Maryland Traffic Ticket Attorney
Defending Against Criminal & Civil Traffic Citations in MD
When it comes to traffic tickets, many drivers fail to realize the serious consequences that can result from simply paying the fine and accepting guilt. In Maryland, traffic tickets can lead to criminal and civil implications, potentially impacting your driving record, insurance rates, and even your ability to drive legally in the state. If you were cited for a traffic infraction, consulting with an experienced traffic ticket attorney is crucial to safeguard your driving privileges.
At Riley Legal, our skilled lawyer is committed to protecting your right to drive freely. Our firm has helped thousands of clients dismiss traffic citations to avoid serious penalties, including driver’s license points, higher insurance premiums, expensive fines, and potential suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Whether you received a citation for speeding, running a red light, or a more serious infraction like reckless driving, our seasoned attorney has extensive knowledge of Maryland traffic laws to protect your driving rights.
If you've been cited for a traffic violation, don't wait until it's too late to defend your driving privileges. Call (771) 220-7271 to schedule a free consultation with our traffic ticket attorney.
Types of Traffic Tickets We Handle
From parking tickets to driving without insurance, our traffic ticket attorney has successfully defended thousands of drivers against traffic citations. Common traffic tickets we handle include:
- Speeding: If you were cited for exceeding posted speed limits, our firm can provide an aggressive defense by challenging the accuracy of speed detection equipment or the clarity of signage.
- Running a red light: We represent individuals accused of entering an intersection during a red traffic signal. From timing discrepancies to obstruction of signals, we can help you fight your citation by representing your best interests through each step of the process.
- Failure to yield: Our attorney provides experienced representation to motorists cited for failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and related violations.
- Improper lane changes: If you’re facing a citation for unsafe lane changes, we can help you fight your ticket by building you a robust defense, such as by contesting the clarity of lane markings or the interpretation of traffic flow.
- Reckless driving: Fighting reckless driving citations requires a nuanced understanding of Maryland traffic and criminal laws. Fortunately, our firm is experienced in defending drivers accused of operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Our attorney provides aggressive representation for drivers charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). From challenging the administration and results of sobriety tests to identifying violations of your constitutional rights, we can fight to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
- Driving without insurance: Attorney Sean Riley is committed to defending individuals accused of driving without insurance. Our skilled lawyer can evaluate your case with a practiced legal eye to determine potential documentation issues or lapses in coverage to get your citation dismissed.
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license: We represent drivers accused of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. We can help you navigate the legal complexities of these administrative procedures to restore your driving privileges.
Robust Defense for Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
Riley Legal is committed to defending drivers in Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). We understand how intimidating it can be to navigate the legal intricacies of administrative hearings, especially when your driving privileges are on the line. If you’re preparing for an OAH case, our firm can guide your steps wisely throughout the administrative proceedings and leverage our extensive knowledge of Maryland traffic laws to fight for a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Understanding Maryland Traffic Laws
Many drivers assume that tickets aren’t a big deal, but traffic citations carry criminal sanctions in Maryland, making it crucial to know and exercise your rights on the road. The penalties for traffic citations may include fines, probation, and jailtime, not to mention administrative sanctions like driver’s license points, suspension, and revocation. Seeking sound counsel from an experienced lawyer is imperative to defending your rights and driving privileges.
There are two primary types of traffic violations, including:
- “Payable” citations: Payable violations apply when law enforcement checks the second box under “Notice to Appear” on your handwritten citation or the “payable fine” box on the electronic citation. These citations are considered minor motor vehicle citations that aren’t punishable by incarceration.
- “Must appear” citations: Must-appear citations apply when law enforcement checks the first box under "Notice to Appear" on your handwritten citation or checks the first box and writes in a court date on the electronic citation. These citations are considered major motor vehicle infractions that can lead to jailtime.
How to Respond to a Traffic Ticket
What Our Clients are Saying
Reviews & Testimonials
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This is the lawyer you need to be hiring if you need a well-educated and experienced lawyer. Mr. Riley cares about his clients.- Matthew A.
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Sean was so helpful and professional. He made everything so easy and really seemed to care about helping. I even missed our first meeting together and he still fought for me. Thanks!- Sam L.
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Mr. Riley was very professional while keeping things comfortable and positive. Very quick response as well a better understanding of my case. A great pick to have in your corner. 10/10! Thanks again Mr. Riley.- Tasia M.
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Mr. Sean Riley dismissed my ticket which would have added 3 points to my license. He was efficient and quick to help me with my needs. I recommend Mr. Sean Riley. He will take care of your tickets!- Mauricio H.
What Constitutes a Major Motor Vehicle Infraction?
Major motor vehicle offenses may not be prepaid and require the offender to appear in court. Most major traffic infractions carry two months to one year in jail, $500 to $1,000 in fines, and 8-12 points on your license. Common examples of major traffic violations include:
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Fleeing and eluding
- Driving without insurance
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
The accused driver has a statutory right to a jury trial for any offense in which the penalty exceeds 90 days of imprisonment. Probation before judgment protects a defendant from the assessment of points and suspension or revocation of the driver's license or privilege as a result of the violation.
Penalties for Major Traffic Citations
If you were cited for an incarcerable traffic citation, you may face separate civil sanctions and collateral consequences in addition to your case. In addition to the creation of a criminal record, major traffic offenses can also tarnish your driving record. A conviction carries harsh penalties, including:
- Incarceration
- The imposition of points
- The suspension or revocation of your license
- An increase in your car insurance
- Loss of employment or security clearance
To make matters worse, DUI and other serious infractions can stay on your permanent record and affect your future opportunities. Due to the extensive criminal and administrative sanctions of major motor vehicle violations, securing representation from a qualified attorney is essential to avoid life-altering consequences.
Statute of Limitations for Traffic Citations
Most traffic offenses are subject to a one-year statute of limitations. Exceptions include automobile manslaughter, homicide while under the influence of alcohol, and homicide while impaired by alcohol. Those offenses carry a three-year statute of limitations.
How Long Do Points Stay on My Driving Record?
If you’re convicted of a motor vehicle violation, the Maryland District Court will notify the MVA of the conviction. The MVA then applies the appropriate points to your driver record. Points are assessed as of the date of the violation. Assessed points are retained for two years from the date of the violation. The MVA can take action for points accumulated within two years.
Can I Contest My Ticket if I Pay the Fine?
No. Do not pay your ticket if you want to challenge the citation, even if you’re only disputing the penalty. Paying any portion of the ticket is considered an admission of guilt under state law and eliminates your ability to challenge the citation.
Fighting Traffic Tickets Since 2017
If you receive a traffic citation, it’s important to act quickly. Failure to respond to a traffic ticket can result in a finding of liability, driver’s license suspension, and other serious penalties. At Riley Legal, our experienced team has a wealth of experience helping clients navigate the legal intricacies of contesting traffic citations. If you’re preparing to contest a traffic ticket, you don’t have to fight alone. Our attorney has extensive knowledge of Maryland traffic laws to defend your driving privileges and fight for the dismissal of your citation.
Take the first step towards protecting your driving privileges by contacting our firm for a free consultation. Call (771) 220-7271 to discuss your case!
Why Choose Riley Legal?
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Aggressive RepresentationOur firm offers assertive representation supported by a deep understanding of traffic laws, administrative regulations, and criminal law in both jurisdictions.
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Free ConsultationsTake advantage of our free consultation to discuss your legal options with a member of our team.
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5000+ Traffic Ticket Cases HandledWith over 5,000 traffic ticket cases handled, our team offers top-tier representation with unmatched experience.