Washington County Traffic Lawyer
If you have received a traffic ticket or been charged with a traffic offense in Maryland, a Washington County traffic lawyer can help you understand your options and determine what step to take next. Traffic citations may result in points and fines for minor infractions or more serious consequences for misdemeanors and traffic felonies. Washington County law enforcement treats traffic violations seriously, and choosing to simply pay the ticket without talking to a lawyer means you are pleading guilty to the charge and accepting all the penalties that accompany that violation (points). To avoid crippling fines, points, and possible jail time, talk to an experienced Washington County traffic lawyer about what steps you can take to contest your ticket.
Common Traffic Violations
Every day, traffic officers and automated systems issue tickets for various common traffic violations. The following offenses are considered minor infractions:
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
- Speeding
- Improper turning
- Failure to yield right of way
More serious violations are categorized as misdemeanors. They carry more serious penalties, including possible jail time. Such offenses include:
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving without a license
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving without insurance
- Reckless Driving
- Aggressive Driving (non-jailable)
The most serious offense you can be charged with is a traffic felony, such as vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide. If convicted, you could face many years in prison. An experienced Washington County traffic lawyer can examine the details of your case and help develop an effective defense strategy.
Penalties for Traffic Citations
When you receive a traffic ticket, you may assume that the best way to deal with it is to simply pay the ticket. However, paying the ticket means you are pleading guilty to the charge, and you could face any of the following penalties:
- Fines
- Points on your license
- Mandatory driving classes
- Auto insurance rate increases
- Suspension of your license
If your violation is categorized as a “must appear” misdemeanor or felony, you will be required to appear in court. Penalties for a conviction may include heavy fines, possible jail time, and a suspended or revoked license. A serious or repeated violation may have unforeseeable, far-reaching effects on your finances, car insurance premiums, job situation, and driving privileges.
What To Do When You Get a Ticket in Washington County
If you have been charged with DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or any traffic violation, a knowledgeable traffic attorney in Washington County can help you develop a defense strategy designed to protect you from the severe penalties associated with these offenses. Be it speeding or something much more egregious, having a Washington County traffic lawyer by your side is essential in any of the Maryland Courts.
Find an Experienced Washington County Traffic Lawyer
Do not assume that your traffic citation will result in a warning or small fine. Consult a Washington County traffic lawyer to fully understand your traffic violation and its potential consequences. A Washington County traffic lawyer can explain the nuances of the law, identify potential problem areas of your case, walk you through how the justice system works, and help determine the best way to present your case to achieve a positive outcome.