Speed reading instruments are one way Maryland police officers catch speeding drivers. When fighting the ticket in traffic court, judges and jurors often side with the officer since reading instruments provide the evidence needed to support a conviction. However, there may be some effective defenses a Maryland traffic defense attorney can raise against the instrument’s readings and pacing. An attorney may also question the officer’s training.At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, we want to prepare you for all possible outcomes in a court case, so we detailed four possible defenses to speed reading instruments in Maryland. To determine if a specific defense is usable, we will launch a thorough investigation into the traffic stop and protect your legal rights throughout the case.
Lack of Officer Training
Lack of officer training is one of the first defenses your attorney will examine. However, most modern radar units are easy to operate and do not require officers to receive a certification or license. Yet, using a radar gun does take practice and skill to use effectively. Your traffic attorney can ask if the officer received any comprehensive training from an experienced instructor as a defense. If the officer responds that they did not receive any instruction, it may look bad for the prosecution.
Operator Error
There are several ways that Maryland police officers may produce a false radar reading. For example, an officer may not know that a radar beam from a few hundred feet away is wide enough to cover multiple traffic lanes. In this example, the officer may have clocked a nearby vehicle instead of the person charged with speeding.
Improper Calibration
Improper calibration of the speed reading instrument is another possible defense. Police officers must check the radar gun for accuracy against an object at a known speed each morning. If the speed on the equipment matches the known speed, then the gun is calibrated correctly. Some courts or judges hold this calibration method as the only acceptable method of calibrating a radar unit. As part of your defense, your Maryland traffic defense attorney can question the calibration of the radar gun. The officer may respond in a way the judge does not accept as a proper calibration or that they did not calibrate the speed reading instrument at all.
Weather Conditions
Radar gun error may also result from adverse weather conditions. On windy days, the radar gun may pick up wind speed instead of vehicle speed. Heavy rain or snow can also give false readings. Ultimately, the worse the weather conditions are, the higher chances of a false reading occurring are.
Speak to a Skilled Traffic Defense Attorney in Maryland Today
The cost of speeding may be high, and a conviction may lead to hefty fines or points on your license. Protect yourself from these consequences by calling Attorney Hillel Traub or the Law Office of Hillel Traub today. Attorney Traub is a fierce traffic defense attorney who has proudly served Maryland residents for more than 20 years.As a former attorney for the Maryland MVA, Attorney Traub brings a unique perspective to traffic charges. You can be confident that he will make every effort to reach a favorable outcome. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Maryland traffic defense attorney, call (410) 709-6786 or complete our contact form.
3 Steps to Take after Your Teen Driver Gets a DUI
As a parent, there is an endless list of worries for our children. When they’re young, we feel anxious about them making new friends or doing well in sports. However, children grow into young adults and become more interested in mature activities. They may even find themselves in trouble because of peer pressure, curiosity, and feeling invulnerable.If your teenager makes a dangerous mistake and is charged with a DUI, you may feel horrified and disoriented. Parents cannot prepare for the sudden realization that their child can make a mistake that could cost them their life and harm someone else in the process. Finding yourself in this situation is difficult to process, but planning your following actions can significantly help you and your teenager.
What Should You Do after Your Teen Is Charged with a DUI?
A DUI is a serious offense, and the State of Maryland has zero-tolerance when it comes to underage drinking while driving. This means that regardless of the driver’s age, they can face the same consequences as those of the legal drinking age. In some cases, minors may also face other administrative punishments.The DUI process can be complicated, but taking a few steps can increase your chances of having the best possible outcome.
Understand the Legal Process
Those cited with a DUI may face a suspension or be required to have an ignition interlock on their vehicle. An underage driver that was drinking before driving can also face criminal penalties regardless of their age. In most states, the legal penalties for underage drinking are severe with the goal to deter minors from partaking in alcohol and driving under the influence.
Discuss Financial Issues
When a person is charged with a DUI, there are many penalties that they can encounter. One of the main issues is the expensive fines that an underage driver may face. There are also expenses for alcohol education programs and license reinstatement. Discuss these financial problems with your attorney so they can offer guidance on the best course of action.
Contact a DUI Attorney
After the initial shock sets in, taking action and looking for legal advice from an experienced DUI attorney can help you ground yourself. The process of an underage DUI charge is unfamiliar to most and comes with complex proceedings and terminology. An underage DUI attorney can offer you honest and reliable advice so you can have one less thing to worry about.The sooner you contact a dependable lawyer, the more time they will have to discuss your best options. By gathering evidence and preparing to advocate for you and your teen’s rights, a lawyer will offer reliable legal representation for your teen’s charge.
