Excessive Speeding

Baltimore Speeding Ticket Lawyer | The Law Office of Hillel Traub

When you receive a speeding ticket in Baltimore, Maryland, the consequences extend far beyond a simple fine. Points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and potential license suspension can impact your life for years. The Law Office of Hillel Traub, P.A. provides aggressive defense representation for drivers facing speeding violations throughout Baltimore City and surrounding areas. With over two decades of traffic law experience and a thorough understanding of Maryland's speed limit regulations, attorney Hillel Traub fights to protect your driving privileges and minimize the impact on your record.

Understanding Maryland Speed Limits and Violations

Maryland Transportation Article 21-801.1 establishes specific speed limits throughout the state. In Baltimore, speed limits vary based on location and road type. Business districts and undivided residential highways typically have 30 mph limits, while divided residential highways allow 35 mph. Understanding these limits is crucial when challenging speeding citations.

Common Baltimore Speeding Scenarios

Excessive Speeding Charges: Going 30 mph or more over the posted limit triggers Maryland's excessive speeding statute, which carries severe penalties including substantial fines and five points on your license.

School Zone Violations: Speeding in school zones around Baltimore carries enhanced penalties and increased fines to protect children's safety.

Highway Speeding: Interstate violations on I-95, I-83, and I-695 often involve higher speeds and more serious consequences, especially when exceeding 65 or 75 mph limits by significant margins.

How Maryland's Point System Affects Baltimore Drivers

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) assesses points for speeding violations based on how much you exceeded the posted limit. These points remain on your driving record and can trigger license suspension if you accumulate too many within a two-year period.

Point Assessment for Speeding Violations

• 1-9 mph over: Typically 1 point
• 10-19 mph over: 2 points (3 points if accident involved)
• 20-29 mph over: 2 points (3 points if accident involved)
• 30+ mph over: 5 points

Accumulating 8-11 points within two years can result in license suspension, making professional legal defense essential for protecting your driving privileges.

Fighting Your Baltimore Speeding Ticket

Challenging Radar and Speed Detection Evidence

Modern speed detection equipment requires proper calibration and maintenance to produce accurate readings. The Law Office of Hillel Traub thoroughly investigates the equipment used in your case, examining maintenance records and operator training to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence.

Questioning the Traffic Stop

Police officers must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop. If the stop was conducted improperly or without adequate justification, evidence obtained during the stop may be suppressed, potentially leading to dismissal of charges.

Examining Road Conditions and Signage

Speed limit signs must be properly posted and visible to drivers. Weather conditions, road construction, and visibility issues at the time of your citation can all factor into your defense strategy.

Local Baltimore Court Knowledge Matters

Baltimore speeding tickets are typically heard at District Court locations including the Wabash courthouse at 5800 Wabash Avenue and the Eastside courthouse at 1400 E. North Avenue. The Law Office of Hillel Traub's familiarity with these courts, local prosecutors, and judicial procedures provides valuable advantages when negotiating plea agreements or presenting your case at trial.

Your Options After Receiving a Speeding Ticket

Maryland law provides several options for addressing your speeding citation within 30 days of receipt:

Pay the Fine (Pleading Guilty)

Simply paying the fine means accepting guilt and the associated points on your record. This option may seem convenient but can have lasting consequences for your insurance rates and driving privileges.

Request a Waiver Hearing

You can plead "guilty with an explanation" and appear before a judge to request reduced penalties. While this doesn't contest the violation, it may result in lower fines or alternative sentencing.

Request a Trial

Pleading "not guilty" and requesting a trial allows you to challenge the evidence against you. This option provides the best opportunity to avoid conviction and protect your driving record.

Maryland Online Resolutions (MDOR)

Available in some counties, MDOR allows you to submit your plea and explanation online without appearing in court.

How a Speeding Ticket Attorney Protects Your Interests

Negotiating with Prosecutors

Experienced traffic attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties. This might involve reducing an excessive speeding charge to a lesser violation or securing probation before judgment (PBJ) to keep the conviction off your record.

Exploring Alternative Sentencing

Maryland courts may offer defensive driving courses or community service as alternatives to traditional penalties, especially for first-time offenders.

Protecting Commercial Drivers

CDL holders face particularly severe consequences from speeding violations. Even minor infractions can jeopardize commercial driving privileges and career prospects. The Law Office of Hillel Traub understands the unique challenges facing professional drivers and works to protect their livelihoods.

The True Cost of Speeding Convictions

Insurance Premium Increases

Insurance companies review driving records when setting premiums. Speeding convictions can result in rate increases that persist for years, often costing hundreds or thousands of dollars more than the original fine.

Employment Consequences

Many Baltimore employers conduct background checks and may view multiple traffic violations unfavorably. Jobs requiring driving or operating company vehicles may be particularly affected by speeding convictions.

License Suspension Risk

Accumulating too many points can trigger license suspension, affecting your ability to work, attend school, or handle daily responsibilities throughout Baltimore and surrounding areas like Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk, and Essex.

Why Choose The Law Office of Hillel Traub

Former MVA Attorney General Experience

Attorney Hillel Traub's background as a former Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration provides unique insights into how traffic cases are prosecuted and defended. This experience allows him to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case that other attorneys might miss.

Proven Track Record

With over 20 years serving the Baltimore community, The Law Office of Hillel Traub has built an excellent reputation for achieving positive outcomes in traffic violation cases. The firm's excellent Google rating reflects its commitment to client satisfaction and results.

Local Knowledge and Relationships

Practicing exclusively in Maryland traffic law, attorney Traub understands local court procedures, prosecutor preferences, and judicial tendencies. This knowledge proves invaluable when developing defense strategies and negotiating favorable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fight a speeding ticket if I was going over the limit?

Yes. Even if you were speeding, procedural errors, equipment malfunctions, or improper stops can provide grounds for dismissal or reduced charges. An experienced attorney can identify these defenses.

Will a speeding ticket affect my insurance rates?

Most speeding convictions will increase your insurance premiums. The impact depends on your driving history, insurance company policies, and the severity of the violation.

How long do points stay on my Maryland driving record?

Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date, though the conviction itself stays on your record permanently unless expunged.

Can I get a restricted license if my license is suspended for points?

Maryland may allow restricted licenses for essential travel like work or medical appointments. Eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and driving history.

What happens if I don't respond to my speeding ticket within 30 days?

Failure to respond within 30 days can result in license suspension and additional penalties. It's crucial to take action promptly, even if you plan to fight the charges.

Protect Your Driving Record Today

Don't let a speeding ticket derail your future. The consequences of simply paying the fine often extend far beyond the immediate cost, affecting your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and driving privileges for years to come. The Law Office of Hillel Traub provides the aggressive legal representation you need to fight speeding charges and protect your interests.

Located on Reisterstown Road in Northwest Baltimore, The Law Office of Hillel Traub serves clients throughout Baltimore City and surrounding communities. With over two decades of traffic law experience and an excellent reputation for client service, attorney Hillel Traub is ready to put his knowledge to work defending your case.

Your driving record deserves a strong defense. Call 410-205-5603 for a free consultation or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment today.