Quick answer: Yes, an out-of-state ticket can raise your insurance premiums. Because Maryland belongs to the Driver License Compact, most states report a traffic conviction back to your home state, where it lands on your driving record. Your insurer sees it at your next renewal and can reprice the policy — even though the ticket Read More
Why a Negligent Driving Charge Isn’t As Bad As It Sounds
Quick answer: Negligent driving in Maryland (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-901.1(b)) is the lesser cousin of reckless driving. It carries just 2 points and a modest fine, and it is a payable offense — much less serious than reckless driving, which is a jailable misdemeanor worth 6 points. But “less serious” does not mean “just Read More
6 Reasons Why You Can’t Expunge Your Maryland Record
Expungement of your Maryland criminal record is a great thing, but only if you are eligible. Here are 6 reasons that will not make you eligible for a Maryland expungement. 1. A guilty finding was entered (except for certain nuisance crimes). 2. If you received a probation before judgment, a nolle prosequi, a stet, a Read More
How To Avoid A Maryland License Suspension
Maryland traffic citation lawyer David R. Waranch explains that you need to take action to avoid a Maryland license suspension if you received a Maryland traffic ticekt.
Maryland Convictions That You Can Expunge
Maryland expungement and criminal defense attorney David R. Waranch explains that certain crimes in Maryland can be expunged from you Maryland criminal record.
When can my revoked Maryland license be reinstated?
Quick answer: A first Maryland revocation can be reinstated 6 months after the MVA receives your surrendered license. A second takes 1 year, a third 18 months, a fourth or later 2 years, and the most serious revocations 5 years. Those are eligibility dates, not release dates: under Md. Code, Transp. § 16-208 you must Read More
IF I “fixed” my suspended license in Maryland, do I STILL need a lawyer?
The decision to obtain an attorney for your Maryland traffic case is yours and yours alone. I am often asked if an individual should hire a Maryland traffic attorney if they have “fixed” their suspended license. In Maryland, the charge of driving on a suspended license carries up to one year in jail. Fixing your Read More
Driving With An International License in Maryland
Quick answer: If you are not a Maryland resident and you hold a valid driver’s license from your home country, Maryland lets you drive here on that license — the exemption is tied to your nonresident status, not to owning a Maryland license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license; it is only Read More
Driving on an Expired License in Maryland: Penalties & Fixes
Quick answer: Driving on an expired license in Maryland is illegal the moment the license lapses. There is no grace period for driving, even though you get up to a year to renew without retesting. In practice it is usually a minor, fixable problem: the specific charge, Md. Transp. § 16-115(g), is a payable $70 Read More
4 Reasons To File A Lawsuit In Your Maryland Accident Case
Sometimes, you have to do what you have to do. In your Maryland car accident case, if the insurance company is playing games and not willing to give you a fair settlement, consider filing a lawsuit. Here’s why: 1. A Lawsuit Sends A Message That You Are Serious: Insurance companies know that it takes time Read More