If you’ve been pulled over for a DUI in Maryland, you have to act quickly. If you “blew” a .08 or more (or you refused to take the breath test), your license will automatically be suspended on the 46th day after being pulled over. An experienced Maryland DUI lawyer can help you navigate the ins Read More
Maryland Theft Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with theft of any kind in Maryland, it is very important to consult with a Maryland criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Whether its felony theft or shoplifting, a theft conviction in Maryland can be devastating to your future. Employers often do not want to hire an individual who has Read More
I was charged with driving uninsured in Maryland, but I had insurance…
Quick answer: This happens constantly, and it is very often beatable. Under Md. Code, Transp. § 17-107, the offence requires that the vehicle actually was not covered and that you knew or had reason to know it. The MVA’s records are only prima facie evidence — and § 17-107(b)(2) expressly says those records “may not Read More
Driving on a Suspended License in Maryland, Part 1
You’re driving down the road and you don’t have a care in the world. You’re going a little too fast and get pulled over by the police. The Maryland police officer informs you that your license is suspended. What?? News to you? Unfortunately, it happens all the time. Clients come to my office every week Read More
Maryland Preliminary Hearing
A preliminary hearing is critical stage of your Maryland criminal case. In a nutshell, the purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine whether or not there is probable cause to proceed against you. In other words, is there enough evidence for the charges to even go forward? If you are charged with a felony Read More
I Got a Maryland Traffic Ticket — What Are My Options?
Quick answer: You have 30 days to respond, and four ways to do it. Most tickets are payable: you can pay the fine (a guilty plea that puts points on your record), request a payment plan, ask for a waiver hearing to plead guilty with an explanation, or request a trial. Some tickets are must-appear Read More
Maryland Provisional Driver’s License: Convictions
Maryland traffic citatons are treated differently with regards to a Maryland provisional license. In Maryland, if you have a provisional driver’s license and receive a PBJ (probation before judgment), the Maryland MVA will consider that a conviction. If you have a “full” driver’s license, however, a PBJ is not considered a conviction for purposes of Read More
In Maryland, what is DUI per se?
In Maryland, DUI per se simply means that the Defendant was given a breathalyzer test and had a B.A.C. (blood alcohol content) of .08 or above. Unless the accuracy of the reading is sucessfully challenged, a judge or jury could convict a Defendant solely on the basis of that reading. Therefore, even if the Defendant Read More
In Maryland, what’s the difference between DUI and DWI?
In Maryland, the crime of “drunk driving” is distinguished by the level of impairment. DWI means “driving while impaired.” The maximum penalty is sixty days in jail (and 8 points). DUI means “driving under the influence.” The maximum penalty for a DUI is one year in jail (and 12 points). Obviously, DUI is the more Read More
Will my Maryland probation be violated for a minor traffic offense?
Quick answer: Probably not — but the word “probably” is doing real work there. A speeding ticket or a stop sign violation is very unlikely to cost you your probation, and Maryland law caps what a judge can do about it at 15 days for a first offense. A jailable traffic charge is a different Read More