Tips for Minimizing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket in Maryland

Ways to Potentially Limit the Consequences of a Citation

Tips for Minimizing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket in MarylandIt happens to many of us at one time or another. You’re behind the wheel and running late, distracted by any number of things. Without even knowing it, you let your speed creep up. Suddenly there are flashing lights in the rearview mirror, and you’re being pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, such a ticket can put points on our driving record and lead to higher insurance premiums. Here are some things you can do to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket:

  • Ensure that all licenses and insurance documents are up to date—A police officer initially may be willing to give you a warning. However, if your license is expired or has inaccurate information, or your insurance documents are incomplete, the officer may be less accommodating.
  • Treat the officer with courtesy—You don’t want to do anything to put the officer in a bad mood. Be courteous and answer the officer’s questions without being too talkative. To the extent you can, answer questions “yes” or “no.”
  • If you receive a ticket, immediately contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer.
  • Be willing to enroll in and complete a driving course.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the state of Maryland. Attorney Smith is AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. A recipient of AVVO Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible), he also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) AVVO rating as a litigation attorney and was named a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights in any criminal proceeding, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial, if necessary. He’ll carefully investigate the details of your traffic stop or citation, so he can make the most compelling arguments in your defense. Smith is a proven trial attorney, with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter.

Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We handle criminal prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Texting, Cell Phone Use and Driving Traffic Charges Lawyer in Maryland

Helping You Understand Maryland’s Laws and Your Legal Rights

texting-while-driving

Texting While Driving Prohibited

In October of 2011, Maryland lawmakers tightened legal restrictions for texting while driving. Previously, drivers were banned from talking on a cell phone or typing out texts while driving. As of October 1, 2011, drivers are prohibited from writing, sending, or reading a text message (or other electronic message) while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. The only permitted exceptions are (1) use of a global positioning system, and (2) contacting a 911 system.

Additionally, police officers were at one time unable to charge drivers for texting unless the driver was pulled over for another offense such as speeding. Drivers can now be pulled over solely for the charge of cell phone use or texting.

What are the Penalties for Texting While Driving in Maryland?

Legal penalties in the form of fines are relatively light, but they increase if the accused contests the charge and loses in court. If a driver receives a citation for texting while driving, and chooses not to contest the charge, the penalties are 1 point and a $70.00 fine, and 3 points and a $110.00 fine if the violation contributed to an accident. If a driver contests the citation in court, and is found guilty, the penalties are 1 point and up to a $500.00 fine, and 3 points and up to a $500.00 fine if the violation contributed to an accident.

Learn More about Distracted Driving Laws

For more information regarding national trends and developments regarding texting and cell phone use while driving, browse the Governors Highway Safety Association website.

Howard County Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you have been charged with texting while driving, or using a cell phone while driving, and wish to contest the charge or simply learn more about your rights, contact Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and Howard County traffic ticket lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing drivers in traffic violation cases. Many of our new cases are referred to us by former clients or by other attorneys. He fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him. Mr. Smith’s results speak for themselves.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best criminal defense and traffic ticket attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

Contact Our Office

For an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

ADDRESS :

  • Jonathan Scott Smith 10490 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 200 ,Columbia, MD 21044-4960

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101