The State of Maryland Just Increased DUI Penalties
Drunk driving accidents are among the most preventable crashes, and unfortunately, they cause thousands of needless deaths each year. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 30 people die every day in a crash where alcohol was found to be a factor. To do its part to reduce the number of DUI fatalities, the State of Maryland is committed to keeping repeat drunk drivers off the roads.
Recently, the State enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of driving under the influence. Those with prior DUI convictions, people convicted of DUI with a minor in the vehicle, and drivers convicted of vehicular homicide may now face extended sentences. Anyone with a DUI charge in Maryland is urged to contact a criminal traffic lawyer who fights DUI in Baltimore and surrounding areas.
- What New DUI Laws Should I Know About in Maryland?
- What are Maryland’s Penalties for a First DUI Conviction?
- How Can I Fight a DUI Charge in Baltimore?
What New DUI Laws Should I Know About in Maryland?
DUI is a serious traffic offense in Maryland. A DUI that results in the death of another person may result in a charge of vehicular homicide. If you’re driving under the influence of alcohol and you cause a car accident that results in a fatality, the Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act (HB 707) increases your potential maximum jail time from 3 years to 5 years. The law went into effect on October 1, 2019.
The State of Maryland is making an enormous effort to crack down on repeat offenders. Statistics from AAA show that a person with a prior conviction has a much higher chance — 4.1 times higher — of being involved in a crash that leads to death while under the influence. Additionally, AAA’s Mid-Atlantic Manager of Public and Government Affairs, John Townsend, claims that one-third of all auto crash fatalities in the U.S and Washington D.C. involve drunk drivers. If you have a previous DUI conviction and your drunk driving causes a fatality, the maximum time you could face in prison doubled from 5 to 10 years.
Heavier penalties are also in store for drivers who are convicted of traveling with a minor while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Now, a conviction may lead to one year in jail for a first offense and two years for a second offense for transporting a person under 18 years old.
What are Maryland’s Penalties for a First DUI Conviction?
Serious traffic offenses like driving under the influence can cause tragedy. Not only could you hurt yourself or others, but if you’re convicted of DUI your life as you know it will change drastically. A DUI conviction can’t be expunged in Maryland, which is why it’s crucial to fight the charge as soon as possible after being arrested.
DUI is a very serious charge, even if it’s your first time. A first DUI conviction could lead to:
- Incarceration of up to 1 year in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000 plus court fees
- License suspension
- Community service
- The court may also require you to attend alcohol education or substance abuse programs
How Can I Fight a DUI Charge in Baltimore?
The best way to avoid a DUI conviction and becoming a repeat DUI offender is to err on the side of caution any time you might have the option of driving after drinking. Choose a friend to be your designated driver for the evening, spend the night at a friend’s house, or request a ride from apps like Uber and Lyft. When all else fails, and you face a DUI charge, you can turn to an experienced DUI lawyer like Hillel Traub for help.
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has extensive experience fighting DUI charges and working with the Maryland MVA to preserve his clients’ driver’s licenses. After a thriving career as an Assistant Attorney General for the MVA, he now works for the citizens of Baltimore and surrounding areas, providing competent and personal representation for DUI offenders. Call (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form for a free case review.
Facing DUI charges can have severe consequences, affecting one’s driving privileges, employment prospects, and personal reputation. In DUI cases, the court often requires individuals to undergo an assessment administered by a qualified professional to evaluate their alcohol consumption patterns and associated risk levels.
A skilled DUI lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can attempt to mitigate the severity of the charges and consequences you face by ordering an alcohol assessment, which ultimately determines whether this behavior was a one-off occurrence or indicative of deeper issues, like a dependency on substances. That information helps determine whether rehabilitation might be more helpful than incarceration. If you have been arrested for a DUI charge, speak with us to understand your best legal options.
- Understanding a DUI Alcohol Assessment
- Importance of an Alcohol Assessment in a DUI Case
- Contact the DUI Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
Understanding a DUI Alcohol Assessment
In a Maryland DUI assessment, an evaluator looks at the Drug Abuse Screening Test Scoring System in a Substance Abuse Evaluation using certain evaluation materials to assess any substance abuse in more depth. This enables an evaluator to obtain a comprehensive view of an individual, their history of abuse, and their lifestyle.
When presenting the assessment information to the court, the evaluator can show an individual’s progress. The judge will then be able to understand the situation and the individual on a deeper level. This may inform sentencing, such as whether the individual qualifies for unsupervised probation or must attend a treatment program or education classes.