Penalties for an Underage DUI
The state of Maryland can put restrictions on all drivers’ licenses for individuals who are under the age of 21 with any residual alcohol noted in their system. This means that anyone under the age of 21 can lose their license with a BAC of 0.02 percent. However, if they have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater, a minor can face both a driver’s license suspension and restriction, as well as criminal punishments.Another critical factor in determining the penalties for an underage DUI is whether this is a first-time offense. For a first-time DUI offense, a minor can face up to a $500 fine, a possible two-month jail sentence, and a six month driver’s license suspension. If this is not the first offense in a five-year period, your teen can encounter harsher penalties like up to one year in jail, a suspended license, and fines ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Talk to an Experienced Underage DUI Attorney Today
A DUI charge can impact your teenager’s future advancements like college acceptance, academic honors, and even future job prospects. It’s crucial that you contact an attorney with underage DUI experience so you can have the best possible outcome for your case. The lawyers at the Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you navigate the intricacies of an underage DUI. With over 20 years of experience working in the Baltimore and Maryland area, we’re passionate about working with those in the community during their times of need.Call (410) 709-6786 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation today.
Whether your license was suspended due to a DUI charge or another criminal offense, an inability to drive can significantly impact your life. There are three people present — the accused, their attorney, and the administrative law judge. This makes the case intimate, and you’re given the opportunity to defend yourself.
While an MVA hearing may seem less formal and complex than a court case, many vital factors play into the result of your case. If you try to defend yourself without the assistance of an experienced MVA attorney, you might not be able to get your intentions across and suffer harsh penalties. Working with an experienced MVA attorney can help make sure your rights and interests are presented.
- 4 Defense Strategies for Your License Suspension MVA Hearing in Maryland
- Contact a Dependable Maryland MVA License Suspension Lawyer
4 Defense Strategies for Your License Suspension MVA Hearing in Maryland
When you discuss with your lawyer what you can do to help present your case, they’ll advise you on which documents and information are essential to your case. You can also use strategies to clarify what occurred or show how losing your license can harm not only you but also those around you.
Failure to Advise You of Your Rights
If you were not aware of your rights or the consequences of refusing a blood alcohol content (BAC) test and were charged due to the lack of information, you can show the officer failing to inform you of your rights. If you refuse to submit a BAC test, an officer must advise the driver that their license will automatically be suspended for at least one year.
Insufficient Evidence of Crime
In Maryland, most areas discuss that a person’s driving privileges can only be suspended if the driver was arrested for refusing a blood alcohol content (BAC) test or having a BAC of 0.08%. If you can prove that your results were less than 0.08% and there’s no other evidence of crimes, you can end with positive results.
Emphasize the Impact of a Suspended License
When your license is suspended, participating in your everyday activities and responsibilities will be challenging. From going to the grocery store to picking your children up from school, our society often revolves around transportation. If you can show how much this can affect the lives of others around you, you may receive less harsh penalties.
Feeling prepared and confident in your defense can help you achieve your goal. With the help of a reliable MVA attorney in Maryland, you can use the strategies above to build a strong defense.
Contact a Dependable Maryland MVA License Suspension Lawyer
When you work with the Law Office of Hillel Traub, you can count that your attorney will properly represent you and your intentions. With years of experience assisting Maryland residents with their legal needs Attorney Hillel Traub is proud to offer clients accessible communication and honest advice. His dedication to the community and passion for justice motivate him to provide client-oriented legal services that you can trust. Call (410) 709-6786 or fill out our contact form for more information.
Every state has its own set of rules regarding social hosts and their liability when one of their guests causes a crash after drinking at their party. When someone is injured because of a drunk driver, many states allow the injured party to file a claim against the vendor or social host who sold or supplied the alcohol. Some Maryland accident victims might wonder whether they can file a lawsuit against a third party. Unfortunately, they may not file claims against third parties, such as party hosts, in Maryland.
However, they can still file a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. Partnering with a Maryland car accident attorney is your best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries.
- Can I File a Claim Against an Adult Who Gives Alcohol to a Minor in Maryland?
- Are You Able to File a Claim Against Maryland Restaurants that Serve Alcohol to Minors?
- Can I Still File a Car Accident Claim Against the Drunk Driver?
- Skilled Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Maryland
Can I File a Claim Against an Adult Who Gives Alcohol to a Minor in Maryland?
