What Is a Rising BAC Defense?
For a police officer to charge an individual with a DUI, they may conduct a test that measures the blood alcohol content (BAC) in an individual’s system. If the driver’s BAC content is 0.08% or higher, the person is considered intoxicated, and driving while under the influence. Unfortunately, there are a few flaws when it comes to measuring a person’s BAC levels.
Not only does the rate at which alcohol absorbs from the body depend on the individual, but other factors like body weight and assigned gender can drastically increase your BAC. Contacting a DUI attorney for legal guidance is essential when you are charged with a DUI in Maryland. A legal representative will have the necessary resources and knowledge of defense strategies to help reduce the likelihood of high penalties and unfair treatment.
- What is Rising Blood Alcohol Content?
- What Are Some Factors that Affect Alcohol Absorption?
- Contact An Experienced Maryland DUI Lawyer
What is Rising Blood Alcohol Content?
A rising blood alcohol content refers to a legal defense that challenges a person’s BAC level by showing how long it takes the body to metabolize alcohol fully. There are many contributing factors for alcohol absorption into the system. After someone consumes alcohol, a peak occurs in the concentration of alcohol in the body between 30-45 minutes after it’s consumed.
However, the rate at which alcohol absorbs and reaches its peak depends on the person and can even last two to three hours after consumption. If an officer pulls a person over and their BAC is on the rise, they can face a DUI charge with severe consequences. Facing a DUI charge can seriously affect freedoms and rights like job applications, child custody, and gun rights. Having an experienced DUI attorney at your side can help use the rising BAC for your defense.
What Are Some Factors that Affect Alcohol Absorption?
A person’s liver can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol at a time, and until it can take more in, the rest of the alcohol is stored in the blood. For example, a lower body mass means there is less water and more alcohol in the bloodstream. These factors can significantly affect your sobriety when consuming alcohol. There are a few other factors that one should consider when understanding the rate at which alcohol absorbs into their system.
- Metabolic rate
- Type of drink consumed
- Drug interactions
- Any illness or fatigue
- Whether you ate before you drank
- How quickly the drink was consumed
- Body type and percentage body fat
- Assigned gender at birth
- Functional tolerance for alcohol
Once a person’s BAC reaches its highest point, there will be a slow decline. This can last between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the factors above. If you are pulled over as your BAC level increases, you may be charged with a DUI even though you may feel sober. Discussing these factors with an attorney can significantly help plan your defense.
Contact An Experienced Maryland DUI Lawyer
When you’re out with friends or enjoying drinks with coworkers, you may unexpectedly drink more than you anticipated. While you feel sober enough to drive and you drank over an hour ago, your BAC can be higher than 0.08, and you may be charged with a DUI. A DUI charge can affect your job, relationships, and reputation. Making sure you have a dependable DUI attorney is essential for challenging the DUI.
At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, Attorney Hillel Traub has years of experience advocating for the rights and interests of clients across Maryland. Our firm is passionate about offering accessible and dependable legal services, so clients feel prepared for their case. Call (410) 835-4841 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a “No Driving” Defense After a DUI Charge?
Being arrested for a DUI can be highly stressful, leaving individuals feeling like there are no options for them. Being charged with driving while intoxicated is a serious offense that may lead to severe penalties like email time or the revocation of your license. To get help building a strong defense for your DUI case, it is crucial that you contact a Maryland DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Attorney Hillel Traub of the Law Office of Hillel Traub has experience helping clients who have been charged with a DUI build a strong defense in pursuit of having the charges against them reduced or dropped altogether. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Maryland, it is important that you understand what a “no driving” defense is.
- What Are Penalties for a DUI Charge in Maryland?
- Understanding the No Driving Defense for a DUI Charge in Maryland
- Get Help From a Trusted DUI Lawyer
What Are Penalties for a DUI Charge in Maryland?