Regardless of the conclusions reached in the assessment, evaluators are only interested in the type of sentencing that would be most beneficial to the offender, such as suggesting an Alcohol and Drug Program or more substantive aftercare. To understand whether an alcohol assessment is beneficial to your case, speak with an experienced lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub.
Importance of an Alcohol Assessment in a DUI Case
If you have been charged with a DUI, an alcohol assessment may be imperative to your case, as it can lessen the penalties you face during sentencing. It is important to proceed with an assessment for the following reasons:
- You may earn a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ): In some jurisdictions, you may not earn a PBJ, even if you have no prior offenses, as some judges are of the opinion that you must earn a PBJ by completing an alcohol treatment or education program.
- Provides peace of mind for the judge: If a judge notices that you have been evaluated by a professional, they do not have to decide what type of treatment or supervision would be most beneficial. Generally, a judge will follow the professional’s recommendation and be at ease knowing they are not taking a risk by offering lighter sentencing.
- Shows initiative: Moving forward with an alcohol assessment shows you care about your case and you are taking the matter seriously. In the long run, it may help you avoid harsh penalties if you show that you are attempting to learn from your mistakes.
- You may earn unsupervised probation: If the results of the assessment indicate you do not have an alcohol use issue and it was an isolated incident, your DUI lawyer may argue you do not need to be supervised during your probation.
- You may avoid jail time: Generally, judges have compassion for individuals who recognize they have problems with alcohol and are taking steps to better themselves. As such, if you are enrolled in an inpatient program, you may avoid jail time.
An alcohol assessment can significantly influence the court’s decisions when determining appropriate penalties, such as fines, probation terms, or participation in alcohol programs. Working with an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer can help increase your likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Contact the DUI Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
By taking an alcohol assessment seriously and following the recommended treatment, individuals facing DUI charges can demonstrate a commitment to addressing alcohol-related behavior, potentially leading to lighter sentencing.
Working with Attorney Hillel Traub at The Law Office of Hillel Traub enables you to navigate the complexity of your case and work towards a favorable resolution. As a former lawyer of the MVA with over 30 years of experience, he knows how to protect your rights.
Contact us today by calling (410) 352-7575 or filling out our contact form.
The Costliest Traffic Violations in Maryland
Compared with some of life’s more challenging obstacles, traffic tickets might not seem all that important at first. Unfortunately, accumulating and even paying tickets can lead to points against your license that smear your reputation as a safe driver and can ultimately lead to the suspension or revocation of your Maryland driver’s license.
As points on your license add up, you inch closer to a license suspension. All it takes is eight (8) points in a two-year period to make that happen. Twelve (12) points in a two-year period leads to a license revocation, which is the complete and permanent cancelation of your driver’s license. There are many types of violations for which you may receive a citation — and thus, points — if you’re found guilty of the offense.
Not all traffic violations are created equally. There are some offenses worth zero points while others can add 12 points to your license! Understanding which offenses carry the most weight can help you make better decisions when the time comes to fight the charges against you with the help of a Baltimore traffic attorney.
Why Driver’s License Points Matter
Points against your license can cost you in the form of jeopardizing your driving privileges and increasing your car insurance payments. The more serious the violation, the more points you can expect the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will add to your license. While insurance companies are only concerned with infractions that increase the risk of an accident, which cost them in the form of paying claims, the State of Maryland assigns points to discourage dangerous behavior behind the wheel.
Getting a Letter from the MVA
If you’re surprised to receive mail from the MVA, don’t hesitate to contact a traffic defense lawyer to help you settle the matter without collecting points. There are dozens of traffic violations for which you may incur points. It takes just three (3) points to receive a Warning Letter from the MVA alerting you that you’re on their radar. The MVA may contact you for five (5) points requesting that you enroll in a mandatory Driver Improvement Program (DIP). At 8 or more points your license is at serious risk of being suspended or revoked, and you’re urged to contact a lawyer.
Which offenses carry the most points?