Adults are not allowed to supply, give, or provide alcohol to minors at their residence. An adult who provides alcohol to a minor in a private setting may face criminal penalties, such as fines and/or jail time. Penalties for the adult may increase if the minor causes an accident and injures another party.
While you’re not able to file a civil claim against the adult who provided the alcohol, state prosecutors might be able to bring a criminal case against them.
Are You Able to File a Claim Against Maryland Restaurants that Serve Alcohol to Minors?
Accident victims might be able to file a personal injury claim against the bar or restaurant that served the individual alcohol, but only if they served alcohol to someone under 21. Establishments with liquor licenses in Maryland may not be sued for selling alcohol to a patron of legal drinking age who is already drunk.
Can I Still File a Car Accident Claim Against the Drunk Driver?
Even though you cannot file a drunk driving accident claim against a social host or bar, you can still file a claim against the negligent party. While all car accident claims are different, your attorney might be able to secure compensation for the following losses:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of income/future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
One thing you should never do following an auto accident in Maryland is to put full faith in an insurance company. Insurers will do everything they can to diminish your claim and pay you as little as possible. So, if you’re injured by a drunk driver in Maryland, turn to an attorney before discussing your case with an insurance agent.
Skilled Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Maryland
If you or a loved one suffered an injury from another person’s negligence, you should immediately seek legal representation. Attorney Hillel Traub of the Law Officers of Hillel Traub is a top choice for personal injury representation throughout Maryland. Keep in mind that all personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the injury date, meaning you must act quickly to ensure the best chance at a successful result.
Throughout his career, Attorney Traub has collected millions of dollars for his clients, and he brings over 20 years of exceptional service to your case. To speak with Attorney Hillel Traub, call us today at (410) 709-6786 or complete an online contact form.
One of the most common serious traffic charges is Driving While Suspended or Revoked. One gets their license suspended or revoked for several reasons. Whatever the reason, being unable to drive legally has serious consequences and can cause great hardship.
Suspensions occur when a driver is temporarily disallowed from legally operating a motor vehicle for a specified period of time. Revocations, however, are more serious as they often require individuals to get approval from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before they can legally drive again.
- DUI Conviction
- Point Accumulation
- Violating Driving Restriction
- Unpaid Traffic Tickets
- Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
- Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your License Suspended or Revoked in Maryland
The requirement for getting your license reinstated after having it suspended or revoked varies from case to case. The best way to avoid this affecting you is by being aware of what can lead to you losing your driving privileges. Here are the top 5 reasons why Maryland drivers have their license suspended or revoked.
DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction is punishable by possible jail time, fines, and points on your license. It is also one of the top reasons why drivers lose their driving privileges. Depending on the individuals’ driving record and specifics of the incident one’s license may even get revoked. After a conviction and receipt of an MVA notice of Revocation or Suspension, it is crucial to immediately contact an experienced MVA lawyer to assist in helping to retain your driving privilege.
Hillel Traub is experienced at assisting clients charged with DUI. He helps them stay out of jail and retain their driver’s licenses.
Point Accumulation
Point accumulation is another common reason why drivers get their licenses suspended or revoked. Maryland drivers can accumulate up to seven points before the loss of driving privileges comes into the picture. Your license gets suspended after 8 points and revoked after 12 points.
Therefore, when you receive a traffic citation, even if you consider it to be a minor charge or too inconvenient to go to court, it is vital that you immediately contact one of our lawyers to represent you. Failure to take care of that ticket or just paying it will result in points being assessed by MVA and the accumulation of points can result in suspension or revocation of your license.
Violating Driving Restriction
Many drivers have restrictions or requirements that they must abide by when operating a motor vehicle. Medical professionals often deem that it is unsafe for some drivers to drive at night while other drivers are required to wear glasses while driving. Similarly, a drivers age or past legal history can impose restrictions that, if violated, can result in a license suspension. This can require appearance in court and before the MVA.
Unpaid Traffic Tickets
Many people often unknowingly underestimate the seriousness of traffic tickets. When a police officer issues you a ticket, you are required to take action within 30 days; this action can be either paying the ticket or requesting a trial; the preferred option. If you fail to take any action before that 30-day period expires, your driver’s license will be suspended. This is true regardless of how minor you think the original ticket was.
Furthermore, if you fight the ticket in traffic court and the court ruling requires you to satisfy a requirement within a specified period, and you fail to do so, you also risk having your license revoked.
Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
When a law enforcement officer stops a driver on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; (DUI) you are already deemed to have agreed to take a breath test to measure alcohol levels in your system. You do have the right to refuse to submit to an alcohol test but doing so has its consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may have your license suspended for anywhere from 45 days to a year. Once a test is refused or failed, and you are issued a temporary license with your regular license retained by the police you have a very short period of time to take action to protect your legal rights. It is crucial that you immediately contact one of our lawyers to discuss your legal options and the consequences of your decisions.
Leading a productive life can be seemingly impossible without your driver’s license, which is why you should take all of the steps necessary to ensure that you keep your driving privileges. If you are faced with a traffic ticket or criminal charges for a serious traffic offense, reach out to a local attorney who can help mitigate penalties.
The Baltimore traffic offense lawyers at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help keep points off of your license and lessen charges. Contact us today at 410-709-6786 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your License Suspended or Revoked in Maryland
Why is my license suspended in Maryland?
In Maryland, a motorist can get their license suspended or revoked for numerous reasons, but the bottom line is that being unable to drive legally has serious consequences. A suspension occurs when a driver is temporarily disallowed from legally operating a motor vehicle for a specific period of time, while a revocation requires individuals to get approval from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before they can legally drive again.
What reasons would get my license suspended?
The top 5 reasons why Maryland drivers have their license suspended or revoked are a DUI conviction, point accumulation if a driver accumulates up to seven points on their license, violating driving restrictions such as wearing glasses while driving, unpaid traffic tickets, and refusing a breathalyzer test after a law enforcement officer stops a driver on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
What is a provisional license in Maryland?
In Maryland, a provisional license is a license with special conditions. They’re often referred to as a provisional instruction permit or a learner’s permit. With a provisional driver’s license, you can drive with a licensed adult who is 25 or older.
What are Maryland’s breathalyzer laws?
When a law enforcement officer stops a driver on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, the law in Maryland makes it clear that you’ve already agreed to take a breath test by having a driver’s license due to implied consent. Refusing to submit to an alcohol test means your license can be automatically suspended for anywhere from 45 days to a year.
Do I need to report my lost license to the Maryland MVA?
If you lost your license, you don’t need to report it to the MVA. You can now renew or replace your current Drivers License or Maryland MVA ID card online or use the MVA KIOSK terminals at any MVA location near you. All duplicate licenses will be mailed to you.
After receiving a traffic ticket, it can be appealing to pay off the fine — especially if it is your first ticket or an inexpensive violation. However, you should know that doing so is an admission of guilt and that, the more you admit guilt by paying off the fines, the more points you accumulate against your Maryland driver’s license.
Whether you received a citation for speeding, reckless driving, or even running a stop sign, you should consider working with a traffic ticket lawyer in Baltimore and surrounding areas.
- How can an attorney resolve my traffic ticket?
- Researching Local Baltimore Traffic Lawyers
- Questions to Ask your Baltimore Traffic Lawyer
- The Baltimore Traffic Attorney You can Trust
How can an attorney resolve my traffic ticket?
There are many actions an attorney can take to help you preserve a clean driving record and help you avoid a criminal record for any serious violations. Below are just some of the most important steps your Baltimore traffic attorney can complete to protect your interests:
- Negotiating for a lesser charge and/or lower fine
- Helping you avoid a license suspension
- Representing you in court
- Helping you avoid higher insurance rates
- Keeping points off your record
Ultimately, your lawyer’s goal should be to have your traffic charge and all associated fines and other penalties dropped. He or she should work tirelessly to help you avoid adding points against your license or, if you have enough points already, a license suspension because of those points.
Researching Local Baltimore Traffic Lawyers
You have just thirty (30) days to respond to a payable traffic offense in Maryland. Use the time wisely by starting a search for a quality traffic attorney right away.
Ask for Recommendations
When starting your search, reach out to family and friends who may have experienced a similar situation for recommendations. If you can get a few good names from them, be sure to verify the attorneys’ credentials and check that they are licensed to practice in Maryland.
Check Online Mentions
After checking out the attorneys’ websites and backgrounds, be sure to read online testimonials and reviews on Google, Facebook, Avvo, and other sources to see what others are saying about working with them.
Stick to Experienced Traffic Attorneys
Although technically any attorney can represent you in court, you’ll want to make sure the attorney you consider has specific experience resolving traffic violations and offenses in Maryland. Your attorney should have several years of experience and multiple examples of cases like yours he or she has resolved successfully.
