If you got a traffic ticket in Maryland, you generally have 30 days to respond — and you have a real choice in how. Most tickets are “payable” citations: you can pay the fine (which is a guilty plea that puts points on your record), request a payment plan, ask for a waiver hearing to Read More
In Maryland, how long do points stay on my traffic record?
As a Maryland traffic violation attorney, my main concern is keeping the points off my client’s record. As most people know, enough points can suspend your Maryland driver’s license, but even one or two points can raise your insurance premiums and negatively impact your employment. Therefore, a clean traffic record in Maryland is very valuable. 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?
In Maryland, one of the standard conditions of probation require that you incur no “serious” motor vehicle offenses. This is a fancy way of saying “don’t get convicted of any traffic offenses that carry jail time.” Therefore, a speeding ticket, seat belt violation, stop sign violation, etc. is not likely to violate a probation in Read More
My License is Suspended, How Do I Fix It?
As a Maryland traffic ticket attorney, I get this question multiple times a week. The answer is that it depends on the reason for the suspension. More often than not, it is an unpaid ticket. If this is the issue, you have to get the citation number (s) for your ticket (s), and pay it Read More
Should I Take The Breathalzyer Test in Maryland?
Maryland’s implied consent law, Md. Code, Transp. § 16-205.1, means that by driving you have already agreed to take a chemical breath or blood test if you are lawfully arrested for DUI. You can still physically refuse — officers cannot force you — but refusal triggers an automatic license suspension of 270 days for a Read More
The Importance of an Alcohol Assessment for a Maryland DUI Case
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI in Maryland, an alcohol assessment is an important component to your case. An alcohol assessment is usually a process whereby a professional evaluates you and determines if you are an alcohol abuser and what course of action you should pursue (treatment, education classes, etc.). An assessment is Read More
Why “Over-Treament” Can Hurt Your Maryland Accident Case
Getting the “right” amount of treatment for your injuries is a balancing act. You certainly don’t want to get too little treatment or stop treatment before your injuries have resolved. On the other hand, it is not wise to “over treat” or get unecessary treatment. Insurance companies will try to punish you for over-treatment, which Read More