Required
telephone For A Free Consultation Call (301) 761-4842

Baltimore Traffic Lawyer

As defined by Baltimore traffic law or Maryland law, an offense is any violation of the Transportation Article. It includes speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign, and failing to stop at a stoplight. Baltimore law enforcement tends to be strict when it comes to patrolling traffic. The consequences of a traffic offense include expensive tickets, potential license suspension, and in extreme cases, incarceration. If you have been charged with a traffic offense, speak with a Baltimore traffic lawyer. A determined criminal defense attorney could work towards a positive outcome for you.

Common Traffic Infractions

The most common traffic infraction that can have more serious repercussions than one might think, is driving 30 miles over the speed limit. Even though it may not seem like that is a lot, it could be a five-point violation. If a person is convicted of driving 30 miles over the speed limit, it triggers actions by the MVA, such as a mandatory driver improvement course, possible implications on insurance, and could impact a person’s ability to work if their job requires them to use their license. Infractions involving failure to stop at a stop sign or red light are also pretty common. A licensed driver is required to stop at all stop signs and traffic lights. The only exception would be for a person not stopping at a red light or a stop sign would be if an emergency vehicle was behind them and they have to move out of their way in a hurry.

Misdemeanor and Felony Traffic Offenses

Traffic infractions are considered misdemeanors but are still traffic offenses. Traffic misdemeanors have harsher penalties than infractions because there could be possible jail time. This is separate from the infraction, which would be mostly points on a license.

A traffic infraction could be considered a felony when it involves vehicular manslaughter or a DUI that results in a homicide. These felony traffic offenses could have as high as 10 years as a possible penalty if a person is found guilty. A Baltimore traffic lawyer could mitigate the penalties that an individual may face.

Penalties for Traffic Offenses

The potential penalties for traffic infractions in Baltimore are probably going to be a payable fine and points. Points are assessed by the MVA, not the court. The fine comes from the court and once the court notifies the MVA, points being assessed on one’s license. The MVA is the Maryland Vehicle Administration, which controls licenses for drivers who were issued one in the State of Maryland.

Failing to control speed or just failing to yield usually results in an accident. Police Officers typically cannot testify to the accident itself. There has to be a witness that was present and it just depends on how the court case would be. Getting a ticket is most likely not going to be reported to an insurance company. But the business of the matter in court moving forward –will be a matter for their insurance company. Every insurance company has their own way of dealing with things.

Liability in Right of Way Accidents

If the person who has the right-of-way and another driver does not have the right-of-way, the person who does not have the right-of-way cannot proceed until it is time for them to move forward. The person without the right-of-way must yield to the person who does.

The person that does not have the right-of-way and keeps moving forward would best describe a failure to yield. If the person failed to yield, then they probably are going to get a citation for failure to be in control of their vehicle or failure to yield in order to avoid a collision. If a person knows they are supposed to stop and do not, they are going to get a ticket for that too. They will probably be found to be the responsible party for causing the accident. A Baltimore traffic lawyer could help defend them and attempt to disprove liability in a traffic case.

How Insurance Companies Respond to Traffic Infractions

Insurance companies are all different and respond differently to different situations. Depending on what happens with the court case and the insurance company finding out, the person may suffer insurance penalties such as insurance claims or loss of coverage. It really just depends on what that particular insurance company does in those types of situation.

Importance of a Baltimore Traffic Attorney

If you are facing traffic charges, hire a Baltimore traffic lawyer so you can have someone that understands the way the system works on your side. Points are detrimental. They could stay on your license for some time. It is easy to rack up points if you are not careful. It could lead to going to the MVA, losing your license, your job, or having insurance rates go up. It is important to work with someone who could guide you through the process and make the points less impactful so that your license, ability to work or your insurance is not put in jeopardy.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR
MARYLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS