Aggressive driving is one of the more serious traffic offenses in Maryland, but many drivers don’t realize that until they receive a must-appear citation or court notice.
It’s not just a traffic ticket, but a charge that can lead to points, fines, and lasting consequences for your future, your driving privileges, and even your job. This offense is often misunderstood, but the courts take it seriously.
As a Maryland aggressive driving lawyer, I’ve handled these cases across the state. I know how the courts approach these charges and how quickly the situation can escalate. If you’ve been cited, don’t wait. Early legal help can significantly change the outcome. I’ll help you understand the charge, examine the evidence, and push for the best possible result.
Understanding Aggressive Driving Charges in Maryland
Under Maryland Transportation Code, aggressive driving involves committing three or more traffic violations during a single incident. It’s not one action, but a pattern of behavior that creates a safety risk. Maryland law defines it as driving in a manner that shows wanton or willful disregard for other motorists and public safety.
Common triggers include excessive speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals, or failing to yield. When these happen together, they can lead to an aggressive driving charge or, worse, a reckless driving charge, depending on how the police officer and court interpret the situation.
These aren’t just technical violations, and they signal to the judge that the driver was acting with willful disregard for the safety of others.
Administrative Penalties for Reckless Driving in Maryland
If you’ve been charged with aggressive driving, you’re facing serious penalties. These include up to 6 points on your driver’s license, expensive fines, mandatory court appearances, and even jail time in some cases. Depending on the facts of the case, prosecutors may file misdemeanor charges, especially when property damage, road rage, or serious injury is involved.
An aggressive or reckless driving conviction can also lead to long-term issues: higher insurance premiums, job clearance problems, and even a criminal record. In certain situations, it may also trigger license suspension or enrollment in a driver improvement program through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
How a Maryland Aggressive Driving Lawyer Can Help
I don’t just show up in court, but dig into every detail. My process includes reviewing body cam footage, citation language, and any relevant witness statements. I also look for inconsistencies in how officers report driving recklessly or exhibiting wanton or willful disregard for safety.
These details matter when we’re pushing for reduced charges or challenging the prosecution’s claims outright.
As part of my defense, I also assess whether any alleged vehicle damage or property loss actually supports the charge. Often, the facts don’t justify the penalties. I work hard to fight back, protect your record, and prevent unfair long-term consequences that can hurt your future. If you’re looking for a legal team that takes your case seriously, this is where we start.
Relationship Between Aggressive Driving and Other Types of Negligent Driving Offenses
Most aggressive driving charges don’t happen in isolation, but come bundled with other traffic offenses like speeding, failure to signal, or reckless driving. These combinations can stack up quickly, turning a routine stop into a situation with serious legal exposure.
If you’re also facing a reckless driving charge, I can represent you as a Maryland Reckless Driving Lawyer. For broader violations and legal strategy, my work as a Maryland traffic violation lawyer gives you coverage across every angle of the case. And if your case involves broader traffic-related issues, I also serve as a Maryland traffic lawyer with statewide experience.
Why Choose David R. Waranch for Aggressive Driving Defense
I’ve spent my career focused on traffic and criminal defense, and I bring a results-driven approach to every case. When you hire me, you’re not getting lost in a big law office or passed around between a dozen attorneys. You’re getting a hands-on, experienced advocate who knows how Maryland’s transportation code works and how to use it in your favor.
You’ll have a clear strategy, consistent communication, and a real plan. I know how to talk to judges, prosecutors, and officers, and more importantly, how to listen to my clients. My legal team works behind the scenes to make sure nothing gets missed and that we’re always prepared to deliver the strongest possible defense.
Book a Free Consultation to Explore Your Legal Options
You don’t have to pay the price of an aggressive driving charge alone. The sooner we talk, the more options we’ll have to fight the allegations and protect your driving record. I offer a free consultation to walk you through next steps, explain the cost, and answer any questions you have about the process.
FAQs About Maryland Aggressive Driving
In Maryland, aggressive driving means committing three or more violations—like speeding, improper lane changes, or failing to obey signals—during one driving episode. It’s treated as more than just poor judgment and seen as deliberate and dangerous behavior.
Yes. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, aggressive driving is a must-appear charge. You’re required to go to court, and ignoring the notice can lead to additional penalties or even a warrant.
The charge typically carries 6 points on your driver’s license. This can trigger MVA action, increase your insurance, or result in a required driver improvement program.
Yes. With early legal help, many aggressive driving charges can be reduced to negligent driving, or dismissed altogether if the evidence is weak. I’ve done this for many clients across Maryland.
They usually do. A conviction flags you as a high-risk driver, which often leads to higher insurance premiums for several years. Avoiding that outcome is one of the reasons people hire me.