Maryland Traffic Lawyer
TL;DR: Paying a traffic ticket in Maryland means pleading guilty and accepting points on your license. A traffic lawyer can often go to court for you, challenge the citation, and negotiate outcomes like a Probation Before Judgment to keep your driving record clean.
Many people think a traffic citation is a simple problem: just pay the fine and it's over. But in Maryland, paying that fine is the same as pleading guilty. This can lead to points on your driver's license, higher insurance rates, and even suspension. Speaking with a Maryland traffic lawyer is the best way to understand your options and protect your driving privileges.
Why shouldn't I just pay the fine for a traffic ticket?
When you pay a traffic citation, you are admitting guilt and accepting any points that come with the violation. These points are tracked by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and can trigger serious administrative penalties.
Instead of paying the ticket, you have the right to request a trial date. This gives you the opportunity to fight the citation in court with the help of an attorney. A lawyer can often identify weaknesses in the state's case or negotiate a better outcome that avoids points entirely.
How can a lawyer help with my traffic case?
A skilled Maryland traffic lawyer does more than just show up to court. Our first goal is to keep points off your license. We can do this by:
- Negotiating for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ): A Probation Before Judgment is often the best outcome for a traffic case. If granted, you are not found guilty, and no points are added to your record, provided you don't receive another ticket during a short probationary period.
- Challenging the Evidence: We review the specifics of your stop. Was the officer's radar properly calibrated? Was the stop legally justified? Any procedural error can be grounds for a dismissal.
- Attending Court on Your Behalf: For many minor traffic violations, you may not even need to appear in court. Your attorney can handle the hearing for you, saving you time away from work or family.
Attorneys Max Frizalone and Luke Woods have handled thousands of traffic cases across Maryland and can quickly assess your situation during a free consultation.
What types of traffic violations do you handle?
We represent clients facing all types of payable and must-appear traffic offenses, including:
- Driving on a suspended license
- Reckless driving and negligent driving
- Excessive speeding citations
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield or move over
No matter the citation, we can build a strategy to minimize the consequences.
Areas We Serve for Traffic Violations
Our attorneys regularly defend clients against traffic citations in courts across the state. We have extensive experience in:
- Anne Arundel County: Including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, and Pasadena.
- Baltimore City: Handling cases in both District and Circuit Courts.
- Baltimore County: Serving clients in Towson, Catonsville, and Dundalk.
- Howard County: Our Columbia office is centrally located to serve Ellicott City, Elkridge, and surrounding areas.
- Montgomery County: Representing clients in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring.
- Prince George's County: Our Upper Marlboro office is ready to handle cases from Bowie, Hyattsville, and throughout the county.
We also proudly serve clients in Calvert County, Carroll County, Charles County, Frederick County, and Harford County.
Contact Our Maryland Traffic Defense Team
Don't risk your license by simply paying a fine. Our team is available 24/7 to provide a free consultation and case review. Call us or use our contact form to get in touch with an experienced traffic attorney today.
FAQs
Q: What is a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
A: A PBJ is a special disposition where the judge does not enter a formal conviction. As long as you comply with the conditions set by the court (usually just paying a fine and avoiding new offenses), the ticket does not result in points on your driving record.
Q: What happens if I get too many points on my Maryland driver's license?
A: The MVA will take action based on your point total. For example, accumulating 8 points can lead to a license suspension, while 12 points can result in a revocation.
Q: Do I have to appear in court for my traffic ticket?
A: For many payable citations, an attorney can appear on your behalf. However, for more serious offenses that require a court appearance, such as driving on a suspended license, your presence is typically mandatory. We can clarify what is required in your specific case.