Towson Motor Vehicle Crimes Attorney

Skilled Motor Vehicle Crimes Defense Attorney in Towson

In Maryland, motor vehicle offenses include a wide range of violations that can have serious consequences for drivers. Whether a person is accused of drunk driving, driving without a valid license, or leaving the scene of an accident, they can face substantial legal penalties. Understanding the nuances of the state's laws related to traffic violations and motor vehicle crimes is crucial for anyone who has been charged with one of these offenses.

At Baltimore Legal Services, we have a comprehensive knowledge of the laws that affect people who face criminal charges, including those related to motor vehicle crimes. We provide dedicated legal representation to ensure that drivers who have been accused of these violations will be able to resolve their cases successfully, protect their driver's licenses, and avoid serious penalties that could affect their lives.

Types of Motor Vehicle Offenses in Maryland

While some traffic offenses may seem to be relatively minor, others can result in serious criminal charges that may carry large fines or even prison sentences. Some of the most serious motor vehicle crimes include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Impaired (DWI): Drivers who are accused of operating motor vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may face license suspensions, fines, jail time, and the requirement to use ignition interlock devices or receive substance abuse treatment. Maryland law distinguishes between DUI and DWI based on the level of impairment. DUI is the more severe charge, and it typically applies when a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. DWI, on the other hand, may be charged when a driver's BAC is below 0.08%, but there is still evidence of impairment.
• Driving Without a License: Operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license is a violation of Maryland law. This offense can result in a prison sentence of up to 60 days for a first offense and up to one year for a subsequent offense. A person may also face a fine of up to $500.
• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License: When a person has lost their driving privileges due to a drunk driving offense or other violations, they may face serious penalties if they continue to drive. A first offense may result in a prison sentence of up to one year, and a second or subsequent offense committed within three years of a previous conviction may lead to a sentence of up to two years. A person may also be fined a maximum of $1,000.
• Driving Without Insurance: Maryland requires all drivers to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance on their vehicles. Driving without the required insurance is a criminal offense. A first offense carries a maximum prison sentence of one year, and a subsequent offense may result in a sentence of up to two years. This offense also carries a maximum fine of $1,000.
• Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer: This offense occurs when a driver intentionally fails to stop when signaled by a police officer. A driver will be required to pull over when they receive visible or audible signals, such as lights, sirens, hand signals, or verbal instructions. If a person does not stop when required or attempts to flee on foot, they may be charged with a criminal offense. A first offense carries a prison sentence of up to one year, and a second offense carries a prison sentence of up to two years. A maximum fine of $1,000 may also apply in these situations. If a person injured someone else while fleeing a police officer, they may be sentenced to up to three years and fined up to $5,000. If someone else was killed, a person may be sentenced to up to 10 years and fined up to $5,000.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Maryland law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and exchange information. A driver who does not do so may be accused of committing a "hit and run," and they may face criminal charges. A person who leaves the scene of an accident involving bodily injuries may face a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $3,000. Failing to stop at the scene of an accident in which someone was killed may lead to a sentence of up to five years and a maximum $5,000 fine.

The Maryland Points System

The state of Maryland assesses points on a driver's record when they are convicted of traffic violations or motor vehicle crimes. The accumulation of points during a two-year period can lead to warnings, mandatory driving improvement programs, or even license suspension or revocation. A driver will receive a warning letter if they have three or four points on their record, and if they receive five to seven points, they will be required to participate in a Driver Improvement Program. Eight to 11 points will trigger a driver's license suspension, and 12 or more points will lead to a revocation of driving privileges.

Different offenses carry different numbers of points. For example, speeding one to nine miles per hour over the speed limit will result in one point, while speeding by 10 to 29 miles per hour will result in two points, and 30 miles per hour or more will result in five points. More serious offenses will carry higher numbers of points. Convictions for DUI or fleeing and eluding police will result in 12 points, triggering a license revocation. Because of the potential consequences, drivers may need to defend against motor vehicle offenses so that they can protect their driving privileges.

Contact Our Towson, MD Motor Vehicle Crimes Attorney

At Baltimore Legal Services, we are well-versed in Maryland's traffic laws, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with comprehensive legal representation. If you are facing a serious traffic violation, we can defend your rights and help you take steps to minimize the impact on your driver's license and your life. Reach out to us at 858-523-8423 for a complimentary consultation.