Frederick County Traffic Lawyer
Most people are familiar with payable traffic violations. You get a speeding ticket, pay the fine, and points are added to your driving record. There are no court appearances or time away from work. You can always challenge the citation in court, but if you lose, you must pay the fine plus court costs, and the points appear on your driving record. Drivers may not realize that too many points can result in a suspended or revoked license.
Many traffic violations—such as driving with a suspended license or without insurance—can impact your life if you cannot drive to work or pay fines or penalties. Speaking with a Frederick County traffic lawyer could help clarify the possible impact of even “minor” violations. A knowledgeable defense attorney from our firm could work to minimize the number of points added to a driving record.
What Is the Point System?
Most drivers are aware of the driver’s license point system. Every traffic violation has points that are added to a driver’s record if the driver pays the fine for a payable ticket or is convicted of a traffic violation in court. Generally, adding points increases automobile insurance costs but can also lead to more long-term impacts.
For example, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) notifies drivers when:
- They have accumulated three to five points in two years
- They must participate in a driver improvement program because their points are between five and seven in two years
- They have reached eight points in two years or less and may have their license suspended
- They have more than 12 points on their record in less than two years, and their license may be revoked
The MVA participates in the Drivers License Compact, where member states share traffic violation information. If drivers receive a traffic ticket in a participating state, the points will appear on their Maryland driving record.
An experienced traffic attorney in Frederick County could assess driving infractions and explain possible strategies to minimize the impact on a driving record.
Penalties for Traffic Violations
Residents of Frederick County can have their licenses suspended for traffic and non-traffic-related causes. Traffic-related reasons for suspending licenses include more than eight points in two years and failure to pay a traffic ticket or fine, maintain vehicle insurance, and appear in court.
Driving with a Suspended License
If ticketed for driving with a suspended license, drivers are technically under arrest. They may be allowed back on the road with a “discretionarily release,” but they are charged with a crime.
Suspended licenses not only appear on a person’s driving record, but they also impact an individual’s lifestyle, family obligations, and work requirements. A skilled traffic lawyer could advocate for essential driving privileges to minimize work and family disruptions until the suspension is resolved.
Driving Under the Influence
Depending on the circumstances, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrests can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension 46 days after being cited. The process for resolving a DUI/DWI arrest and retaining driving privileges is full of deadlines and administrative functions. Failure to comply with any step in the process can result in a suspended license.
Having legal representation could help challenge breathalyzer tests or ensure that MVA advisement is given. A well-practiced traffic attorney in Frederick County could advocate for driving privileges, including installing an ignition interlock device in a vehicle during the suspension period. For DUI/DWI-related suspensions, legal counsel can make sure that a driver’s rights are protected.
Reach Out to a Frederick County Traffic Attorney Today
If you have been charged for a traffic violation, contact Price Benowitz, LLC, to ensure your rights are protected. Seasoned Frederick County traffic lawyer Seth Price could advocate for you and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