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal and is a crime taken seriously by Maryland courts. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Maryland, you may be facing serious penalties. The severity of the penalties you are facing will depend on your past criminal record, your age, and the details of your specific case. The legal repercussions you may be sentenced to if you are convicted of a DUI in Maryland include:
- First Offense: You may face up to one year in jail, a fine of $1,000, and your license may be suspended for up to six months.
- Second Offense: You may face up to two years in prison, a maximum fine of $2,000, and you could have your license suspended for nine months.
- Third Offense: You may be sentenced to up to five years in prison, a fine of $5,000, and your license may be suspended for a full year.
You could also face penalties like license revocation, court-ordered drug, and alcohol rehabilitation programs, or probation. To get help having the charges against you reduced or cleared, speak to a Maryland DUI lawyer.
Understanding the No Driving Defense for a DUI Charge in Maryland
After you have been arrested for a DUI, you may be feeling like there are no options to help with your defense case. While you may be feeling helpless, with the help of a trusted DUI lawyer in Maryland, you may be able to utilize certain defense tactics that will protect you and your rights. One defense tactic that is commonly used to challenge DUI charges is the no-driving defense.
The no-driving defense argues the point that an individual is not liable for the crime of driving under the influence if there is no proof that they were actually driving. In a DUI case, the prosecutor must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were physically driving in order for you to be found guilty of the crime. This defense tactic may be invoked when there were no eyewitnesses, including the police. If you believe that the no-driving defense may work for your case, contact an experienced DUI lawyer for help.
Get Help From a Trusted DUI Lawyer
The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you build a strong defense so you can pursue the second chance you deserve after being charged with a DUI. Our highly experienced DUI attorney is a former lawyer from MVA who is dedicated to helping clients in Maryland by protecting their rights and interests. We provide you with the trusted representation you need. Call our office at (410) 835-4841 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.
What is a Failure to Comply Suspension in Maryland?
In Maryland, a failure to comply suspension refers to a legal penalty imposed on drivers who do not adhere to specific requirements set by the courts or state agencies. This can arise from various scenarios, such as not promptly requesting a trial, not paying traffic fines, or neglecting to follow through with court-ordered mandates. Understanding what constitutes a failure to comply suspension, its implications, and how best to resolve it is vital for anyone hoping to avoid losing their driving privileges.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub is well-equipped to assist those facing a failure to comply suspension in Maryland, as we have extensive experience in navigating Maryland’s legal system. Attorney Hillel Traub offers invaluable assistance to drivers, whether negotiating with courts to lift the suspension, clearing unpaid fines, or providing representation in legal proceedings.
- When Does a Failure to Comply Suspension Occur?
- Resolving a Failure to Comply Suspension
- Contact the License Suspension Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
When Does a Failure to Comply Suspension Occur?
This type of suspension occurs when you do not respond to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or Maryland Courts within 30 days of receiving a traffic ticket. In Maryland, when issued a payable traffic ticket, you have 30 days to choose one of three responses:
- Pay the traffic ticket: Payment may result in points being added to your Maryland MVA record.
- Request a waiver hearing: This option is generally not recommended.
- Request a trial: This is usually the recommended course of action.
If you opt to pay the ticket, it means you are saying you are “guilty,” and the case is considered closed, but you may incur points for the violation. Remember, by paying the ticket, you are admitting guilt and are not required to appear in court.
Resolving a Failure to Comply Suspension
If your driving record indicates a failure to comply suspension, your driving privileges in Maryland will be suspended. It is crucial to resolve this suspension promptly to avoid being stopped and potentially charged or arrested for driving with a suspended license.
How a Lawyer Can Help a Failure to Comply Suspension
When faced with a failure to comply suspension, a lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can provide essential guidance in navigating these issues that may be complex. The following are ways a lawyer can assist you:
- Understanding the suspension: Your lawyer will help by clarifying the reasons behind the suspension, which may involve unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, unresolved traffic violations, or other compliance issues. We will thoroughly review the case to understand the specific circumstances and legal implications.