Fines typically accompany traffic tickets; however, the amount of the fine varies from place to place. Some of the costliest violations in terms of how many points you can accrue are:
- 12-Point Violations
- Any felony involving the use of a vehicle
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
- Failing to stop and render aid after an accident resulted in bodily injury or death
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- DUI
- Homicide or assault committed with a vehicle License fraud
- Failing or refusing to surrender a canceled, revoked, or suspended license
- 8-Point Violations
- Turning off car lights to avoid identification
- Failing to stop after an accident results in damage to an attended or unattended vehicle or property
- 5 -Point Violations
- Failure to report a motor vehicle accident that the law requires to be reported
- Driving a motor vehicle on the highway without a license
- Knowingly allowing an unlicensed driver to drive your car
- Driving an uninsured vehicle
- Speeding at 40 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit
- Driving at 85 mph in a 65 mph zone
- Drag racing
Fight Your Costly Traffic Tickets Today
No matter what traffic offense you face, attorney Hillel Traub is on your side. As the founder of The Law Office of Hillel Traub, he has more than 20 years of experience defending traffic cases in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Having served as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, he has unique knowledge about the organization’s inner workings that may benefit your case.
Hillel Traub has exceptional reviews on Avvo, Facebook, and Yelp. Call (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form to see how he can help you keep your license.
Operating a commercial vehicle requires specialized skills and an adherence to stringent standards, far exceeding those for other vehicle drivers. In Maryland, commercial drivers are regulated by rigorous Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. These rules outline numerous traffic infractions that can bar someone from commercial driving. If you lost your CDL license due to a violation, you must wait for your disqualification period to end, pay any outstanding fees, submit the required paperwork, and clear any other suspensions or revocations.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub works closely with CDL holders to guide them through the complexities of CDL disqualifications and satisfying court requirements to get them back on the road. With a focus on personalized legal strategies, Attorney Hillel Traub aims to avoid or mitigate such disqualifications, informed by an in-depth understanding of the specific traffic violations that threaten commercial driving careers. If you are navigating the repercussions of a CDL violation, working with Attorney Hillel Traub can be pivotal in retaining your commercial driving privileges.
- Violations That May Disqualify a CDL Driver
- 5 Steps to Take to Get Your CDL License Back in Maryland
- Contact a CDL Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
Violations That May Disqualify a CDL Driver
Serious traffic violations involving commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) in Maryland can lead to the suspension of your CDL. It can also lead to significant legal penalties, including jail time and large fines. These violations include:
- Exceeding speed limits by 15 mph or more
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Unsafe or unpredictable lane changes
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Fleeing the scene of an accident
- Driving without the necessary insurance
- Operating or towing a vehicle that requires a CDL with a suspended or revoked CDL
Without legal representation, you risk losing your CDL temporarily or permanently. Even minor offenses, such as not wearing a seatbelt or slightly exceeding the speed limit, can accumulate points on your driver’s license. For example, accumulating the following amount of points can lead to:
- 5-7 points in 2 years results in a mandatory driver improvement course and Point Systems Conference
- 8-11 points in 2 years results in driver’s license suspension
- 12 points in any timeframe results in license suspension
With over 30 years of experience and a track record of success, Attorney Hillel Traub has helped countless Maryland drivers protect their commercial vehicle licenses.
5 Steps to Take to Get Your CDL License Back in Maryland
The process and costs for reinstating a Maryland CDL depend on the nature of the offense.
For a disqualification period of less than one year, you must:
- Complete the duration of your disqualification.
- Pay the necessary reinstatement fees.
- Provide any documents that are required.
- Resolve any other suspensions or revocations if they exist.
- Fulfill any court-mandated requirements, if applicable.
For disqualifications lasting one year or longer, you must also successfully pass the CDL knowledge and driving skills tests in addition to the steps above to reinstate your license.
Contact a CDL Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
If you are facing a traffic violation in Maryland that has resulted in the loss or the inability to obtain a CDL license, speaking with a skilled traffic violations lawyer can be pivotal in regaining your CDL. With more than 30 years of experience in assisting commercial drivers in Maryland maintain their CDLs, attorney Hillel Traub from The Law Office of Hillel Traub is uniquely qualified for such cases. He has worked as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Motor Vehicle Administration, equipping him with specialized knowledge to fight for your driving privileges.
For a complimentary consultation, call (410) 352-7575 or fill out our contact form.
Steps to Take after License Suspension in Maryland
Baltimore is a bustling city of over 600,000, however, it is not known for reliable public transportation. Hundreds of thousands of drivers in the Baltimore metro area depend on their cars and valid Maryland driver’s licenses to get around. Without access to a vehicle, many people would find it difficult to get to school or hold down their jobs, and generally live their day-to-day lives.
