Esworthy Law

Esworthy Law

Traffic Violations and Offenses

What To Do After Getting a Traffic Ticket

If your traffic citation is for a minor offense (jail is not a possible penalty) such as speeding, then you can either pay the fine, request a disposition (waiver) hearing, or request a trial  within 30 days of the ticket. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in your license being suspended, which obviously leads to more problems.

Should you pay your traffic ticket fine?

If you pay the fine you will have the conviction on your public driving record and automatically receive any points associated with that ticket.  Your car insurance company will be able to see these points when they pull your driving record and will likely raise your insurance rates at your next renewal.

Should you request a waiver hearing?  

If you request a waiver hearing, you are waiving your right to a trial, admitting guilt, and asking to explain the circumstances to a judge. The officer that gave you ticket will not be required to be present in court. The judge will find you guilty of the violation and determine your fine. The judge can either raise the fine up to the statutory maximum (for most minor traffic violations that is $500.00), reduce the fine down to zero dollars, or keep the fine the same as it printed on the ticket.  You will have to pay court costs and also be assessed the points associated with that ticket. Again, your car insurance company will be able to see these points when they pull your driving record and will likely raise your insurance rates as a result.

Depending on your driving record and the circumstances of your current ticket, the judge may offer you Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).  A PBJ keeps the ticket off of your public driving record, you receive no points, and your insurance company will not know about the ticket; and therefore your insurance rates will not be affected by this ticket. If you accept the PBJ, you waive your right appeal the judge’s decisions.

Should you request a trial? 

Except in a very few rare circumstances, this the option that I recommend.  If you request a trial the State is required to put on its evidence and prove to the Court that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is done through the testimony of the police officer that gave you the ticket and any civilian witnesses.  You, or your attorney if you are represented, will have the opportunity to ask the officer questions via cross-examination. You also can give testimony if it makes sense strategically.

If the judge finds you not guilty there are no fines, no court costs, nothing on your driving record, and most importantly you receive no points. If the judge finds you guilty, then you proceed to the sentencing stage and the judge will determine your fine, court costs, and you will be assessed points on your driving record, unless the judge offers you a PBJ and you accept it.

Even a minor traffic citation can result in significant outlay of money due to increased insurance premiums, a damaging driving record, etc. Having an experienced attorney by your side can save you considerable money in the long run. 

Did you have a traffic or criminal legal issue in the Maryland area? Esworthy Law can help.

Esworthy Law is a Maryland criminal/traffic defense firm with knowledge and experience handling expungement and shielding petitions.  Justin Esworthy and Kristen Martin handle cases in several Maryland jurisdictions including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County, Cecil County and Queen Anne’s County. Contact Esworthy Law anytime at 443-354-1405 for a free consultation about your case.

Contact Esworthy Law Today

Dealing with legal issues yourself can risk money, time, and excessive penalites. Working with Esworthy Law gives you access to decades of successful legal experience and prompt, cost-effective service. Just give us a call at (443) 354-1405 or fill out the information below to get started.

Main
(443) 354-1405
Toll Free
(844) 806-8678

17010 York Rd
Suite 201
Parkton, MD 21120