- Guidance on legal procedures: We provide guidance on the necessary steps to take, whether it involves submitting paperwork, scheduling a court appearance, or fulfilling specific requirements imposed by the court or a state agency to help avoid paying fines or inadvertent admissions of guilt.
- Representation in court: If the situation requires a court appearance, your lawyer will represent you, advocating on your behalf, seeking to reduce or dismiss any penalties, negotiating alternative solutions, or requesting a conditional license allowing you to drive under specific circumstances.
- Negotiating with authorities: As a skilled negotiator who can communicate effectively with courts and prosecutors, we can arrange payment plans for fines, set up court dates, or negotiate the terms of compliance to reinstate your driver’s license.
- Preventing future issues: Beyond resolving the current suspension, your lawyer can advise you on avoiding future legal problems, including understanding your legal obligations as a driver and implementing strategies to maintain good standing with the state’s driving regulations.
- Expediting the process: We can often expedite the time-consuming process of lifting a suspension. Our familiarity with the legal system, experience as a former lawyer for the MVA, and relationships with court personnel can lead to quicker resolutions.
Throughout the process, attorney Hillel Traub will ensure your rights are protected, which may be particularly critical in situations where there may be errors or misunderstandings that lead to suspension.
Contact the License Suspension Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
If you are facing licensing suspension in Maryland, speak with Attorney Hillel Traub at The Law Office of Hillel Traub as soon as possible. As a former lawyer for the MVA with over 30 years of experience, he has focused knowledge on how best to navigate your case and Maryland’s legal system, increasing your chances of retaining your driving privileges.
For a complimentary consultation, call our office at (410) 835-4841 or fill out our contact form today.
Driving without a license is illegal and can result in fines, penalties, or even jail time, depending on the circumstances, and can create major problems for your insurance, especially if you’re involved in an accident. Without a valid license, your insurer might deem you an increased risk on the road, leading to higher rates or, in some cases, a complete loss of coverage.
Insurance companies generally view driving without a license as a serious violation of policy terms, as most policies require drivers to be properly licensed. While each insurer may have different policies, unlicensed driving not only carries legal consequences but could possibly lead to higher premiums, coverage denial, or even policy cancellation. Attorney Hillel Traub has over 30 years of experience helping Maryland drivers handle traffic violations and insurance complications. His extensive knowledge of Maryland laws and his experience as a former MVA lawyer can provide the guidance you need to address these challenges effectively.
- How Does Driving Without a License Affect Your Insurance?
- Can You Get Insurance After Driving Without a License?
- Partner with a Former MVA Attorney For Skilled Representation
How Does Driving Without a License Affect Your Insurance?
Driving without a license directly impacts your car insurance in the following ways:
Insurance Coverage Could Be Denied
One of the most immediate consequences of driving without a license is your insurance company could refuse to provide coverage, especially if you’re involved in an accident. Most insurance policies require drivers to be properly licensed, and failure to meet this requirement may invalidate your coverage.
If you have an accident while driving without a license, your insurer may deny your claim. This means you could be personally responsible for covering repair costs, medical bills, and any liability expenses. Additionally, your insurance company may refuse to offer future coverage, making it difficult for you to find a policy later. Because driving without a license is illegal, you may also face legal penalties beyond insurance complications.
Increased Insurance Premiums
If your insurer decides to keep you as a customer, you may see a significant increase in your premiums. Insurers consider unlicensed drivers to be at higher risk, and as a result, they may raise your rates to compensate for that perceived risk. Even if you manage to keep your policy, you could end up paying much more than you did before.
The more risk an insurance company perceives, the higher the premiums will be. Driving without a license could be seen as a major risk factor. Other insurers may also see your history and refuse to offer coverage, making it difficult to find more cost-effective options.
