Maryland Traffic Lawyer
Traffic charges in Maryland can cost you far more than a one time fine. Points, insurance hikes, license suspensions, and even jail time are on the table, especially for "must appear" offenses like reckless driving or driving while suspended.
They can also threaten your job, security clearance, or commercial driving career. FrizWoods defends every level of Maryland traffic case, from a single speeding ticket to hit and run with companion criminal counts, in District and Circuit Courts across the state.
Experienced Traffic Attorneys
Maryland traffic work is a big part of our practice. We are a team of a former prosecutor and public defender, our attorneys have handled thousands of speeding, reckless driving, suspended license, and MVA matters. The goal is simple: protect your record, your license, and your livelihood.
Max Frizalone
Built a solid reputation as a DUI specialist by securing acquittals by jury and judge in numerous counties.
- Completed NHTSA DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and NHTSA Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Training (ARIDE)
- Committed member of the National College for DUI Defense
- Track record of not-guilty verdicts and charge reductions in DUI cases.
Luke Woods
Seasoned DUI litigator with hundreds of criminal traffic trials.
- Served in multiple roles within the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (Army JAGS) and as a District Public Defender for Calvert County.
- Has tried hundreds of criminal traffic offenses, including countless DUI cases.
- NHTSA-trained and a committed member of the National College for DUI Defense.
Start with the Maryland Criminal Defense Overview for the big picture. For ticket and points questions, check out our Traffic Citations and Traffic Defense pages, then use this page to see how a Maryland traffic lawyer can manage your specific case.
If alcohol or drugs are involved, review our DUI hub and the repeat offense page for Section 21-902(h) penalties.
Traffic charges we handle
- Speeding and excessive speed
- Reckless driving and negligent driving
- Driving while suspended or revoked
- Failure to remain at the scene and related accident charges
- Fleeing and eluding
- CDL and commercial motor vehicle violations
- MVA hearings tied to points or administrative suspensions
- Serious traffic offenses (beyond DUI)
- License suspension and reinstatement
- Traffic citation defense
- Speeding ticket defense
Not sure how your ticket is classified? Bring the citation or statement of charges to your consult. We will translate the code sections, explain whether it is payable or "must appear," and go over the real exposure.
Specialty courts and diversion
Some courts offer treatment first alternatives that can reduce jail exposure and reshape outcomes where appropriate:
We will tell you honestly if specialty court, treatment, or other diversion makes sense in your situation, or if the better move is a straight trial strategy.
What to expect in Maryland traffic court
Most traffic cases start in District Court. Felony or jury eligible counts can move to Circuit Court. Many tickets are payable by mail, but "must appear" citations and jailable offenses require a court date and often personal appearance.
When you hire us, we:
- Review the stop, footage, radar or lidar data, and calibration logs
- Analyze the officer's training, daily set up logs, and speed measuring device records
- Identify defects in the citation or charging document
- Help you choose between paying, requesting a waiver hearing, or requesting a trial
- Advise on court election. For jury eligible matters, compare forums using our guide to bench vs. jury trial
For many payable tickets, we can appear without you so you are not taking off work or traveling for a short court date.
Effective defense strategies
Every case is different, but common defense tools include:
- Challenge the stop or detention. If the officer lacked a valid basis to pull you over, key evidence may be suppressed.
- Attack speed measurements. We question device reliability, maintenance, operator training, and line of sight. If the State cannot prove speed beyond a reasonable doubt, the charge should not stand.
- Fix license problems early. While the case is pending, we help you clear old suspensions, pay fines, file for reinstatement, or get on an ignition interlock if needed.
- Use mitigation that matters. Driving records, employment needs, documentation of family obligations, and treatment where relevant can all influence a judge's decision.
- Protect your record. We look for dismissals, not guilty findings, amended charges that avoid points, or outcomes like Probation Before Judgment described in our PBJ explainer.
CDL and professional drivers
Commercial drivers face strict rules and disqualifications. A single conviction can end a driving career or trigger a long disqualification period. Our approach for CDL and other professional drivers focuses on:
- Avoiding convictions that trigger federal or Maryland CDL disqualification
- Limiting points and insurance consequences
- Coordinating with your employer when needed
- Using outcomes that protect your CDL when possible, even if that means a creative resolution on companion counts
If your issue is tied to DUI, review our Maryland commercial license DUI page and our CDL DUI blog post.
We regularly appear for CDL clients and other professional drivers in Anne Arundel County, Prince George's County, and surrounding jurisdictions, and we know how local practices affect outcomes.
When traffic charges overlap with crimes
Serious traffic incidents can lead to additional criminal charges, including:
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Flee and elude
- Reckless endangerment
- DUI or DWI linked to the same stop
In those situations, your traffic defense has to fit within a broader criminal plan. We look at everything together instead of treating each charge in a vacuum. To read more about related offenses, see our hub on Maryland Assault Laws and our DUI pages.
Why people choose FrizWoods for traffic cases
- Focused criminal and DUI defense practice, not a general law office
- Trial experience in District and Circuit Courts across Maryland
- Straight answers, direct access to your lawyer, and clear next steps after each court date
- Defense strategies that factor in insurance, employment, security clearances, and professional licenses
- Free consultations and a 24 hour line so you are not waiting days to talk with counsel
Call to action
One ticket can raise your insurance, threaten your license, or complicate a background check. The sooner you get a plan, the more options you usually have.
Contact FrizWoods for a free consultation with a Maryland traffic lawyer and a defense plan that protects your record and your driving privileges.
Talk to a Maryland traffic lawyer
FAQs
Q: Do I have to appear in court for my ticket?
A: Many citations do require an appearance, especially those that carry possible jail time or high fines on conviction. These are marked "MUST APPEAR." Others are payable, and a lawyer can often appear for you or help you request a trial date. Prepayment is a conviction and usually adds points, so talk with a lawyer before you decide.
Q: Will a lawyer really help on a speeding case?
A: Often yes. Outcomes can turn on whether the stop was legal, whether the State can prove your speed, and what your record looks like. A negotiated result or trial win can avoid points, insurance hikes, or a conviction.
Q: Can I get Probation Before Judgment on a traffic charge?
A: In many cases, yes, if the court agrees and you are eligible. PBJ can keep a conviction off your record and may prevent points. Learn more in our PBJ explainer.
Q: What if my ticket is tied to a DUI stop?
A: You need one unified strategy. The traffic citations, the criminal charges, and the MVA consequences all interact. Start with our DUI hub, then schedule a consult so we can line up defenses on all fronts.
Q: How do I choose between a bench trial and a jury trial?
A: Not every traffic offense qualifies for a jury. For example, a fine only traffic offense is not jury trial eligible. A DUI would be jury trial eligible. For an overview, see our guide to bench vs. jury trial.