The freedom to come and go as you please can be stripped from you in an instant through a Maryland driver’s license suspension. Your license may be suspended for a variety of reasons. It is up to you to get to the root of the problem and fight back through the assistance of a suspended license lawyer.
- REASONS FOR A MARYLAND DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSION
- WHAT TO DO AFTER LOSING YOUR MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE
- YOUR LICENSE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO DO AFTER GETTING YOUR LICENSE SUSPENDED IN MARYLAND
REASONS FOR A MARYLAND DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSION
The State of Maryland may choose to deny a person the privilege of driving for several reasons. Most of the time, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) suspends driver’s licenses due to driving-related matters; however, some actions that have little to do with safely operating a vehicle can trigger a license suspension.
Maryland drivers may lose their driver’s licenses for any of the following reasons. If a driver has already had his license suspended and drives anyway, the state can add more time to their suspension period.
- Having multiple unresolved traffic tickets
- Accumulating too many points on your driver’s license (a minimum of 8 in 2years)
- Driving under the influence
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving without auto insurance
- Being disqualified from driving due to a physical or psychological condition
- Failure to appear in court or to respond to the MVA’s notice to appear
- Failure to pay traffic tickets, fines, and court costs
- Failing to pay child support
No matter your reason for a suspended driver’s license, the goal of a qualified suspended license lawyer in Baltimore and surrounding areas is to help you resolve them so you can continue driving legally.
WHAT TO DO AFTER LOSING YOUR MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE
If you have received a notification from the Maryland MVA that your license has been suspended, pay close attention to the notice. If you still have your driver’s license, surrender it to the MVA by mailing it to their office or hand it over in person. If the police did not take your license away at the traffic stop that led to your suspension or in court, then you cannot hold onto it after receiving a notice of suspension.
Next, be sure to refrain from driving. If you get caught driving with a suspended license, you may be arrested.
Finally, you may choose to wait for the MVA to restore your license when the suspension period ends, or you may contact an attorney who helps drivers get their licenses back. For speedier service, go with the attorney. He or she will look into why your license was suspended and advise you on the steps you should take to start cleaning up your driving record so that you can get back on the road.
YOUR LICENSE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
The realization of the effects that a suspended license will have on your life may not sink in right away; however, the sooner you contact an attorney to help you restore your license, the better your chance will be of winning your license back. Don’t let the Maryland MVA bully you into a life without a license.
Serving Baltimore and the surrounding areas for the past 20 years, attorney Hillel Traub focuses his practice on helping drivers reinstate their licenses. Hillel Traub has served as an Assistant Attorney General for the MVA and now uses his experience to your advantage. Call (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form for a free consultation on what to do after a license suspension.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO DO AFTER GETTING YOUR LICENSE SUSPENDED IN MARYLAND
Can you get car insurance if your license is suspended?
If you get notification from the Maryland MVA that your license has been suspended, surrender your driver’s license to the MVA by mailing it to their office or hand it over in person, and refrain from driving. You can contact an experienced traffic attorney to look into why your license was suspended and advise you on how to get it back.
How do I get my license back after suspension?
If your Maryland driver’s license has been suspended, refrain from driving, since you can be arrested for driving with a suspended license. You can choose to wait for the MVA to restore your license when the suspension period ends, or contact an attorney who helps drivers get their licenses back.
Spike in Drunk Driving Arrests During Fourth of July
Drunk driving accidents are often catastrophic for victims and their families. DUI crashes are entirely preventable, yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares that about 30 people die every day in an auto accident that involves alcohol. The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest and most dangerous holidays for DUI fatalities. According to one recent study by Value Penguin, the fatality rate is 23% greater than the average of most federal holidays, and 57% more likely on the Fourth of July than any other day in the summer.
While many think of barbeques, beaches, fireworks, and time spent with family and friends when it comes to their Independence Day plans, it’s essential also to remember the risks that driving on this holiday involves. Law enforcement in Baltimore is aware of the surge in drunk driving incidents, and as a result, drunk driving arrests spike on this holiday each year across the state of Maryland.
- DUI Fatalities on the Fourth of July Compared to Other Major Holiday
- Fourth of July Celebrated Mid-Week is Largely More Fatal for DUI Accidents
- What are the Consequences of a Maryland Drunk Driving Arrest on the Fourth of July?
- How Can I Fight a Drunk Driving Charge in Maryland?
