Speeding Tickets / Citations / Moving Violations / Traffic Court
If you received a traffic ticket, speeding ticket, or citation for another type of traffic violation and would like to have an experienced attorney represent you, give us a call to setup an appointment.
Most people feel more comfortable going to traffic court knowing they have a lawyer who will represent them and stand up before the judge with them. In some cases, traffic stops can result in criminal charges. Even if you are innocent, you may feel intimidated by the court system and get tongue tied when it comes to speaking up for yourself. As an experienced attorney in the Maryland court systems, I can assist you with handling traffic violations and charges issued.
There are many different traffic citations that can be issued. Different violations have different consequences. Some traffic violations carry extensive penalties. Some carry jail time and steep fines. There may be additional information regarding your particular circumstances that goes beyond the fine print on the bottom of your ticket.
Simply paying the fine on your traffic ticket may seem like the easiest way to handle the situation. If you do that, this simple ticket may end up costing a lot more than you realize in the long run and paying the fine is an automatic admission of guilt.
After you pay the fine, you may end up getting points on your driving record. You may even have your driving privileges suspended or revoked. This could also affect your current or future employment opportunities.
A simple traffic citation, whether there are points associated with it or not, could result in several years of paying higher premiums on your vehicle insurance policy. For example, unless you are involved in an accident, you probably won't receive any points for using handheld devices while driving. Unfortunately, this type of violation is considered a moving violation and your insurance may still be impacted.
If you are a newly licensed driver, and still within the provisional license period, being convicted of a motor vehicle offense could impact when you can apply for a full Maryland driver's license. It can also impact your insurance premiums and employment opportunities. If your son or daughter recently received a ticket, give us a call.
If you are concerned about protecting your driving record, and minimizing the financial costs associated with the ticket, call our office and find out how we can help.
Driving while Impaired Alcohol, Drugs
Driving while Uninsured
Driving with a Rovoked License
Driving with a Suspended License
Driving without a License
DUI / DWI Charges
Moving Violations
Possession of Drugs, Alcohol, or Firearms while Driving
Possession of Firearms and Handguns while Driving
Serious Traffic Charges
Safety Equipment Repair Orders (SERO)
Speeding Tickets
Traffic Accidents
Traffic Stops / Traffic Violations & Tickets
Using Handheld Devices Such as a Cell Phone While Driving
Driving Record Expungements
MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS
In Maryland, different moving violations are assigned different point values. These point values are added to your driving record. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 9 mph or less): 1 point
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 10 mph and over: 2 points
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 20 mph or more over the 65 mph limit: 5 points
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 30 mph and over: 5 points
If you are convicted of a vehicle-related law violation in Maryland, the Maryland District Court will notify the MVA of the conviction and the MVA will then apply the appropriate points to your driver record.
Based upon the total number of points that you have accumulated during the two-year period prior to the violation, the MVA will take the following action:
• 3 to 4 points - the MVA will send you a warning letter
• 5 to 7 points - the MVA will require you to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
• 8 to 11 points - the MVA will send you a notice of suspension
• 12 or more points - the MVA will send you a notice of revocation
New Driving Law as of Oct 1, 2016: Noah's Law
Noah’s Law is named in honor of Montgomery County Police Officer, Noah A. Leotta. He was struck by a drunk driver while pulling over another suspected drunk driver during a holiday patrol. He died a few days later as a result of his injuries. Noah’s Law mandates the use of an ignition interlock for those convicted of drunk driving and will significantly increase administrative driver’s license suspension periods. An ignition interlock is a device that prevents a vehicle from starting when it detects a certain level of alcohol on the driver’s breath. When installed on a vehicle, this device requires the driver to retest at random points while they are driving. The length of time the device will need to remain on the vehicle varies depending on whether this is the first, second, or third offense. Under Noah’s Law, drivers are required to participate in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program for the following convictions.
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving while impaired (DWI) while transporting a minor under the age of 16
- Driving while intoxicated with an initial breathalyzer test refusal
- Homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while DUI or DWI
Contact the Law Offices of Gary W. Desper
If you need an experienced attorney to represent you with a serious traffic offense, motor vehicle charge, traffic ticket, or citation, give Gary W. Desper a call today at 410-876-4646 for your initial consultation.
Testimonials:
Gary worked with us in getting the best outcome for my sons traffic case. Very professional. Please with the outcome. Gary will be our go to attorney for our legal needs.
Stacey S.
Mr Desper was very helpful with handling a traffic violation that I had. Every question I had was answered and everything was dealt with accordingly. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Alex O.
Gary Is a great lawyer. I had 6 points on my record. I was facing 8 and was going to loose my license. Garry helped me to get it reduced to one. He not only helped me get my desired case but also won the other 2 cases for his other clients the same day. Highly recommended.
Cole P.
My son (who is 18 ) and I were extremely pleased with the outcome of my son's case. He did everything that Gary suggested to receive a lighter sentence for what could have possibly ruined his adult driving record. Gary's fee is very reasonable.
Alisha R.