Traffic Violations
Traffic Violation Lawyer in Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County, MD
At face value, a small traffic violation may not seem like a big issue. But even minor driving offenses can cause hefty fines and significant hassle to your life. Ignoring a traffic citation can result in the suspension of your license, and driving on a suspended license is a criminal matter that can result in jail time. If you're facing legal or financial punishment due to a major or minor traffic violation, the Law Office of Peter S. O’Neill can help. Mr. O’Neill is a seasoned traffic violation lawyer in Glen Burnie, MD, and serves clients throughout the state of Maryland. He and his team have decades of experience helping clients handle traffic violations.
Common Major and Minor Traffic Violations
Traffic violation tickets in the state of Maryland are issued two ways: electronic and handwritten. If you are stopped by a police officer while driving, they may issue you a handwritten traffic citation or print a copy of your citation. If you are caught on a red-light camera, you will receive an electronic traffic violation notice at the address listed on your driver’s license. The most common major and minor traffic violations in Maryland are:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Driving on a suspended license or driving on a revoked license
- Fleeing from an officer
- Failure to stop at a stop sign, four-way stop, or red light
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Driving without insurance or registration
- Aggressive, reckless, or inattentive driving
- Vehicular homicide or manslaughter
- Operating a vehicle during the commission of a crime
- Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident
- Violation of child restraint or seatbelt laws
Which Moving Traffic Violations Require Going to Court?
There are two types of moving traffic violations in Maryland: payable and “must appear.” Payable traffic violations typically do not require you to appear in court if you pay the required fine; however, some payable traffic violations do have a “must appear” citation. “Must appear” violations require a court appearance. Here is a closer look at both:
“Must Appear” Traffic Violations – “Must appear” violations are issued for offenses like DUI, DWI, or driving on a suspended license. If you receive a “must appear” citation or a payable citation that includes a “must appear” citation, you will receive automatic trial date notices at the address listed on your driver’s license.
The Possible Consequences of a Traffic Violation
Misdemeanor traffic violations in Maryland can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. More serious violations can result in up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. More serious traffic violations can result in a suspended license, fines and fees, jail time, or prison time. Furthermore, a rash of relatively insignificant citations can result in points on your license. If you accumulate eight points, the state of Maryland can suspend your driver’s license; if you amass 12 points, the state can revoke your license.
Maryland Is Cracking Down on Reckless Driving
As of October 1, 2025, Maryland’s Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act reclassified reckless driving as a criminal offense. The new law will be applied to anyone found to be driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. It aims to deter extreme speed and aggressive driving by imposing penalties that may include jail time, six points on your license, and significant fines. Unlike a typical traffic citation, a reckless driving charge requires a mandatory court appearance, so having a skilled attorney on your side may be pivotal for your driving record.
When and Why Should I Hire a Traffic Violation Lawyer?
You can hire a traffic violation lawyer if you have a payable traffic violation but you feel your traffic violation ticket or fine is unfair or unlawful. Mr. O'Neill and his team can request a waiver hearing or argue in your favor in a court of law. If we believe paying the fine is your best option, we'll encourage you to do so. Please note that you must request to contest your citation within 30 days to avoid losing your license or having it suspended. You should also hire an attorney if you have a “must appear” traffic violation. You need the guidance of an experienced attorney to represent you in court and protect your rights. Mr. O'Neill and his team can help you prepare an aggressive defense for your traffic violation charges.
What Should I Do if I Get a “Must Appear” Citation?
A “must appear” citation is issued for serious traffic violations, and requires you to appear in court. Such offenses may carry heavier penalties, including the possibility of jail time, larger fines, or driver's license suspension or revocation. Your defense lawyer can plead your case, tell your side of the story, and argue on your behalf in front of a judge and jury. Mr. O'Neill has spent his entire career advocating for clients facing minor and severe traffic charges.
Schedule a Consultation with an Attorney for Your Traffic Violation
The consequences for a traffic violation in Glen Burnie, MD, or Anne Arundel County can vary drastically in severity. Some traffic violations require you to pay a fine, and not paying the fine in a timely manner could jeopardize your ability to drive legally. Some violations are more serious and require you to appear in court. You may face consequences as severe as revocation or suspension of your license, large fines or fees, jail time, or prison time. Do not risk your future or your driver's license. If you receive a ticket for a traffic violation, the Law Office of Peter S. O’Neill can represent you in court and help you maintain your driving privileges. Call today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and case evaluation.