What Are the Benefits? When Might It Be Critical?
When you’ve been ticketed for speeding, making an illegal turn or for some other minor traffic violation, you may be inclined to simply plead guilty and pay the ticket. After all, won’t the cost of the attorney be more than the cost of any fines assessed?
The long-term costs of a traffic violation, however, will often be more than the cost of the ticket. You may have points added to your driving record—accumulating too many points in a limited period of time can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. You may also see your motor vehicle insurance premiums go up.
An experienced traffic violations attorney can help in many ways:
- Your lawyer may be able to negotiate with police or prosecutors to reduce the charges, so that fines are less and points are avoided or minimized
- Your attorney can represent you in court—Your lawyer will understand the procedures in the courtroom and may be able to identify ways to have the charges dismissed or reduced
- Your attorney will know what to expect from the judge—Lawyers who regularly go to traffic court know the tendencies of the different judges, as well as the police officers who issue traffic tickets. That can make a difference in the outcome.
AV-Rated Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings over 30 years of hands-on experience to criminal defendants across the Baltimore metropolitan area and throughout the state of Maryland. He has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his fellow attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also earned Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, bestowed upon less than 4% of all attorneys listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory. He’s been among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland listed by SuperLawyers, and has been honored as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine.
Attorney Smith brings considerable skill and experience to the defense of a wide range of criminal charges. He knows how to effectively gather, assess and preserve all evidence to support an acquittal. He has a comprehensive understanding of your constitutional rights and ensure that police and prosecutors followed all required procedures when gathering evidence or detaining you. He’ll carefully question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense.
Smith has been included among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization. He has also earned a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO, as well as AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.
Baltimore, Maryland Traffic Violations Defense Attorney
Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.
You’re visiting family or friends in Maryland or here on business, and you lose focus while behind the wheel. The next thing you know, you’re pulled over for speeding or failure to use due caution. You can simply plead guilty and pay the fine, or you can do that later online. Is that in your best interests, though? Probably not, and here’s why.
