUI manslaughter
• Fleeing and eluding law enforcement 
• Hit and run

Overview of Maryland’s Driver License Point System

Convictions for both minor and serious traffic violations can lead to points against your license. After a certain number of points, the MVA will suspend your license. The best way to avoid accumulating points is to work with an attorney who understands how the Maryland MVA operates.

What Driver License Points Can Lead to in Maryland

• 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 of which you are convicted.
• 12 or more points in 2 years: The MVA will revoke your license for several years. 

Working with a Skilled Traffic Attorney in Parkville

Whether you’re facing charges for a minor or serious traffic offense, it will help to seek competent legal counsel from a skilled Parkville traffic attorney. Hillel Traub, founding attorney of The Law Office of Hillel Traub, has served residents of Parkville and surrounding areas for more than 20 years. As a former Maryland Assistant Attorney General for the MVA, he understands the actions the other side will take against you. Hillel is passionate about providing quality, personalized representation for people facing trying circumstances. 

If you pay a traffic fine, you’re not off the hook for a traffic violation. Speak to Hillel Traub to see how he can help you avoid the worst consequences of a minor or serious traffic offense so you can maintain a clean driving record. Call 410-580-1100 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.