Maryland Traffic Violations Attorneys

A traffic stop on Route 301 can turn into something far worse than a fine. Maryland treats many traffic offenses as crimes, not just tickets. A guilty plea can cost you your license, your insurance, or even your freedom. If your ticket says “must appear,” talking to a Maryland traffic violations attorney early can change how things turn out.

This guide breaks down the most serious traffic charges in Maryland. It covers what the law says, what the penalties are, and how a lawyer can help. It is general info, not legal advice for your case.

Payable Tickets vs. “Must Appear” Charges

Most Maryland tickets fall into two groups.

The first group is payable. You can pay these by mail or online. No court date. Rolling stops, bad turns, and minor speeding usually fall here. But paying the ticket is the same as pleading guilty. The MVA adds points to your record.

The second group is “must appear.” You cannot prepay these. You have to go to court. The judge can give you jail time, a fine, or both. Most serious traffic violations land here. If your ticket says “must appear,” the state is treating it like a crime.

Serious Traffic Violations in Maryland

Here are the charges that most often turn criminal under Maryland law.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Impaired (DWI)

Drunk or drugged driving is one of the most serious. Under Maryland Transportation Article §21-902, a first DUI can mean up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $1,200. A second DUI within 5 years can bring up to 2 years in jail and a $2,400 fine. There is also a required minimum jail term for repeat offenses. DWI penalties are lower, but a conviction still hurts your license and your insurance.

If you want help with a case like this, our criminal defense team handles DUI and DWI charges across Southern Maryland.

Reckless Driving (30+ MPH Over the Limit)

Maryland’s reckless driving law changed in October 2025. Under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, driving 30 mph or more above the limit is now reckless driving under §21-901.1. That charge can carry up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and 6 points on your license. Before this change, very high-speed cases were often just payable speeding tickets. Not anymore.

Fleeing or Eluding Police

Under §21-904, refusing to stop for a marked police car or a uniformed officer is a misdemeanor. A first offense can mean up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The MVA may also add 12 points. That can lead to a notice of revocation. If you cause serious injury while fleeing, the max jumps to 3 years and $5,000. If someone dies, the max is up to 10 years in prison.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

• 20-102 says drivers in a crash with injury or death must stop and stay. A basic violation can mean up to 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine. If you knew the crash might cause serious injury, the max rises to 5 years and $5,000. If you knew it might be fatal, the max is up to 10 years and $10,000. These are felony charges.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Under §16-303, driving on a suspended or revoked license can mean up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. Most cases like this also add 12 points to your record. Many people are surprised to learn their license was suspended. Maybe an unpaid ticket. Maybe a missed insurance notice. The criminal charge still applies once you are behind the wheel.

For details on how points work, you can review the official Maryland MVA page on driver’s license points.

What’s at Stake Beyond Jail and Fines

The court penalty is only part of it. A serious traffic conviction can also bring:

• License problems. The MVA tracks points over a 2-year window. 8 to 11 points means a notice of suspension. 12 or more points means a notice of revocation.
• Higher insurance costs. Many carriers raise rates after a DUI, reckless driving, or fleeing charge. Some drop you.
• A criminal record. Convictions show up in background checks. That can hurt job offers and rentals.
• CDL trouble. Commercial drivers face stricter rules. One conviction can end a CDL.
• Immigration concerns. Some traffic crimes can affect immigration status.

These side effects often last longer than the court penalty itself.

How a Maryland Traffic Violations Attorney Can Help

Every case is different. But a defense lawyer usually works to:

• Look at the traffic stop. Was it legal? Did the officer have a real reason?
• Check the evidence. Breath test logs, body cam, radar records, and dash cam video can all matter.
• Ask for probation before judgment (PBJ) when it fits. PBJ is not a sure thing. But for many first-time cases, it can keep a conviction off your record.
• Push for a lower charge or other options when the facts allow.
• Speak for you at MVA hearings. The MVA case is separate from the court case.

The outcome depends on the facts, the prosecutor, and the judge. No lawyer can promise a result.

When to Get a Lawyer Involved

The best time to call a Maryland traffic violations attorney is before your first court date. Early action gives your lawyer more time to gather proof and look at your options. Even if you have already been convicted, a lawyer can check if your case can be expunged.

If you have a “must appear” charge in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, or Anne Arundel County, the Law Office of Robert Castro handles serious traffic cases across Southern Maryland and DC. Call (301) 870-1200 or use our contact page to set up a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a traffic ticket in Maryland a criminal charge?

Most are not. Payable tickets are civil. You can pay them by mail. But “must appear” tickets are different. DUI, reckless driving, fleeing police, and driving on a suspended license are all criminal. They can mean jail time and a record.

What happens if I drive 30 mph over the limit in Maryland?

Since October 1, 2025, going 30 mph or more above the limit is reckless driving. The new rule comes from the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act. It is a criminal charge. You face up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and 6 license points.

How many points before Maryland suspends my license?

The MVA sends a notice of suspension at 8 to 11 points within 2 years. At 12 or more points, the MVA sends a notice of revocation. You can ask for a hearing to fight either notice.

Do I have to appear in court for a “must appear” ticket?

Yes. You cannot prepay a “must appear” ticket. If you miss the court date, the court can issue a warrant. Your license can also be suspended. A traffic violations attorney can go with you. In some cases, the lawyer can go for you.

Can a first-time DUI in Maryland be kept off my record?

It is possible through probation before judgment (PBJ). PBJ is at the judge’s choice. You cannot get PBJ if you had one for DUI in the past 10 years. The MVA still adds 8 points for a DUI PBJ.