Traffic Violations in Maryland

The Maryland Traffic Ticket Points System

How It Works | How It Affects Your Driving Privileges

In Maryland, when you have been convicted of certain moving violations, you will have points added to your driving record. The number of points added to your record will typically be determined by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association (MVA), and not by the judge. The maximum number of points you can receive for any ticket is 5 (for traveling more than 30 miles over the posted speed limit).

The state of Maryland keeps track of all points accumulated on your record. Any points you receive will stay on your record for a period of two years. If you accumulate three points at any given time, the MVA will send you a warning letter. If you accumulate 5 or more points, you will be required to enroll and complete a driver improvement program (DIP). Your license will be suspended if you amass eight or more points at one time, and your license will be revoked for an accumulation of 12 points.

Proven Maryland Traffic Violations Lawyer

For over three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and across the state of Maryland, including individuals charged with moving violations. SuperLawyers names him as one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has honored him as a Top-Rated Lawyer. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” organization, has also included him in the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Jonathan has earned an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988, and has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an award given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. He has earned the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars, and also carries a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and.

A proven trial attorney, Jonathan has long been known and respected by his colleagues and his clients for his extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, as well as his skill and experience in criminal defense. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence, and can quickly determine when your constitutional rights have been violated in a search, seizure or arrest.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in the Metro Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Traffic Tickets in Maryland

When Should You Take Your Traffic Violation to Trial?

When you’re issued a traffic citation in Maryland, the ticket offers you a choice—you can either pay the fine (in person or online) or request a trial. It can be tempting to pay the fine and be done with it. After all, unless you have witnesses, it will be your word against that of the police officer, which might seem like a losing proposition.

But there are good reasons to request a trial, even if you violated traffic law:

The ticket identifies a fixed amount for the fine—If you plead guilty (which you must do when you simply pay the fine), you can’t change that. At a hearing, though, the judge can consider evidence or testimony and has the discretion to reduce or even waive the fine. Furthermore, the judge can reduce or waive any points added to your driving record.
The police officer may not show up at the hearing—Without the testimony of the police officer, the prosecution doesn’t have much of a case.
You need only show “reasonable” doubt as to your guilt—A strong witness with testimony that conflicts with that of the police officer can meet that burden.
The police officer may have made a mistake—A knowledgeable attorney may identify ways the police officer either failed to follow protocols or violated your constitutional rights.

Experienced Baltimore Traffic Citations Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland SuperLawyer, brings more than 30 years of experience to individuals throughout Baltimore and the surrounding communities who are charged with a traffic offense. AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System, he has also been named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine. He’s received AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with the highest rating possible (5 stars), and has a 10.0 (Superb) rating from AVVO as a trial attorney.

Attorney Scott Smith knows that conviction for a traffic offense can have detrimental consequences and will work hard to ensure that your constitutional rights were protected. He will examine the traffic stop to verify that police had probable cause to pull you over and determine whether you were properly advised of your rights.

Effective Traffic Ticket Attorney in Prince George’s County

To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options after receiving a traffic citation, contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith online or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. Attorney Smith handles traffic violations throughout the Baltimore and the surrounding area, including Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County.