DUI Defense

You're driving down the highway, oblivious to the speed limit, until you look in your rearview mirror! Oops! Those flashing red lights are meant for you, the driver who has allegedly violated the traffic laws. As you wait for the police officer to issue the traffic ticket, you may wonder what options are open to you.

Two Categories of Traffic Violations

Minor Traffic Violations

Minor violations are those offenses that are not subject to jail sentences. A speeding ticket is an example of a minor offense.

Two Options

When you have been charged with a minor violation, you generally have two options:

you may choose to either pay the fine that has been indicated on the ticket or,
contest the ticket by going to court.

If you choose to pay the fine:

Then you are admitting that you are guilty of the charge.

Before paying the fine, you should be aware of the "point system" established by the Maryland Motor vehicle Administration. This system can assess points on a driving record whenever a driver has been convicted of a violation. (point values)

Within a two-year period, if you have accumulated five points on your license, the MVA will arrange a conference with you to discuss your driving record.

If you have accumulated eight points on your license within that same two-year period, then your license may be suspended.

You may wish to ask the police officer who issued the ticket how many points you will receive if you choose to pay the fine. A majority of motorists pay their fines precluding a trip to court.

Be certain to sign the ticket as requested by the officer. Your signature simply shows that you have received the ticket; it is not an admission of guilt.

If you choose to contest the ticket:

You may do so by going to court.

The ticket will include the information that is necessary in scheduling a court date. If you fail to pay the fine and do not appear in court, your driver's license will automatically be suspended.

A Driving While Suspended Conviction for failing to pay a ticket or appear in court is subject to a 60-day jail term and a $500 fine so, be certain that you pay the ticket or appear in court to contest the violation.

Regardless of how you feel about the charge or the issuing officer, cooperation, respect and good manners will never hurt you in Court. The police officer will definitely note anything to the contrary and will often be asked by the Judge for any such information to help influence the Court's disposition of the matter.

When you appear in court, you have a right to enter a plea of "not guilty" and the officer who issued the traffic ticket must be present to testify. In traffic cases, generally, the State does not have to prove you "intended" to commit the traffic offense; you are guilty if they prove you committed the act. There are some exceptions. Your reason for speeding is not a defense, but may be used as mitigating circumstances that the judge will consider when the fine is imposed, along with your driving record and all relevant facts and circumstances.

Major Traffic Violations

The second category of traffic violations is known as "major offenses" or incarcerable motor vehicle offenses.

If you are convicted of a major offense, you may be subject to a jail sentence. Driving While Intoxicated is one example of an incarcerable offense.

If you are charged with an offense of that nature, you must appear in court. Unlike minor offenses, you do not have a choice of paying a fine or going to court. If you have been charged with a major offense, you will receive a summons in the mail that will include the date, time and location of the trial. Be sure that you go to the correct courtroom at the time indicated on the summons.

If the date you are to appear in court would cause you an unreasonable hardship (illness, hospitalization, etc.) you may write to the court and ask for another date for good cause shown. However, make that request prior to the court date and be certain that it is granted before you fail to appear. This applies to either major or minor traffic violations.

If you fail to appear on a major traffic violation, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest.

There have been recent and significant changes in the DUI Laws in the state of Maryland. Please call my office for more information 410-869-3400.

Is A Lawyer Necessary?

If you decide to hire a lawyer, you should do so before the date of the trial. Everyone who has been charged with an offense subject to a jail term has the right to be represented by an attorney.

An attorney can assist and prepare a defense; will know what evidence is legally admissible, what should be objected to during the trial and the different elements to a finding of guilty; assist in presenting mitigating circumstances if you enter a plea of guilty; and will know of alternative dispositions to jail or maximum penalties.

If you are unemployed or indigent you may apply to the Office of Public Defender. If you qualify for their services, an attorney will be appointed to represent you. Make the application to the Office of Public Defender well before the date of trial or you may find it necessary to make decisions without legal advice.

Remember, the police officer is there to enforce traffic laws that are enacted for the safety of everyone on the road. If you disagree with the charge on the ticket, save it for the courtroom.

Summary Of Point Values

Conviction Points

Additional Information About The Assessment Of Points

Remember, the Court does not assess points, but the Court does notify the MVA of all guilty findings. The MVA does assess points and an accumulation of points directly affects your insurance rates and your driving privileges.

Driving is a privilege and not a right! Buckle up, don't drink and drive, and please be careful!

Traffic Ticket

So, You've Received A Traffic Ticket.