- Reliable Criminal Traffic Defense in Baltimore and Nearby Areas
DUI Fatalities on the Fourth of July Compared to Other Major Holiday
According to the study, there were 1,192 deaths caused by drunk driving accidents on the Fourth of July from 2010 to 2017. Compared to the number of DUI-related fatalities on Memorial Day weekend, there were 87 more on Independence Day. Compared to other major holidays, Fourth of July ranks the highest for average drunk driving fatalities in the following order:
- Fourth of July: 42.4 DUI deaths
- Memorial Day: 39.5 DUI deaths
- Labor Day: 38.1 DUI deaths
- New Year’s Day: 31.7 DUI deaths
- Thanksgiving: 27.9 DUI deaths
- Christmas Day: 27.7 DUI deaths
Fourth of July Celebrated Mid-Week is Largely More Fatal for DUI Accidents
In general, DUI accidents are most likely to occur on the weekend when many Americans are off from their jobs. However, when the Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week, the rate of DUI fatalities increase. Independence Day falling on Wednesday has a DUI fatality rate that’s 43% greater than when the holiday falls on Saturday.
What are the Consequences of a Maryland Drunk Driving Arrest on the Fourth of July?
Getting arrested for drunk driving is a severe offense in Maryland. This threatens the life of the negligent person behind the wheel and the countless lives of drivers and passengers sharing the road. Too often, innocent lives are lost in drunk driving accidents that were preventable. As a result, Maryland law enforcement confronts more DUI arrests on this Independence Day holiday than most others.
The consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Maryland are severe, even for first-time offenders that could result in:
- Up to 1 year incarcerated in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines plus court fees
- A suspension of driver’s license
- Mandatory community service
Those charged with a DUI may also have to attend alcohol education or substance abuse programs, depending on the court order. A DUI arrest will haunt drivers in Maryland for years after the fact, as they are often subject to substantial increases in their insurance rates, sometimes as high as 47%.
How Can I Fight a Drunk Driving Charge in Maryland?
The best method to avoid a DUI arrest on the Fourth of July or any day of the year is to take necessary precautions any time that you may have the option of driving after drinking. Never take the chance, but think ahead of time how you’ll get home or go out. Whether that’s requesting a ride through Uber or Lyft, staying overnight at a friend’s house, or selecting a designated driver, a drunk driving arrest is never worth the risk. Should you find yourself facing a DUI charge, you can look to a knowledgeable DUI attorney like Hillel Traub for help.
Reliable Criminal Traffic Defense in Baltimore and Nearby Areas
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has vast experience arguing against DUI charges for drivers in Baltimore and surrounding areas. As a formal Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, Attorney Traub knows what it takes to preserve his clients’ driver’s licenses. He now dedicates his practice to citizens of Baltimore and surrounding areas, providing knowledgeable and personal representation for DUI offenders. To schedule a free consultation and speak with Attorney Traub about your DUI matter, call (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form.
Most of the United States is currently under a patchwork of orders calling for people to stay at home. The risks associated with catching and spreading coronavirus are too great to go on about life as usual. The coronavirus disease of 2019, also called COVID-19, has been proven deadly among people of all ages, and there currently exists no vaccine to protect the population.
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order calling for residents to stay home on Monday, March 30, 2020 to help slow the spread of coronavirus. The order directs people to stay home unless they provide an essential service or must do so for an essential reason, like going to the grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care clinic, or post office. The order shut down several businesses statewide, like restaurants, gyms, malls, casinos, movie theaters, and others considered “nonessential.” Even schools have transitioned to a completely online model for the time being.
- How Much Has Speeding Increased in Densely-Populated Areas?
- Consequences of Excessive Speeding in Maryland
- Were You Ticketed During Coronavirus in Maryland? Contact Hillel Traub
With more people cooped up at home, there are nearly empty streets, which has proven to be a temptation for those inclined to speed. While the number of traffic accidents has declined, many large cities are experiencing an uptick in the number of citations issued for driving dangerously.
How Much Has Speeding Increased in Densely-Populated Areas?
With nearly empty roads and a reduced police presence, some people don’t fight the urge to exceed the speed limit when they do get out during the coronavirus shutdown. With fewer drivers on the road, it’s also more difficult to gauge one’s own speed, as there are no other drivers to reference. As a result, speeding is on the rise, which puts the lives of those who absolutely do need to travel in harm’s way.
