College Park Traffic Lawyer
Nothing ruins your road trip faster than seeing those blue lights come on behind you. Sometimes the police officer is only looking to issue a warning. Other times, the officer may be putting the driver in the back of the police car.
The outcome of an interaction with a traffic officer is not easy to predict. Some traffic violations are small matters which may not have a large effect on your life. Other traffic violations can be life-altering and may follow you forever.
When you get a ticket or get pulled over, you may feel helpless, like there is nothing you can do. That is simply not true. There may be many different options that you could pursue.
If you speak with a College Park traffic lawyer, your experienced legal representative may be able to offer advice on how to minimize or even avoid certain consequences and how to go through the legal process involved with traffic violations.
Maryland Traffic Laws
There are different types of traffic violations which may lead to a person being pulled over or given a ticket. Some of the more serious rules of the road include:
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driving while under the influence
- Driving after a DUI arrest
- Drinking while on a highway
- Running from the police
- High-risk driving by a minor with a provisional driver’s license
The legislature codified these laws in the Maryland Code of Transportation, Section 21-900 et al. A College Park traffic lawyer could ensure that individuals are aware that a single violation of some of these rules may not have an effect on a person’s right to drive, but the government may take away a person’s right to driver after multiple violations.
Reckless, Negligent and Aggressive Driving
The law defines reckless driving as driving without regard for the safety of others or their property. The punishment for violating this rule is up to $1,000 in fines. Negligent driving means the driver was careless as to the safety of others or their property (MCT Section 21-901.1).
The government defines aggressive driving as the act of committing three or more of the following traffic violations during one continuous period:
- Running a red light
- Passing other drivers too quickly
- Passing on the right
- Driving in the middle turning lane
- Driving too close to the other driver
- Failing to yield, and
- Speeding (MCT Section 21-901.2)
Driving While Under the Influence
If the police catch a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the government bases the punishment on the number of prior offenses.
The first time the courts convict a person, the court may sentence that person to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For a second offense, the court can sentence the person to up to two years in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
For a third offense, the court can sentence the person to up to three years in jail and up to $3,000 in fines. The prior conviction must have been within five years (MCT Section 21-902).
How a College Park Traffic Attorney Can Help
If the police have issued you a ticket or arrested you and you are concerned about the consequences of that interaction, the best protection for you may be hiring an attorney. A representative who understands the laws of Maryland and the court procedure rules may be able to offer you invaluable aid in helping you build a defense.
No matter how big or small you believe the issue is, there may be drastically different outcomes if you enlist the services of a lawyer. Reach out a College Park traffic lawyer today and see how they can help.