Traffic Violations and Offenses

Traffic violations can be daunting. If you are unfamiliar with the process in Maryland, the statutes, deadlines, and process can often be confusing and you may find yourself outmatched in the courtroom. Oftentimes, drivers also have misinformation or misconceptions regarding the process therefore resulting in large fines, license suspensions, revocations and/or points being assessed to your driving record.

Experienced Maryland traffic lawyers could arm you with knowledge of the statutes and citations and explain your best options/defenses for contesting the charges. Esworthy Law attorneys have years of experience representing clients in traffic-related offenses, saving their clients time and money.

Speeding Ticket Defense

Everybody knows it’s wrong to speed. However, if you recently received a speeding ticket in
Maryland, you are most likely now facing various penalties, including points on your license, fines, and spiked insurance premiums. 

Driving on a Suspended License

In Maryland, a violation for Driving on a Suspended License is a serious offense. Many people
do not realize how serious it is to drive on a suspended and/or how their license can become suspended. Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a crime punishable by up to
$1,000.00 in fines and one year in jail. In fact, repeat offenders can receive up to three years in jail with advanced penalties. Those charged with driving while suspended should contact a Maryland traffic attorney for help building the best defense possible under the circumstances.

Why Your License Might Be Suspended

There are a number of reasons the MVA may suspend or revoke a Maryland driver’s license:

• Failure to appear in court for a minor traffic violation
• Failure to pay a Maryland traffic ticket
• Failure to pay an out-of-state traffic ticket (through the Interstate Compact)
• Point accumulation
• Failure to pay child support
• Failure to pay civil judgment related to an automobile accident
• DUI/DWI

Our experienced traffic lawyers have several tools and resources for helping you fight your charge and can dispute the reasons for the suspension or help you take steps to reinstate your license prior to your court date for the Maryland driving on a suspended license charge. Contact Esworthy Law today to speak with one of our experienced Maryland Driving Suspended
attorneys for a free consultation.

Driving Without Insurance

Many people underestimate the impact that driving without insurance can have on your life. In Maryland, it is a criminal violation to drive a vehicle without insurance coverage and doing so could carry very strict penalties. If you are caught driving without insurance in Maryland, you face criminal charges that can lead to fines of up to $1,000.00 and a maximum of one year in jail on the first offense. You could also receive five points against your driver’s license. After accumulating too many points, your license can be suspended or revoked, in addition to your insurance rates going up.

Maryland Driving without Insurance charges should not be taken lightly. If you are charged as an uninsured motorist, contact our experienced lawyers to help minimize the impact on your life.

Driving a Vehicle Without Proper Registration

Both Maryland law and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) require the registration of all operable vehicles. In Maryland, it is a criminal misdemeanor to drive or knowingly allow a vehicle to be driven without registration, whether the vehicle was never registered, has expired plates, or the registration was suspended or revoked. If an individual drives an unregistered vehicle or allows an unregistered vehicle to be driven, he or she faces fines and other potential restrictions.  A Maryland driving without registration citation is a serious matter that needs to be addressed quickly to avoid future restrictions on one’s driver’s license and driving privileges.  If you have been cited for driving without registration, our experienced lawyers can help.

List of Common Maryland Traffic Violations and Fines/Points

There are two types of Maryland traffic violations you can get: payable and must appear. 

You might get a payable citation for a less-severe traffic violation. A payable citation means you do not have to appear in court. You can plead “guilty” and pay the fine without going to court. 

There are hundreds of possible traffic violations you can get a ticket for – you can see the full list on the Maryland courts site here. The more common Maryland traffic violations that typically result in a payable citation include the following: 

• speeding tickets – fines up to $1,000, up to 5 points
• failure to obey traffic signals – fines up to $140, up to 2 points
• failure to stop at stop sign, red light, or for school vehicles – fines up to $570, up to 3 points
• reckless driving – fines up to $510, up to 6 points
• failure to give proper signal – fines up to $90, up to 1 point

Common Maryland traffic violations that require a court appearance include the following: 

• driving without a license – up to 5 points
• driving on a suspended license – up to 12 points
• failure to stop at the scene of an accident in which you’re involved (hit and run) – up to 12 points
• driving under the influence of alcohol – up to 12 points
• driving while impaired by drugs – up to 12 points

If you find yourself having to deal with any of the above traffic violations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, DC, or Virginia, contact Esworthy Law for help.