In New York City, speed cameras issued 180,718 summonses on weekdays from March 5- 24. Speed cameras in the city only issue tickets on weekdays. This number is 12.3% higher than for the comparable 14-day period from January 13-31, when cameras issued 158,510 speeding tickets. The increase in tickets comes at a time when vehicle miles traveled throughout the city’s 5 boroughs is down 71%.
In California, traffic accidents across the state are down 50% on highways according to a study by UC Davis. In Los Angeles, drivers are traveling 12% faster on weekdays and 6% faster on weekends. The California Highway Patrol wrote 543 tickets to drivers traveling 100+ miles per hour from March 19-29. During that same time last year, CHP officers wrote 418 tickets for reaching or exceeding 100 miles per hour.
While many parts of the country are seeing an increase in tickets for speeding, which puts the lives of other drivers at risk, many officers have been instructed to be more lenient when addressing minor traffic violations.
In Detroit, police officers are committed to only address traffic offenses that can hurt others. As a public-facing position, officers are at a much higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general population. After 500 officers were quarantined due to exposure to the virus, two officers who were exposed died. The Chief of Operations for Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Mike Jaafar, made it clear to the public that the threat of the virus is not worth the risk to their lives and that they would focus on social distancing.
“I’m not a proponent of going out there right now. Unless you’re doing something blatant and affecting the safety of others, we’re warning folks as best we can and making sure folks understand social distancing is a priority.”
Consequences of Excessive Speeding in Maryland
The City of Baltimore is also experiencing considerably reduced traffic as more people are conducting business from the comfort of their homes. Excessive speeding in Maryland is defined as going 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit. It’s considered a serious traffic violation that may lead to harsh penalties, which could be increased if a driver was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if the speeding led to a crash.
A person accused of excessive speeding may face steep fines and points against their driver’s license. The violation may result in the following penalties:
- Going 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit: $90 fine and two points
- Going 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit: $160 fine and two points
- Going 30 to 39 mph over the speed limit: $290 fine and five points
- Going at least 40 mph over the speed limit: $560 fine and five points
Were You Ticketed During Coronavirus in Maryland? Contact Hillel Traub
Traffic violation attorney Hillel Traub of the Law Office of Hillel Traub is a former Assistant Attorney for the Maryland MVA who thoroughly understands the organization’s inner workings. He knows what it will take to successfully challenge a speeding ticket and will help you avoid court fees. For more than 20 years, he has helped residents of Baltimore and surrounding areas fight traffic charges. If you receive a speeding ticket by mail, make sure your first step is a call to (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Speed Traps to Look Out for in Maryland
At one point or another, many of us have zipped right into a trap set up by law enforcement. Excessive speeding is one of the top traffic offenses in the country that motorists get fined for. Speed traps are common in the U.S., and they’re a significant source of revenue for a lot of cities. In Baltimore, many drivers have become accustomed to spotting speed cameras near schools. Other traps involve law enforcement officers teaming up to catch drivers who are unaware that the speed limit has changed.
Speed traps are everywhere, and new ones sprout up all the time. If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Baltimore or a nearby town, contest the ticket with the help of an excessive speeding lawyer.
- What Counts as a “Speed Trap?”
- Examples of Possible Speed Traps Near Baltimore
- Are Speed Traps a Form of Entrapment?
- How a Baltimore Excessive Speeding Lawyer Can Help You
What Counts as a “Speed Trap?”
Motorists tend to call ploys by law enforcement to reduce instances of speeding a “speed trap.” Thus, speed traps consist of a range of strategies officers rely on to enforce speed limits and other road rules. In general, drivers refer to unpredictable or surprising tactics as “traps” because they failed to recognize the potential to receive a citation at the particular location where police pulled them over and issued a ticket.
Examples of Possible Speed Traps Near Baltimore
Most speed traps are rather basic and can be remembered by the driver the next time they’re in the area; however, some police officers can be particularly deceptive in their approach to nabbing those with lead feet.
A common speed trap involves a coordinated team of police officers that may be done with just two officers. One officer spots a driver who may be traveling too fast and alerts his partner, who is further down the road (and might be hiding behind a tree). The partner is tasked with pulling you over to issue you a speeding ticket. The second officer may or may not have a radar gun to detect your speed, which might seem unfair.
Another type of trap involves a member of the state highway patrol sitting in the median of a section of highway with multiple posted speed limits. If you’re not careful to adjust your speed quickly, you could fall victim to one of these traps.
Are Speed Traps a Form of Entrapment?