Find an Affordable Attorney
When you need legal counsel, you should not prioritize saving money. A low-cost lawyer may produce a poor outcome that will cost you more to resolve long-term. On the other hand, you don’t always get more value from expensive lawyers with large firms and several associates working for them. You will want to find a middle ground with a personable attorney who will handle your case himself.
Hire a Local Attorney in Baltimore and Surrounding Areas
Finally, the attorney you hire should work in the same area in which your case will be prosecuted. Your attorney should have established relationships with the prosecutors and judges in your city. A lawyer from the next town over might not be familiar with the parties on the other side, which can weaken your case.
Questions to Ask your Baltimore Traffic Lawyer
Finally, don’t hire an attorney without knowing their answers to the following questions:
- How many traffic cases like mine have you tried successfully?
- What would you consider a successful outcome in my case?
- Will you appear in court with me or on my behalf, or will you send another attorney from your firm to represent me?
- How many years of experience do you have resolving cases like mine?
- How will you charge me? Can you provide an estimate of what this will cost?
An attorney who is knowledgeable, personable, and responsive to your questions and concerns can be a valuable asset to your traffic case.
The Baltimore Traffic Attorney You can Trust
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has been helping the people of Baltimore and nearby areas resolve a myriad of traffic issues for over 20 years. Mr. Traub has worked as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA and personally attends to each client and case. Call (410) 709-6786 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Most of us know the feeling of dread that rush hour traffic unleashes. With the length of rush hour extending earlier into the afternoon and later in the evening, it’s nearly impossible to beat. With most people leaving the city for the suburbs at 5 p.m., Baltimore’s streets turn into a beehive of anxious motorists looking for creative ways to get where they’re going. No matter what you do, though, when there’s gridlock, attempting to maneuver around it will increase the risk of a car crash and do very little to help you advance.
The City of Baltimore aims to curb crashes and fatalities that occur due to bad decisions made behind the wheel. 32% of all pedestrian accidents in the entire state of Maryland happen in Baltimore. Some of these accidents happen when pedestrians need to weave around cars that are trapped in the intersection because they chose to keep moving forward without having enough space to fully cross the street. These vehicles pose a danger to everyone on the road, which is why the “Don’t Block the Box” campaign made headway in 2018.
- What is “Don’t Block the Box” in Baltimore?
- How to Avoid a Ticket for Blocking the Box in Baltimore
- Fight Traffic Charges with a Baltimore Traffic Attorney on Your Side
What is “Don’t Block the Box” in Baltimore?
“Don’t Block the Box” is a traffic safety campaign that seeks to reduce traffic crashes that happen when people block the intersection. The “box” in “Don’t Block the Box” refers to the section of the road between traffic lights that drivers must clear before the light changes. A person who enters the intersection but fails to cross it completely before the light changes to red may now face a $125 penalty.
Cars that get stuck in intersections cause congestion and confusion among drivers. Drivers who have the right of way end up blocked by these drivers. Often, drivers with the right of way must either find their way around these drivers or stay put. Many drivers in rush hour traffic do all they can to keep moving; however, maneuvering around stuck vehicles in intersections is dangerous and can cause drivers to strike other vehicles or pedestrians who also have the right to the crosswalk.
Originally, when legislation was first proposed, blocking the intersection would have led to a fine of $90 and 1 point against a Maryland driver’s license. Today, the penalty is a steeper $125 fine with no license points.
How to Avoid a Ticket for Blocking the Box in Baltimore
All you have to do to avoid a fine for “blocking the box” is to judge how much space and time you have when it’s your turn to cross a street. If it doesn’t look like your car will keep out of the intersection upon crossing, stay put. Even if drivers behind you honk at you, it’s important to obey the rule. Keeping the road clear is important to allow the flow of traffic and the passing of emergency response vehicles. If you move forward and get stuck, the drivers coming the other way will honk at you and you will pose a safety hazard.
Fight Traffic Charges with a Baltimore Traffic Attorney on Your Side
Anyone who crawls into an intersection and gets stuck after the light turns red is subject to a $125 fine. It may be possible to have the fine dismissed with the help of a traffic lawyer in Baltimore.
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has extensive experience defending all types of traffic charges throughout Maryland. As a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, he knows how they function and his knowledge can greatly assist your case. If you face other traffic charges such as DUI, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, excessive speeding, or another criminal traffic charge, he can help you present an effective defense and represent you in court. Contact our law firm for a free consultation by calling (410) 220-6976 or complete our contact form.
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