Tickets Can Affect Your Record – Act Now
On average, at least one in every six drivers will get a traffic ticket each year. With numbers this high, there is a good chance that you or someone you know may have been recently cited for a traffic violation. Traffic offenses can range from a speeding ticket to a parking ticket or a reckless driving accident to a DUI. The state of Maryland recognizes two types of serious traffic offenses: incarcerable offenses and non-incarcerable offenses. Incarcerable offenses require a minimal jail time to be served for the offense, while non-incarcerable offenses generally require a fine.
After a violation, you will receive a citation paper, titled the Maryland Uniform Complaint and Citation, which will be issued to you by the state or by an officer who directly cites you. This form will list your violation as well as rules that you will need to comply with in reference to your violation. If you fail to comply by the rules of the citation, you may face a license suspension. Failure to comply or appear in district court will jeopardize your license and driving privileges.
Grounds for License Suspension
A license suspension will be required after you fail to comply by all the rules of your citation or your neglect to appear in court. You will be mailed a notification that your license is suspended with the date the suspension became active on the form. Grounds for suspension can include:
- Failure to appear in district court
- Failure to pay a fine
- Failure to post a fine online, by phone, or in court, and failure to pay penalties required
Once you have met all the requirements of your citation and paid any fines, your suspended license will be reinstated. It is important to remember that, even if you pay the fines in a timely manner, you may still face points against your driving record and the possibility of having the penalties remain on your record as well. You may also be required to reapply for a license.
It is important that you work with an attorney after a traffic violation. For any citation that you feel was wrongly given, or if you received the violation and are now having a difficult time paying the fines, it is important that you work with an experienced Cecil County criminal defense attorney to help protect your driving privileges. At William F. Riddle, Attorney at Law, we will defend your rights and help prepare you for whatever penalties you may face after a traffic citation. Call now and speak with an attorney regarding your particular situation. We offer free case evaluations to all clients, so do not hesitate to contact us.