A speed trap can feel like the most unfair way to be cited for a traffic offense, and many people wonder, “How is this legal?”
Regardless of the method employed to catch drivers, speed traps provoke feelings of alarm and later, betrayment. An otherwise safe driver traveling a few miles over the limit may not realize he is doing anything wrong. Suddenly, red and blue lights appear in his rearview mirror. The driver’s disposition can flip like a switch from content to panicked as he wonders what he did to become a target. He might also not know where the officer came from.
Although these traps are a major inconvenience, the tactics police officers use to curb speeding throughout Maryland are mostly legal and are not considered entrapment. “Entrapment” refers to situations in which a police officer encourages a suspect to break the law so that the officer can arrest the suspect. In motor vehicle cases, entrapment would occur when an officer encourages a driver to break a traffic law. Police officers who are out of sight just before they pull you over do not commit entrapment unless they encourage you to speed.
How a Baltimore Excessive Speeding Lawyer Can Help You
A speeding ticket might not seem like a serious concern, but it can add points against your license, which can ultimately add up and lead to a license suspension. The best thing you can do to protect your license is to talk with an excessive speeding lawyer who serves Baltimore and surrounding areas to fight your traffic ticket.
An excessive speeding attorney like Hillel Traub can help you avoid license points and keep you from paying fines to the state. If your speeding ticket states that you were driving 10 or more miles per hour over the posted limit, you risk a substantial fine and multiple license points. Do not hesitate to acquire professional counsel.
Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has spent more than 20 years defending drivers facing traffic charges. As a former Attorney General for the MVA, Hillel’s insight into the organization’s functions can be an advantage in your case. Call (410) 352-7575 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.
Speeding tickets not only interrupt our commutes, they often go too far and force us to deal with a citation for actions that put no lives at risk. Fines for speeding in Maryland can be steep, and paying them can add points to our driver’s licenses. Could the State be issuing unnecessary speeding tickets to make more money?
Recently, the AAA Foundation found that the State of Maryland made $64 million dollars from drivers who received speeding tickets. In 2018, AAA found that 1.6 million drivers triggered speed cameras, which delivered fines that enriched the State. AAA also ranked which municipalities and counties received the largest share of the total ticket revenue from speed cameras that year. According to their findings, some of the State’s most populated areas received the most funding from speeding tickets.
- 2018’s Top Most Lucrative Speed Camera Systems in Maryland
- Consequences of Excessive Speeding in Maryland
- What to do After Receiving a Speeding Ticket in Baltimore
2018’s Top Most Lucrative Speed Camera Systems in Maryland
A total of 40 jurisdictions in Maryland employ special systems for monitoring drivers’ speeds in specific locations. Many of these jurisdictions exist within the State’s most populous regions. Last year, Montgomery County, the City of Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, and College Park received the biggest cuts of the total ticket revenue.
Speed Camera Revenue per Jurisdiction
- Montgomery County: $15,954,868
- City of Baltimore: $9.6 million
- Prince George’s County: $6.9 million
- Baltimore County: $5.7 million
- College Park: $2.7 million
These five areas accounted for more than 60% of the State’s revenue from speed cameras in 2018. Of all the tickets issued, approximately one-third were issued to drivers caught traveling at just one mile per hour over the posted speed limit. According to AAA, most of the people ticketed ended up paying their tickets on time.
To acquire this data, the AAA Foundation analyzed information from the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, the comptroller’s office, the Department of Legislative Services, local police departments, and the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Consequences of Excessive Speeding in Maryland
Speed camera tickets in Maryland cost about $40 per infraction; however, speeding can cost much more if you’re physically pulled over by a local police officer. You could face significant penalties, especially if you’re convicted of going 10 or more miles per hour over the limit.
Traffic courts in Maryland take excessive speeding quite seriously. Considering this offense causes approximately 25% of crash fatalities nationwide, the State has an enormous incentive to curb this behavior. Police officers do this by carefully monitoring moving traffic and issuing citations as needed. They also routinely set up traps where drivers are most likely to speed.
Excessive speeding is defined as going over the speed limit by at least 15 miles per hour. Whether police clock you at 45 in a 30 MPH zone or 90 in a 75 MPH zone, you could be cited for excessive speeding, which could lead to a heavy fine and points on your license.
Penalties for Driving 10-19 MPH Over the Limit
If police flag you for traveling 10 to 19 miles per hour over the speed limit, you could get a $90 fine and 2 points against your license.
