Harford County Traffic Lawyer

Harford County, with its range of small towns and thriving urban areas, has a resident population of 244,826 and hosts large numbers of tourists throughout the year. It is located on the Chesapeake Bay, on Interstate 95, within 25 miles of Baltimore. Due to the volume of traffic on county roads and highways, there is a high probability of resulting traffic citations. If you are facing a traffic matter that jeopardizes your license, contact a Harford County traffic lawyer.

Traffic Lawyers Handle These Cases in Harford County

The Traffic Unit of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responds to all types of traffic violations, including speeding. The Traffic Unit also utilizes the latest crash-investigation equipment to evaluate crash sites.

Transportation Title 21 of the Maryland law code describes traffic violations and penalties in the state.

Title 21 addresses topics such as right of way, passing and driving on the right, driving speed, reckless driving, eluding law enforcement, and rules pertaining to pedestrians, bicyclists, and recreational vehicles.

The traffic laws of Maryland apply not only to drivers of conventional vehicles, but also to anyone riding an animal or driving a vehicle drawn by an animal, snowmobile drivers, road workers, bicyclists, pedestrians, crossing guards, and emergency vehicles.

Examples of traffic law violations in Harford County include tampering with roadway signs, following other vehicles too closely, exceeding speed limits, reckless driving, aggressive driving (breaking three or more traffic laws at one time), failing to obey directions from law enforcement officers, and driving while intoxicated.

When a traffic violation causes a crash and injures or kills another person, charges such as vehicular manslaughter may be brought, and a conviction could bring years in prison.

Regardless of the type or severity of the violations you are facing, our Harford traffic lawyers can help with minimizing the damage. Our attorneys will closely examine each aspect of your case to determine whether proper legal procedure was followed and whether there are other relevant details that may contribute to either a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you.

Motor Vehicle Administration Point System

If you are convicted of a traffic violation, Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will levy points against your license as determined by Maryland’s statutes in Transportation Article 16. Section 16-402 of the code delineates each type of violation and the corresponding number of points that will be applied to your license.

Depending on the number of points received, and the total accumulated points in the two years prior to the most recent violation, the MVA may take the following actions:

• • 3–4 points – send you a warning letter
  • 5–7 points – require that you participate in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP).
  • 8–11 points – send you a suspension notice
  • 12 or more points – send you a revocation notice

If you receive a notice of license suspension or revocation, you may either accept the penalty or request a hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings. You have only 10 days from the notice date to request a hearing. You must respond promptly to the MVA notice in order to protect your right to have your case heard.

Harford County Traffic Violation Lawyers

In our fast-paced, transportation-dependent society, having a driver’s license is a necessity for everything from obtaining employment to maintaining social connections. Traffic-violation convictions in Harford County have serious consequences ranging from fines and license points to license revocation and even incarceration.

If you are charged with a traffic violation, contact one of our Harford County traffic violation lawyers to ensure that you have the necessary representation to protect your rights. Our attorneys are skilled in criminal defense and can plan a defense strategy that gives you the best chance for a positive result.

Harford County Courts

The Harford County District court hears cases involving traffic violations. The District Court is located at 2 South Bond Street, Suite 100 in Bel Air, Maryland. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (410) 836-4545.

Hearings regarding MVA points and penalties are held at either the main Office of Administrative Hearings in the Administrative Law Building, located at 11101 Gilroy Road in Hunt Valley, Maryland, or at one of their branch locations throughout the state.  The phone number for the Hunt Valley office is (410) 229-4100. The notice of hearing will state the location for your case.