Possible Policy Cancellation
In some cases, your insurance company may choose to cancel your policy if they find out you’re driving without a license. Insurance companies are required to be informed of any significant changes to a driver’s status, and driving without a valid license qualifies as such a change. If your insurer cancels your policy, you’ll need to find new insurance. However, you may be classified as a “high-risk” driver, which could make coverage more expensive. Additionally, a license suspension or revocation could make it even harder to legally obtain insurance.
Can You Get Insurance After Driving Without a License?
If your insurance policy is canceled or you have difficulty obtaining coverage due to driving without a license, it can be challenging—but not impossible—to get insured in the future. Here’s how to navigate the situation:
SR-22 Insurance
In some cases, you may be required to file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. This form is often required for drivers who have committed serious offenses, such as driving without a license, DUI, or reckless driving. Filing an SR-22 can help you get back on the road legally and prove that you have the required insurance. However, before obtaining SR-22 insurance, you may need to take steps to reinstate your driver’s license.
High-Risk Insurance
If your insurer refuses to provide coverage due to your unlicensed driving history, you may need to purchase high-risk car insurance. High-risk insurance policies are designed for drivers with a history of violations and can be significantly more expensive than regular policies.
Partner with a Former MVA Attorney For Skilled Representation
If driving without a license has impacted your insurance or led to legal challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. Beyond insurance issues, you could be facing fines, license suspension, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the violation. At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be. With over 30 years of experience handling Maryland traffic violations, Attorney Hillel Traub may be able to help you navigate the complex insurance and legal hurdles ahead. As a former MVA lawyer, he brings unparalleled knowledge of Maryland’s traffic laws and administrative processes, giving you an edge when addressing these issues.
We know how to work with insurance companies and explore all available options to help protect your rights. Whether you’re dealing with policy cancellations, increased premiums, or SR-22 filings, we’re ready to offer you practical solutions tailored to your situation. Call (410) 835-4841 today or visit our contact form to get started.
At any given moment, you may find yourself pulled over on the side of the road with bright red lights and loud sirens coming from the squad car behind you. You could be traveling somewhere early in the morning or heading home later in the evening, but either way, you figure you may be in trouble. Suddenly, panic kicks in, and you’re wondering if you might receive a ticket or, worse, get arrested.
Any traffic arrest can feel terrifying, humiliating, and agonizingly stressful. Unfortunately, crimes of any severity are not going to be taken lightly by the responding officer. Whether you believe you’re innocent or not, how you present yourself and how you interact with a Maryland officer plays a significant role in how the situation is handled.
Step-by-Step Arrest Procedures in Maryland
If you’ve ever been involved with the police, even for something non-criminal, you know it can be a nerve-wracking and frustrating experience. The best way to reduce stress and anxiety in these situations is knowing what to expect and preparing accordingly. Despite the crime, the order and procedures of the arrest process are mostly identical. Learn about the arrest process for a traffic offense below.
The Arrest
Legally, an arrest occurs when an officer places a person in custody or detainment for the purpose of protection or control, typically because the person is in some way involved with a crime. Technically, arrests are finalized when a suspect loses their freedom to walk away from the officer. When an individual is in police custody, it is a constitutional requirement that the arresting officer read aloud their Miranda Rights before being interrogated. These are the five statements that must be clearly conveyed:
- You have the right to remain silent
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law
- You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you
- If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present, you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney.
After handcuffing you but before placing you in the back of their car, an officer may lightly pat-down your clothing to find any weapons. Then, you will be transported to the county jail. Any illegal or hazardous possessions, as well as your vehicle, will be seized by law enforcement. Your remaining properties like your phone and wallet or purse will be held at the jail.
Booking Process
The next step is the booking process, which involves a series of measures to record, organize, and process your information into the jail’s database. This can be quite a lengthy process depending on how many others are being processed simultaneously and which of those take priority over others.
