How to Contest a Traffic Ticket in Maryland: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are facing a traffic ticket in Maryland, it is important that you contest your ticket by all means available. Along with fines, traffic tickets can also lead to increased insurance premiums, and if you accumulate too many points on your driver’s license, you could lose your ability to drive.

How do you contest a traffic ticket in Maryland? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Do Not Pay the Fine

First, if you are thinking about contesting your traffic ticket, you should not pay the fine. Paying the fine amounts to pleading guilty—and it waives your right to contest your ticket in court. Instead of paying the fine, you will need to either request a waiver hearing or request a trial—as we discuss in greater detail below.

Step #2: Talk to a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer

Second, you should talk to a traffic ticket defense lawyer as soon as possible. From explaining your options for contesting your traffic ticket to determining what defenses you have available, there are many ways an experienced defense lawyer can help.  

Step #3: Request a Waiver Hearing or Trial

Third, to contest your traffic ticket, you will need to request either a waiver hearing or a trial. Requesting a waiver hearing provides the opportunity to either seek reduced penalties or seek probation in lieu of a conviction. Requesting a trial provides the opportunity to challenge your traffic ticket outright. Regardless of which option you choose, you must submit your request within 30 days of the date of your citation.

Step #4: Prepare Your Defense

Fourth, once you preserve your ability to contest your traffic ticket by requesting either a waiver hearing or a trial, you will need to work with your lawyer to start preparing your defense. While it is up to the prosecutor’s office to prove your guilt (if you request a trial), the prosecutors handling your case may have various forms of evidence available. However, the prosecution’s evidence isn’t always admissible, and if the police officer who issued your ticket doesn’t appear in court, the prosecution may not be able to meet its burden of proof. Your lawyer can help you decide how best to proceed and help you prepare for all possible contingencies.

Step #5: Challenge the Prosecution’s Evidence in Court

Finally, when your hearing or trial date arrives, you will need to be prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence in court. This requires a clear understanding of Maryland’s traffic laws and court rules—another reason why having an experienced traffic ticket defense lawyer on your side is important.

Get Started with a Confidential Maryland Traffic Ticket Defense Consultation

Do you need to know more about how to contest a traffic ticket in Maryland successfully? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To schedule a confidential consultation with Maryland traffic ticket defense lawyer Cynthia Christiani, please call 443-405-8211 or inquire online today.