Baltimore Moving Violation Lawyer

Being served with a citation for a moving violation in Baltimore can encompass many different types of actions related to driving under Maryland law. Baltimore aggressively prosecutes traffic citations and moving violations, which can cause lasting damage to your driving record and be especially harmful if you are a government employee or contractor. If this is the situation you find yourself in, it would be best to speak with a Baltimore moving violation lawyer regarding your case as soon as possible.

Call and schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore traffic lawyer today to discuss your case in more detail.

What is a Moving Violation in Baltimore?

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has the discretion to determine which traffic violations are considered moving violations and what their point values may be. In Baltimore, the main difference between a moving violation and non-moving violation can be stated as simply as: a moving violation covers all violations while the vehicle is moving, such as:

• Running a traffic light
• Speeding
• Driving too slowly
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI and DUI)

Non-moving violations may include actions such as:

• Expired or missing license plates
• Illegal parking – including parking in a handicapped zone
• Invalid vehicle registration

Maryland law divides all moving violations into three conviction categories:

• All moving violations
• Moving violations excluding speeding convictions
• Moving violations including speeding convictions and convictions for occupant-restraint violations

If you have been accused of any of these charges consult with a Baltimore moving violation lawyer as soon as possible to begin working on your case.

How Does The Maryland Demerit Point Scale Work?

Under Maryland law, a Baltimore moving violation can carry one or more points, depending on the type of violation – all the way up to 12 points. One example of a single-point offense under Maryland law is something as simple as an unsafe lane change, while a serious offense, such as driving while your license has been suspended or revoked, can carry 12 points. You should seriously consider hiring a Baltimore moving violation lawyer if you find yourself cited for a violation that carries more points against your license.

Following is a partial summary of point violations under Maryland law:

• One-point violations can include almost any type of moving violation that does not include behavior that contributes to an accident. These might be minor speeding incidents, failure to yield right-of-way, making illegal u-turns, use of a cellular device while driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, or failure to safely stop at a railroad crossing where indicated.
• Two-point violations can include following another vehicle too closely, failure to stop for a school bus, speeding in excess of 10 mph over the posted limit, driving with an improper class of license (for example, vehicles requiring a CDL), and running a red light.
• Three-point violations can include any Baltimore moving violation that contributes to an accident.
• Five-point violations can include speeding over 30 mph over the posted limit, racing on the highway, failure to report an accident, driving with a learner’s permit unaccompanied, driving without a license, and aggressive driving.
• Six-point violations occur with reckless driving.
• Eight-point violations involve driving while judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs, hit-and-run incidents, and turning off headlights to avoid being detected by an officer of the law.
• Twelve-point violations can include vehicular homicide, DUI and DWI incidents, fleeing a pursuing officer, false statements or affidavits concerning a Baltimore moving violation, and any moving violation that occurs during the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle including driving while suspended or driving while revoked.

Jailable vs. Non-Jailable Moving Violations in Baltimore

In Baltimore, most moving violations that carry one, two, or three points against your license are considered non-jailable. Any violation that ranges from 3 to 12 points can be considered a jailable offense. At the 5-point mark, you are required by the MVA to attend a “point system conference,” and if you are given eight points your license may be suspended by the MVA. At 12 points, they will try to revoke your license completely. Higher-point violations not only increase the possibility of jail time, but can wreak havoc on your insurance premiums. This is especially detrimental if your employment includes driving for the company you work for.

It is a common mistake to assume that a citation carrying only a few points is not worth fighting in court, but even a minor conviction puts you in danger of losing your license temporarily with one or two additional incidents. For this reason it is likely in your best interest to consult with a Baltimore moving violation attorney as soon as you are charged.

How a Baltimore Moving Violation Lawyer Can Help

If you find yourself in any of these scenarios for a Baltimore moving violation, your best course of action would be to contact a Baltimore moving violation lawyer as soon as possible to fully learn the possible consequences to your license, your insurance, and your reputation.