First and foremost, your name and the nature of your crime will be entered into their system. Next, you will be photographed and fingerprinted. Your clothes and additional property will be logged into the jail’s inventory system. Then, a guard or corrections officer will perform a comprehensive body scan to ensure nothing dangerous is being brought inside the jail. Finally, you’ll be asked several health-related questions to determine if you may be a threat to others. All these procedures are done to protect you, other inmates, and jail workers.
Arraignment/Bail Review
Once the booking process is complete, you should be given the opportunity to make a phone call before being placed in a jail cell. If you don’t have the number of an attorney handy, call someone you trust and tell them you need a lawyer fast. At this point, it’s a waiting game. You will either need to wait until bail is posted or until your arraignment is scheduled and the judge sets the bond. In either case, you will still be required to appear in court.
In the interim, the prosecutors overseeing your case will determine what charges they’ll file. Those decisions will be presented in court, and you will have to enter a plea under oath of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Call Hillel Traub after a Traffic Arrest in Maryland
Sometimes, when you least expect it, a simple traffic violation can turn into an arrest. Traffic offenses can range from mundane, such as running a stop sign, to severe, like a hit-and-run or suspended license. Whether mistakenly or not, you have rights and deserve quality and proper legal representation. The Law Office of Hillel Traub knows how to negotiate, litigate, advocate, and build a compelling case, and we are proud to be trusted and compassionate advisors for our clients.
Attorney Hillel Traub has more than 30 years of experience to apply to your case. Call (410) 835-4841 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Many people might wonder what happens if they fail to move over for an emergency vehicle in Maryland, and the truth is that someone could face misdemeanor charges for such a failure. Maryland has a “Move Over” traffic law that applies to emergency vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, and other types of service vehicles. Failing to move over or slow your speed if you cannot change lanes safely could lead to serious consequences.
If you find yourself facing charges for failure to move over, you may benefit from consulting with an attorney at the Law Office of Hillel Traub. We offer free consultations to potential clients to explain your legal rights. This can help arm you with the knowledge you need after being charged with failing to move over for an emergency vehicle.
- What Is the Maryland “Move Over” Law?
- What Are the Potential Penalties for Failure to Move Over?
- Contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub Today for Help with Your Traffic Violation Charge
What Is the Maryland “Move Over” Law?
The most recent version of Maryland’s “Move Over” law was passed in October of 2018. The law’s previous version required motorists to switch lanes to protect certain vehicles that were stopped on the side of the road. Unfortunately, vehicles that do not move over or slow down their speed significantly can put lives in danger when they fail to see stopped vehicles, people, or emergency personnel working on the sides of highways or roads.
The Maryland Department of Transportation worked to protect their own workers by encouraging the expansion of the law to include service vehicles. The “Move Over” law now applies to service vehicles, transportation vehicles and personnel, utility vehicles and workers, and waste/recycling trucks in addition to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.
Under this law, motorists must either switch over at least one lane or slow to a safe speed as they carefully pass the vehicles stopped along the side of the road. Failing to perform either of these required actions could result in a driver being charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Failure to Move Over?
Maryland authorities are taking serious steps to enforce this law in an effort to protect emergency personnel, service workers, and others forced to stop along the sides of roads. Potential penalties for violating this law include:
- A $110 fine, admin fees, and 1 point on your driving record
- A $150 fine, admin fees, and 3 points on your record in the event of a collision involving an emergency or service vehicle
- A $750 fine, admin fees, and 3 points on your record if that collision causes serious injury or death
If you find yourself charged with a failure to move over violation, it’s important to fully understand the charges and your rights. Consulting with an experienced traffic attorney can help you obtain the knowledge you need to prepare a vigorous legal defense.
Contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub Today for Help with Your Traffic Violation Charge
At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, our legal team is experienced in preparing defenses against traffic violation charges. We evaluate each person’s case based upon their specific circumstances and offer potential legal strategies. You can call us at (410) 835-4841 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at your earliest convenience.