Penalties for Driving 20-29 MPH Over the Limit
If the police catch you driving 20-29 miles per hour over the limit, the fine increases to $160, and you can receive 2 points on your license.
Penalties for Driving 30-39 MPH Over the Limit
By going 30-39 miles per hour above the speed limit, your fine may increase to $290, and you can receive 5 points against your license.
Penalties for Driving 40+ MPH Over the Limit
Finally, if you drive at least 40 miles per hour over the limit, your fine will increase to $560, and you will receive 5 points on your license if you’re convicted.
What to do After Receiving a Speeding Ticket in Baltimore
Excessive speeding is a serious traffic violation, meaning you could also face a license suspension if you accumulate enough points. It’s crucial to work with a skilled speeding defense lawyer who serves the people of Baltimore and surrounding areas to keep your driving record clean.
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub is that attorney. He has more than 20 years of experience fighting speeding charges throughout Maryland and can work with you to develop a strategic defense. Before you pay an outrageous fine or accept points against your license, learn about your options for mitigating the charges against you and the possible penalties you could face. Make the right decision by working with a knowledgeable lawyer.
For personalized and dedicated legal representation, call (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
In Maryland, the legal system emphasizes rehabilitation and offers various sobriety programs to help DUI offenders address alcohol-related issues. If you have been convicted of a DUI, you may qualify for alternative sentencing to avoid jail time and life-altering consequences. Seeking help following a DUI conviction demonstrates to the courts that you are taking responsibility for driving under the influence and breaking the law. Options such as the Ignition Interlock Program, alcohol treatment centers, and probation may help lessen DUI penalties.
As a former lawyer for the MVA, Attorney Hillel Traub at The Law Office of Hillel Traub knows the importance of alternative sentencing for DUI cases. We will fight for the best possible outcome for your case and support you by considering rehabilitation options that address your concerns.
- Sobriety Programs and Rehabilitation Options Available for DUI Offenders in Maryland
- Contact the DUI Defense Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
Sobriety Programs and Rehabilitation Options Available for DUI Offenders in Maryland
Alternative sentencing options vary based on the judge’s discretion in DUI cases. You must demonstrate that you are taking your charge seriously and want to receive help to avoid jail time. Eligibility for these programs can vary based on factors such as the offender’s criminal history, the severity of the DUI offense, and the court’s discretion. Consulting an experienced DUI lawyer can help you determine the most appropriate program for your situation.
The following are various sobriety and rehabilitation options available for DUI offenders in Maryland:
- Ignition Interlock Program: This requires DUI offenders to install a service in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver’s BAC exceeds a certain level. This program provides a structured way for offenders to prove their commitment to sobriety and regain driving privileges.
- Diversion program: Available to first-time offenders, a diversion program may include participation in an alcohol or safe driving class, being placed on probation, or attending a victim impact panel run by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Advocacy Group.
- DUI education and treatment programs: Maryland offers DUI education and treatment programs that aim to educate DUI offenders about the risks of driving under the influence and help them address their substance abuse issues. These programs involve counseling, education sessions, and assessments.
- Alcohol treatment centers: These facilities offer a range of services, both inpatient and outpatient, from detoxification to long-term rehabilitation programs. Attending a reputable treatment center can significantly contribute to an offender’s recovery journey.
- Probation: Some DUI offenders may be placed on probation as part of the rehabilitation process. During this period, they are required to adhere to certain conditions, such as attending counseling, submitting regular alcohol and drug tests, and participating in community service.
The level of treatment may depend on the nature of the offense and the facts of the case. For example, let’s say there was a collision involving a driver with high breath alcohol content. The type of treatment offered for a first offender who blows a .09 is different from what may be offered to a fourth offender who was involved in the accident and blows a .3.
Navigating the options and requirements of sobriety programs can be complex. Attorney Hillel Traub can provide essential legal guidance on choosing the right program, meeting obligations, and understanding the legal implications of participation.
Contact the DUI Defense Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
Maryland’s commitment to addressing DUI offenses through rehabilitation and sobriety programs underscores the importance of helping offenders make lasting changes in their behavior. If you are facing a DUI charge in Maryland, speak with The Law Office of Hillel Traub for an assessment of your case. As a former lawyer for the MVA with over 30 years of experience, Attorney Hillel Traub will fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today by calling (410) 352-7575 or filling out a contact form.
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