Timonium Traffic Crime Defense Attorneys

Knowledgeable Traffic Crime Defense Lawyers Handling Serious Driving Charges in Timonium, MD

Not all traffic violations are just tickets that you can pay off without any long-term consequences. Some infractions can be charged as criminal offenses with the real possibility of jail or prison time. For legal assistance with cases like these, turn to a Timonium, Maryland traffic crime defense lawyer today.

Defending against traffic crime allegations demands careful investigations and thorough documentation of all the available evidence. At Posner & Cord, LLC, we are well-equipped to take up your defense. Our attorneys use cutting-edge technology to stay in touch with clients and manage cases, and when you work with our firm, we will keep you in the loop about important developments.

How Does Maryland Define Reckless Driving?

Maryland defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with a willful or deliberate disregard for the safety of other people or property. This charge applies to conduct that goes beyond an ordinary mistake, such as weaving through heavy traffic at high speeds, racing, or ignoring multiple traffic signals in a row. Prosecutors must show that the driver acted with a conscious indifference to the risks involved.

Maryland also has a less serious charge called negligent driving, which applies when a person drives in a careless way that endangers others. Reckless driving carries a higher fine and more points on a driving record than negligent driving. Officers sometimes add a reckless driving charge alongside other offenses such as DUI, which can increase the overall consequences of a traffic stop.

Do You Have to Remain at the Scene After a Car Crash in Maryland?

Drivers in Maryland must remain at the scene after a car crash. Maryland law requires drivers to stop as close to the scene as safely possible, provide their name, address, and registration, and show their license if asked. If anyone is hurt, the driver must also provide reasonable help, such as calling for medical assistance.

If you strike an unattended vehicle or property, such as a parked car or fence, you must try to find the owner or leave a written note with your name, address, and vehicle registration number in a visible place. Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to criminal charges, and the penalties depend on the harm involved. Leaving the scene of a crash that caused serious injury or death is a felony that can carry years in prison. Even when only property damage is involved, a conviction can result in two months of imprisonment, fines, and points on your record.

How Do Traffic Offenses Affect Your Driving Privileges?

Traffic offenses in Maryland can affect your driving privileges through the Motor Vehicle Administration's point system. Each moving violation adds a set number of points to your record, and those points count toward MVA action for two years. Reckless driving adds six points, while more serious offenses, such as leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, can add 12 points.

Accumulating points can lead to escalating consequences. At three points, the MVA sends a warning letter, and at five points, you may be required to complete a driver improvement program. At eight points, the MVA may suspend your license, and at 12 points, your license may be revoked.

Other traffic offenses can also put your license at risk. Driving on a suspended or revoked license, fleeing or eluding police, aggressive driving, and driving at excessive speeds can lead to points, fines, and possible jail time. Commercial drivers face added risks, as certain violations can result in the loss of a commercial driver's license.

Contact Our Timonium Traffic Crime Defense Lawyers Today

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we review the evidence behind your traffic charge and work to limit the points and penalties on your record. Call 410-252-0600 or contact our Timonium, MD traffic crime defense attorneys to schedule a no-cost consultation today.