Could a Texting-While-Driving Offense Cost You Your License?
Disconnecting from your mobile device is challenging in our current society. However, sending a quick text message while driving your vehicle may cause a serious crash or force you to face challenging legal consequences. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) reports that around 27,000 people suffer injuries annually from distracted driving. In order to combat these alarming numbers, Maryland imposes strict regulations and penalties for texting and driving.
The penalties you face for a texting and driving charge in Maryland depends on the number of previous offenses, whether a crash was involved, or if anyone suffered severe injuries or death. If this is your first texting and driving offense and there was no crash, you may be let off with a minor fine and warning. However, others may incur points on their license or serious charges that impact their driving privileges and even their license.
Penalties for Texting While Driving in Maryland
While sending or reading a quick text message may seem harmless, the act may cause you to suffer harsh penalties that affect your life for years following the incident. The following details the potential consequences you may face after a texting and driving charge:
- Fines: Depending on the severity of the accident and whether a collision was involved, the person texting and driving may face fines of up to $500. If someone suffered a serious bodily injury or death, a person may face $5,000 in fines.
- Points: Texting violations may incur one point onto the motorist’s driving record. For those with previous violations or points on their record, this may alter their ability to drive.
- License suspension: For drivers under 18 years of age, a texting violation may cause a judge to suspend their license for up to 90 days for the offense. If there was a crash involved or someone was severely injured, the motorists’ driving privileges may also suffer consequences as punishment for negligence.
Driving is an important tool for Maryland residents, and not having the ability to drive is extremely harmful to many individuals’ lifestyles. If you’re facing harsh consequences from a texting violation, speak with a lawyer about how their knowledge and experience will protect you throughout your case.
When Should I Contact a Traffic Offense Attorney?
If you’re unsure how a texting and driving ticket will affect your driving privileges and life, a traffic offense attorney can explain and answer your questions thoroughly. Their experience and resources give them the tools to guide and represent you in legal proceedings. They will also provide the following services:
- Collecting vital information and documents
- Identifying potential legal issues
- Negotiating and limiting penalties
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
When you have past traffic offenses or points on your license, a texting-while-driving ticket might mean harsh penalties and a possible license suspension. For many, this would severely affect their ability to work and perform essential tasks. Speaking with a highly qualified lawyer will provide you with the resources and representation you need to limit the potential penalties you could face.
Speak With The Law Office of Hillel Traub for Experienced Legal Representation
When you work with our compassionate and understanding lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub, you’ll have a legal representative who understands your challenges. Everyone makes mistakes, and they should not infringe on your ability to work and perform essential daily tasks. Driving is more than just a privilege, it’s a vital aspect of our lives, and our attorney will do everything in his power to protect you in legal proceedings.
With years of experience advocating for Maryland residents, along with our lawyer who used to work for the MVA, we have built a solid community within the legal industry and will use our resources to offer highly qualified representation. Schedule a consultation with our firm by filling out our contact form or calling (410) 580-1100.