Maryland is part of the vast majority of states in which drivers are legally obligated to carry auto insurance. Driving without insurance is a crime and may lead to severe penalties. How will the State know whether you have insurance or not? Getting into an accident is a guaranteed way to make it known that you’re breaking the law. If you caused the accident, you open yourself up to a lawsuit from the injured party, which can also lead to significant financial hardships.
If you caused an accident while driving without insurance in Maryland, you deserve quality representation by a criminal traffic lawyer. Many people who drive without insurance struggle to make ends meet, so paying for the victim’s damages on top of that, and possibly facing other criminal penalties, can be an overwhelming loss.
- What Makes an At-Fault Insurance State?
- Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Maryland
- Trust Hillel to Protect Your Legal Rights after a Driving Without Insurance Charge
By working with an attorney, it may be possible to protect your license and reputation. Your lawyer can investigate the facts of your accident to determine who was at fault, and guide you through the legal processes you have suddenly found yourself involved in.
What Makes an At-Fault Insurance State?
Maryland is an at-fault insurance state, meaning that the insurance company of whoever is liable for the accident pays for damages. Victims in these states must prove that the other driver caused the accident which resulted in their injuries. They have a right to sue the at-fault parties when the insurance coverage isn’t sufficient, which can become extremely costly for those who cause car accidents and don’t have insurance coverage.
If you’re at fault for an accident, you might have to pay for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. All these expenses can reach tens of thousands of dollars, which is much more costly than paying a monthly insurance bill. You may also face criminal penalties since driving without insurance is illegal in Maryland.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Maryland
There are three types of insurance coverages required in Maryland, and not having all of them may lead to issues when an accident occurs. Drivers need:
- Liability
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
When you register your vehicle, you must show proof of insurance to the MVA. You must also submit a signed Maryland Vehicle Insurance Certification acknowledging that you will keep the minimum required insurance while your vehicle is registered.
The penalties for not keeping the minimum required insurance may include:
- Suspension of your license plates and registration
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Prohibition of registering a new vehicle until insurance violations are cleared
- A fee of $150 for the first 30 days without insurance, plus a daily fee of $7 afterward for a possible fine of no more than $2,500
- A criminal fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense
- A jail sentence of up to 1 year for a first offense
- 5 points on your driver’s license
Ultimately, the consequences you might face for driving without insurance vary depending on the facts of your case. Talk to attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub to understand what you’re up against if you’ve been criminally charged.
Trust Hillel to Protect Your Legal Rights after a Driving Without Insurance Charge
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has extensive experience defending all types of traffic charges, including criminal violations like driving without insurance, throughout Maryland. As a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, he has insider knowledge of the MVA’s inner workings that can greatly benefit your case. Contact our law firm for a free consultation by calling (410) 835-4841 or complete our contact form.
Safe driving is a driver’s top responsibility upon receiving a driver’s license, but sometimes, even safe drivers may be targeted for a traffic violation. Failing to pay the total dollar figure listed on your Maryland traffic ticket by the due date could lead to additional fees, a suspended driver’s license and vehicle registration, and may even lead to a warrant for your arrest. Unless you plan to appear in court, you can’t simply ignore a traffic ticket. But what if you can’t afford your traffic ticket? Are there alternatives to paying the entire balance up front?
- Consequences to Consider If you can not pay your Traffic Ticket
- Maryland Traffic Violation(s) Payment Plan Overview
- How to Enroll in a Payment Plan Agreement
- Key Factors to Consider Before Applying for a Payment Plan
- Contact a Maryland Traffic Ticket Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Consequences to Consider If you can not pay your Traffic Ticket
If you don’t respond to your ticket within 30 days (either by paying or requesting a hearing):
- The District Court will notify the Motor Vehicle Administration to begin the driver’s license suspension process This means you could lose your legal ability to drive.
- Points may be added to your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance rates or even policy termination. The Maryland MVA imposes penalties for accumulating too many points within a two-year period, including driver improvement classes, license suspensions, and license revocation.
