Baltimore Serious Traffic Offense Attorney

As a  traffic offenses go, as Baltimore attorney Eric T. Kirk explains, speeding and reckless driving are similar, but very different. In Baltimore, some traffic offenses are treated more seriously that others. What To Know About Serious Traffic Offenses in Baltimore? In might no be obvious why one traffic offense is treated more seriously than another. Serious, are, ominously “incarcerable” [i.e. you can spend time jail upon conviction] versus routine, no-serious Baltimore city traffic citations. You may have heard the terms used before, but it’s important to do a compare and contrast so you understand the charges you’re facing.

Commonly Charged Baltimore MD Serious Traffic Offenses:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs: Maryland Transportation Article § 21-902
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-303
• Reckless Driving: Maryland Transportation Article § 21-901.1
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police: Maryland Transportation Article § 21-904
• Vehicular Manslaughter: Maryland Criminal Law Article § 2-209
• Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence: Maryland Criminal Law Article § 2-503
• Hit and Run (Personal Injury or Death): Maryland Transportation Article § 20-102
• Driving Without a License: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-101
• Driving an Uninsured Vehicle: Maryland Transportation Article § 17-107
• Aggressive Driving: Maryland Transportation Article § 21-901.2
• Participating in a Speed Contest (Street Racing): Maryland Transportation Article § 21-1116
• Driving Without Required Ignition Interlock Device: Maryland Transportation Article § 27-101(x)
• Transporting a Handgun in a Vehicle: Maryland Criminal Law Article § 4-203
• Driving a Commercial Vehicle Without a CDL: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-815
• Failure to Stop for a School Vehicle: Maryland Transportation Article § 21-706
• Driving After Being Declared a Habitual Offender: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-303(l)
• Driving with a Fraudulent or Altered License: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-301
• Failure to Return a Suspended or Revoked License: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-205
• Driving in Violation of License Restrictions: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-113
• Permitting an Unlicensed Driver to Operate a Vehicle: Maryland Transportation Article § 16-112

Read on to learn more about speeding vs. reckless driving, and see how a lawyer can help you fight back.

Non Serious Baltimore Traffic Offenses: What counts as speeding?

Speeding is exceeding the speed limit. This explanation is pretty straightforward, but there are still some myths that need dispelling. You may have heard that you can speed by three, five, or even 10 miles an hour over the posted limit without receiving a ticket, but unfortunately, this is false.

The reality is that police officers can issue a speeding ticket even if you’re going one mile an hour over the posted limit. Speeding is speeding, full stop – and just because everyone else around you is speeding, doesn’t mean you should be speeding too.

In terms of punishment, speeding typically results in a fine. While this can be a little inconvenient on your wallet, the real inconvenience lies in the increased price of insurance while you have a mark on your record. Speeding tickets can stay on your driving record for up to five years in New Jersey, so it’s important to consider fighting back against your ticket if you can.

Serious Baltimore Traffic Offenses: What counts as reckless driving?

Reckless driving is more severe than speeding, although it may involve speeding as part of the equation. In New Jersey, exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles an hour means you could face a reckless driving charge instead of a simple speeding ticket. However, there are many other examples of reckless driving.

Think of reckless driving as “any action taken behind the wheel that can endanger the lives of others on the road”. Reckless driving includes racing, unsafely passing, and even driving improperly for the present road conditions. If you’re speeding and it’s snowing, you could end up with a reckless driving charge.

Unlike a speeding ticket, a reckless driving charge is a misdemeanor. This means more than just a fine. Reckless driving charges can result in jail time, a suspended license, and more. You’ll have to appear in court, so you should look into an attorney who can help you fight your charges.

Why should I contact an attorney?

Even if you’re just dealing with a speeding ticket, it’s worth contacting an attorney. Most people don’t have the time to read up on the traffic laws to fight against their charges in court, nor do they have the legal know-how to navigate the paperwork that comes with their case. Fortunately, an attorney can provide valuable knowledge and experience.

Having an experienced legal team at your back means you won’t have to read up on  traffic laws by yourself. A qualified attorney can help you fight back against your charges, whether it’s a minor speeding ticket or a more serious reckless driving case. A legal professional on your side means you can focus on living your life while your attorney does the legwork.

Don’t hesitate to fight back against your speeding or reckless driving charges. Get in touch with an attorney today.