Prince George’s County is Maryland’s second-most populous county, and its District Courts are among the busiest in the state—processing tens of thousands of cases a year. It’s a commuter county wrapped around the eastern edge of Washington, D.C., where the Capital Beltway (I-495), Route 50, Route 1, and Indian Head Highway (MD-210) carry heavy traffic and heavy enforcement. Even a single citation can raise your insurance, add points to your license, and put your driving privileges at risk.
I’m David R. Waranch, a Prince George’s County traffic lawyer with decades of courtroom experience throughout Maryland. I help drivers fight citations, avoid MVA points, protect their records, and defend serious traffic and criminal driving charges. For the statewide picture, you may also review the Maryland traffic violation guide.
If you’re facing a traffic offense, I’ll explain exactly what the charge means, the risk to your record and license, and a clear plan forward—whether that’s reduced penalties, no points, or a complete dismissal.
Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro? Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Prince George’s County has two District Court locations, and which one hears your case usually depends on where the citation was issued—you generally appear at whichever court is printed on your ticket:
- District Court — Upper Marlboro: 14735 Main Street, Suite 173B, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 · 301-298-4000. The main courthouse, serving the southern part of the county, with free satellite parking and shuttle service.
- District Court — Hyattsville: 4990 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781 · 301-298-4200. Serves the northern part of the county near the D.C. line, is Metro-accessible (West Hyattsville), and is where many DUI cases are heard.
The District Court handles traffic violations, misdemeanors, and certain felonies, and does not conduct jury trials. If your charge carries the right to a jury, the case moves to the Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro. I appear in both Prince George’s County District Courts regularly and can tell you what to expect at the courthouse on your citation.
Indian Head Highway (MD-210) and High-Speed Enforcement
If there’s one corridor that defines serious traffic enforcement in Prince George’s County, it’s Indian Head Highway (MD-210)—one of the deadliest roads in the state. It carries roughly 80,000 vehicles a day and has seen dozens of fatal crashes in recent years, many involving pedestrians. The county and Maryland State Police run heavy joint enforcement here, and the documented speeds have been extreme, including one driver clocked at more than 170 mph.
That kind of speed is no longer treated as an ordinary ticket. Under the 2025 Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, the definition of reckless driving was expanded to include traveling at least 30 mph over the posted limit, with stiffer penalties for reckless and aggressive driving. On a high-speed corridor like MD-210, that turns a stop into a must-appear charge that carries points and possible jail exposure—exactly the kind of case where how you handle the first court date matters most.
Traffic Charges I Handle in Prince George’s County
I routinely defend drivers charged with speeding, failure to obey traffic control devices, reckless driving, driving while suspended, driving while revoked, driving without insurance, DUI/DWI, hit-and-run, and CDL violations. Even a ticket that looks minor can trigger points, license action, higher premiums, and employment problems—especially for CDL and professional drivers.
Many of these cases can be challenged. Officer mistakes, unclear signage, improper speed-measurement, and procedural errors all create openings to reduce or dismiss a charge.
Think Twice Before You Just Pay the Ticket
Not every citation requires a court date. A payable offense (most speeding tickets, stop-sign violations, improper turns) lets you simply pay—but in Maryland, paying is a guilty plea that puts points on your record. A must-appear citation (DUI, reckless driving, certain suspended- or revoked-license charges) requires you to stand before a judge. Before you pay anything, it’s worth knowing which category you’re in. My article on whether you have to show up for a Maryland traffic case breaks down the difference.
(A note on automated tickets: Maryland speed-camera citations are civil, owner-liability tickets that carry no license points—different from the officer-issued charges above. My focus is the charges that do carry points, a court date, and lasting consequences.)
How I Handle a Prince George’s County Case
When you hire me, I personally evaluate your citation and the facts behind it—officer statements, the evidence, and any weakness in the State’s case—then build a strategy around your specific situation and the specific courthouse, not a one-size-fits-all approach. In many matters I can appear in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro on your behalf so you don’t miss work. For serious charges, I prepare a focused defense aimed at protecting your license, your record, and your long-term interests.
My approach is direct and personal. You communicate with me—not a case handler—and you get clear guidance at every stage.
Maryland Traffic Law Guides
For the law behind your charge, these in-depth Maryland guides explain penalties, points, and your options:
- Speeding & Reckless Driving
- DUI / DWI
- License & MVA Issues
- Insurance & Hit-and-Run
- Moving Violations
- CDL & Commercial Drivers
- Speed Cameras & Automated Tickets
Related Traffic Defense Services in Prince George’s County
Below is a complete list of traffic-related legal services available in Prince George’s County. Each link explains potential penalties, defenses, and how legal representation can help protect your driving record.
- Driving Without Insurance – Prince George’s County
- Driving Without a License – Prince George’s County
- Driving While Revoked – Prince George’s County
- Driving While Suspended – Prince George’s County
- MVA Hearings – Prince George’s County
- DUI Defense – Prince George’s County
- Reckless Driving – Prince George’s County
- Hit and Run Cases – Prince George’s County
- CDL Violations – Prince George’s County
- Bench Warrants – Prince George’s County
- Expungements – Prince George’s County
Communities I Serve in Prince George’s County
I represent drivers throughout Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Hyattsville, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Lanham, Oxon Hill, Suitland, Fort Washington, and nearby communities—at both Prince George’s County District Courts. Whether your citation came from a traffic stop or an automated camera, I handle cases countywide.
FAQs About Prince George’s County Traffic Cases
It depends on where the citation was issued. Cases from the northern part of the county near D.C. are generally heard at the Hyattsville District Court (4990 Rhode Island Avenue), and cases from the southern part at the Upper Marlboro District Court (14735 Main Street). You appear at whichever court is printed on your ticket. Many DUI cases are heard in Hyattsville.
Yes. Under the 2025 Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, reckless driving now includes traveling at least 30 mph over the posted limit, with stiffer penalties. On a heavily enforced corridor like Indian Head Highway, a high-speed stop can become a must-appear charge that carries points and possible jail exposure, so it should not be treated like an ordinary speeding ticket.
Many DUI and DWI cases are heard at the Hyattsville District Court, though your case will be scheduled at whichever District Court is listed on your citation. DUI is a must-appear charge that requires you to see a judge.
DUI, reckless driving, and certain suspended- or revoked-license charges are must-appear and require you to see a judge. Many other tickets are payable without court, but paying is a guilty plea.
Yes. In many traffic cases, I can appear in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro on your behalf so you can avoid missing work or attending court in person.
Often, yes. Many convictions carry MVA points that increase insurance premiums for years and can trigger license action. Knowing your options before you pay can help you avoid points.
Speak With a Prince George’s County Traffic Lawyer Today
You do not have to deal with a traffic citation or criminal traffic charge in Prince George’s County alone. The earlier you get legal help, the more opportunities we have to protect your record, limit penalties, and fight the charge effectively.
Call 301-563-9575 or visit davidwaranch.com to request your consultation.
Law Offices of David R. Waranch — Maryland Traffic & Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Hablamos Español.