Failing to pay your Maryland traffic ticket by the due date can lead to serious consequences, including additional fees, a suspended driver’s license and vehicle registration, and potentially even a warrant for your arrest. However, Maryland offers options if you’re facing financial difficulties.
Maryland Traffic Violation(s) Payment Plan Overview
On October 1, 2020, the Maryland District Court announced that people with unpaid traffic fines equaling $150 or more might qualify for a Traffic Violation(s) Payment Plan. Essentially, the payment plan is a contractual arrangement between the court and the individual who received the ticket under which that individual agrees to pay off the balance on their traffic ticket monthly, rather than in a one-time lump sum payment.
To qualify for the monthly payment plan, the following conditions must be met:
- Your must owe at least $150 in tickets
- You agree to make monthly payments of 10% of the ticket
- You agree to notify the clerk of any address change during the term of this agreement
Once the agreement is signed and established, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) cannot suspend or revoke any of your driving privileges for the violations identified.
How to Enroll in a Payment Plan Agreement
Enrollment for a monthly payment plan agreement consists of the following four steps:
- Step 1: Access the request form. Fill out the required information regarding your citation and fine amounts, check off which payment plan you’re requesting, clearly read the provisions, and complete the request with your signature.
- Step 2: File the request at your nearest District Court location.
- Step 3: Check the status of your request. You will be notified of your acceptance or denial by the clerk.
- Step 4: Fulfill your monthly payments. The due date for your first payment is 30 days after your request is approved and occurs on the same date each month over nine consecutive months. Payments are only to be made in person (cash or credit card) or by mail (check). Online payments are not accepted.
Key Factors to Consider Before Applying for a Payment Plan
It is important to understand exactly what you’re committing to before signing any agreements and making decisions you can’t take back. Although eligibility for the payment plan doesn’t seem too stringent, keep in mind that certain traffic citations are ineligible for the opportunity. If you have outstanding fees from red-light violations, speeding tickets, parking tickets, toll citations, school bus camera tickets, or vehicle over-height tickets, you will not qualify.
Another consideration is that you are still paying your traffic tickets, just with more flexibility. This means that if you are admitting to the violations they cited you for. If you wish to fight your ticket in court, you shouldn’t pay any fines. Instead, you should consider working with a traffic attorney.
Contact a Maryland Traffic Ticket Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Getting a ticket for a traffic violation can be burdensome. Understandably, your first instinct might be to resolve the matter immediately. The officer who issued the ticket likely pointed out your options on the back of the ticket, or you may have friends and family advising you on what to do.
While paying your ticket—and accepting the other consequences that come with it—may sound like your easiest option, it could do more harm than good. Payment is an automatic admission of guilt and, depending on driving history and the nature of your offense, you may be looking at some serious consequences. Your best bet is to fight back with the help of a Maryland traffic ticket lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub has over 30 years of experience defending clients with traffic violations and offers personal service to drivers throughout Maryland. Discuss your case over a free consultation by calling (410) 835-4841 or contacting us today.
What Happens If My Teen Gets a DUI in Maryland?
As a parent, you envision your teen to have a bright future full of promise and potential. However, one mistake can have lasting consequences that may derail their dreams and affect their driving privileges. If your teen is charged with a DUI in Maryland, speak with an experienced DUI lawyer to protect their legal rights and future.
In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol. If your teen is caught driving under the influence, they can face severe penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time. At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we know that DUI convictions can be especially harsh for teens. We are prepared to mount a strong defense so that the charges may be diminished or dismissed.
- Underage DUI Penalties in Maryland
- How an Underage DUI Lawyer Can Help Your Case
- Contact a Teen DUI Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
Underage DUI Penalties in Maryland
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense, especially for teens who are just starting to navigate the roads. Not only can it put them and others at risk of harm, but it can also have significant legal consequences that can affect their future.
