5 Defense Strategies for Driving Without Registration in Maryland
In Maryland, registration represents that your vehicle taxes are paid and the Motor Vehicle Administration is aware of where your vehicle is located. This enables them to send you notices of unpaid fines, license suspensions, or other notices. If you are pulled over without registration, you may face serious legal consequences. However, individuals charged with driving without registration may have legal recourse to maintain a clean driving record. Depending on your case, you may assert various defenses to fight the charge against you.
Generally, drivers with an unregistered car may also be charged with driving uninsured. Driving without insurance is a more severe offense in Maryland than driving an unregistered vehicle. If you are charged with driving without registration in Maryland, contact an experienced traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub. Attorney Hillel Traub is a former lawyer for the MVA with over 30 years of experience. He knows how to fight for you by tailoring defense strategies to ensure your driving privileges are protected.
5 Defense Strategies for Driving Without Registration in Maryland
When facing charges for driving without registration in Maryland, it is imperative to understand your rights and available defense strategies. Consulting an experienced traffic violations lawyer can provide valuable guidance and help tailor a defense strategy to your specific circumstances, which may include the following:
1. Lack of Knowledge
One possible defense strategy is asserting a lack of knowledge about the expired or missing registration. If you can demonstrate you were genuinely unaware of the registration issue, it may help support your case. For example, if you recently purchased a vehicle and were not informed of the registration status by the seller, it could be argued you had no reason to believe the registration was invalid. Additionally, if the MVA sent you notice of suspension of registration but you did not receive it, you can show there was no knowledge of the invalid registration.
2. Administrative Errors
Administrative errors or delays on the part of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can also be used as a defense. If you can provide evidence you made a timely renewal or registration application but the MVA failed to properly process it correctly, this can help challenge the charge against you. Keeping records of your registration renewal and any correspondence with the MVA will be beneficial in such cases.
3. Incorrect Traffic Stop or Vehicle Identity
If law enforcement officers did not have a valid reason to pull you over or there are doubts regarding the accuracy of the vehicle identification, it could cast doubt on the validity of the charge. This strategy requires thorough investigation and evidence to support your claims.
4. Vehicle Ownership Dispute
In some cases, you may be able to present evidence that you were not the vehicle’s legal owner at the time of the alleged offense. If you can demonstrate you were using the vehicle with the owner’s consent, it may help establish a valid defense. You must provide documentation and testimony to support your claim of non-ownership.
5. Compliance and Rectification
If you can demonstrate you promptly rectified the problem by renewing or obtaining necessary documents, it shows your willingness to comply with the law. Providing proof of registration renewal or presenting evidence of obtaining the required registration can support your defense.
Contact an Experienced Traffic Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
When charged with driving without registration in Maryland, exploring potential defense strategies to protect your rights and interests is essential. By understanding the available options and seeking the guidance of an experienced traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub, you can mount a strong defense and obtain the best possible resolution.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today by calling (410) 580-1100 or filling out a contact form.