You’re driving down the highway, oblivious to the
speed limit, until you look in your rearview mirror. Those flashing red lights
are meant for you – the driver who has allegedly violated the traffic
laws. As you wait for the police officer to issue the traffic ticket, you
may wonder what options are open to you.
Minor Traffic Violations
There are two categories of traffic violations. Minor violations
are those offenses not subject to a jail sentence. A speeding ticket is an
example of a minor offense. When you have been charged with minor violation,
then you have two options: you may choose to either pay the fine that has
been indicated on the ticket or contest the ticket by going to court. If
you choose to pay the fine, then you are admitting you are guilty of the
charge. Before paying the fine, you should be aware of the
"point system" established by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
(MVA). This system can assess points on a driving record whenever a driver
has been convicted of a violation. Within a two-year period, if you have accumulated
five points on your license, the MVA will arrange a conference with you to
discuss your driving record. If you have accumulated eight points on your license
within that same two-year period, then your license may be suspended. You may
wish to ask the police officer that issued the ticket how many points you will
receive if you choose to pay the fine. A majority of motorists pay their fines
precluding a trip to court. Be certain to sign the ticket as requested by the
officer. Your signature simply shows that you have received the ticket; it
is not an admission of guilt.
If you choose to contest the ticket you may do so by going
to court. The ticket will include the information that is necessary in scheduling
a court date. If you fail to pay the fine and do not appear in court your
driver’s license will automatically be suspended. A Driving While Suspended
Conviction for failing to pay a ticket or appear in court is subject to a
60-day jail term and a $500 fine; so, be certain that you pay the ticket
or appear in court to contest the violation.
When you appear in court, you have a right to enter a plea
of "not guilty" and the officer who issued the traffic ticket must
be present to prove you intended to commit the traffic offense; you are guilty
if the officer proves you committed the act. Your reason for speeding is
not a defense, but may be used as mitigating circumstances that the judge
will consider when the fine is imposed.
Major Traffic Violations
The second category of traffic violations is known as " major
offenses" or incarcerable motor vehicle offenses. If you are convicted
of a major offense, then you may be subject to a jail sentence. Driving While
Intoxicated is one example of an incarcerable offense. If you are charged
with an offense of that nature, then you must appear in court. Unlike minor
offenses, you do not have a choice of paying a fine or going to court. If
you have been charged with a major offense, you will receive a summons in
the mail that will include the date, time and location of the trial. Be sure
that you go to the correct courtroom at the time indicated on the summons.
If the date you are to appear in court causes an unreasonable
hardship (illness, hospitalization, etc.); you may write to the court and
ask for another date for good cause shown. However, make that request prior
to the court date and be certain that it is granted before you fail to appear.
This applies to either major or minor traffic violations. If you fail to
appear on a major traffic violation, the judge may issue a warrant for your
arrest.
Is a Lawyer Necessary?
If you decide to hire a lawyer, you should do so before
the date of trial. Everyone who has been charged with an offense subject
to a jail term has the right to be represented by an attorney. An attorney
can assist and prepare a defense; will know what evidence is legally admissible;
what should be objected to during the trial and the different elements to
a finding of guilty; assist in presenting mitigating circumstances if you
enter a plea of guilty; and will know of alternative dispositions to jail
or maximum penalties. If you are unemployed or indigent you may apply to
the Office of the Public Defender. If you qualify for their services, an
attorney will be appointed to represent you. Make the application to the
Office of the Public Defender before the date of trial or you may find it
necessary to make decisions without legal advice.
Remember that the police officer is there to enforce traffic
laws that are enacted for the safety of everyone on the road. Treat the officer
with courtesy and you will receive the same treatment from the officer. If
you disagree with the charge on the ticket, save it for the courtroom.
Summary of Point Values