Maryland has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking and driving. This means that anyone under 21 caught driving with any alcohol in their system can be charged with a DUI. The legal limit for BAC in Maryland is .08% for drivers 21 and older, but for drivers under 21, it’s .02%.
If your teen is charged with a DUI, they can face both criminal and administrative penalties that may include the following:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- 12 points on your driving record
Additionally, a DUI conviction can have lasting repercussions for your teen’s future. It can affect their ability to get a job, get into college, or obtain professional licenses. An experienced traffic violations lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and help you minimize the severity of the penalties.
How an Underage DUI Lawyer Can Help Your Case
If your child is 18 to 20 years old, their DUI case will be handled in criminal court, just like any other DUI case. However, if your teen is under 18, their DUI case will most likely be heard in juvenile court. No matter what age your child is when facing DUI charges, they could be penalized with license suspension, revocation, or restriction.
Finding a Maryland teen DUI lawyer can fight to get the charges reduced or outright dismissed. Alternatively, they may negotiate probation before judgment (PBJ) instead of a guilty verdict. Consulting an experienced lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you and your teen effectively prepare for court and feel more secure in navigating the legal process. We will fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Contact a Teen DUI Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
A DUI conviction can be life-altering for a teenager, with both serious legal and personal consequences. Seeking the highly experienced counsel of a traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help to minimize the impact of the charges.
As a former lawyer for the MVA with over 30 years of experience, Attorney Hillel Traub has insight into the prosecution proceedings and can present a compelling defense at your underage DUI hearing. With him on your side, you can be confident knowing that your case will be handled meticulously and thoughtfully to seek the most favorable results. Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling (410) 835-4841 or filling out our contact form today.
Driving with a suspended license is a severe offense that can result in many penalties for Maryland drivers. If you are pulled over carrying a suspended license, you may face fines, jail time, and further suspension or revocation of your license.
According to Maryland Transportation Code Section 16-303, a conviction may result in 12 months of imprisonment, with a fine of $1,000, as well as up to 12 points to your driving record. Due to the harsh penalties, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced suspended license lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub to help navigate the legal process. We have over 30 years of experience and will fight to minimize or diminish the fines and consequences you may be facing.
- What Are the Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License in Maryland?
- How a Traffic Violations Lawyer Can Help You
- Hillel Traub Has Represented Hundreds and Hundreds of Clients in Suspended License Cases
What Are the Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License in Maryland?
If you are caught driving with a suspended license in Maryland, there are multiple penalties you may face, depending on your circumstances and previous driving record. Some of these include:
- First offense: You may receive up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, and five points on your driving record.
- Second and subsequent offenses: You may receive up to two years in jail, a maximum fine of $2,000, and an additional five points on your driving record.
Unfortunately, this may mean an extended suspension of your license, higher insurance rates, or license revocation.
If you are facing charges for driving with a suspended license, consult a traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub. Working with a trusted lawyer may help you reduce or drop charges against you and help you avoid losing your license.
How a Traffic Violations Lawyer Can Help You
After being charged with driving with a suspended license, you may be feeling unsure of what you can do to prevent jail time or costly fines. Working with a knowledgeable Maryland license suspension lawyer can help you in the following ways:
- Ensuring prompt communication
- Building a strong defense
- Offering legal guidance
- Knowing you have trusted and experienced litigation
- Utilizing knowledge of the local Maryland court system
When you work with a traffic violations lawyer, you will have an aggressive and supportive advocate on your side that fights for your legal rights and the second chance you deserve. We will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Hillel Traub Has Represented Hundreds and Hundreds of Clients in Suspended License Cases
If you are pulled over with a suspended license, it is essential to remain calm and comply with the officer’s requests. At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we can help you understand your rights and legal options and work to mitigate the potential consequences of your charges.
As a former lawyer for the MVA, Attorney Hillel Traub is highly knowledgeable in Maryland’s MVA practices and will work hard to have your traffic case resolved quickly. Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling (410) 835-4841 or filling out our contact form today.
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