Traffic Ticket Myths Busted: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Driving Record in Maryland

You got a traffic ticket. It happens. You must now deal with your situation, whether you violated Maryland law or believe your ticket is invalid. This starts with making informed decisions, meaning you need to separate myth from reality.  

3 Common Myths About Traffic Tickets in Maryland

Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths out there. Many people have misconceptions about what it means to get a traffic ticket, and many of these misconceptions have found their way online. So, what do you really need to know? Here’s the truth behind three common myths about traffic tickets in Maryland:

Myth #1: Getting a Traffic Ticket  in Maryland Isn’t a Big Deal

In Maryland, all traffic tickets present risks for serious consequences. Even if this is your first offense and you are being charged with a relatively minor infraction, you are facing immediate financial consequences, and having a conviction on your record can increase the costs of getting another ticket in the future.

It is also important to understand that your ticket will be a public record. So, even if you can afford to pay the fine (and even if you never get pulled over again), a conviction can still impact your life in various ways.

Myth #2: The Easiest Way to Deal with a Traffic Ticket is to Pay the Fine

Due to the risk of additional consequences, there are better ways to deal with your traffic ticket than simply paying the fine. While it might be easiest right now, in the long term it could lead to:

• Loss of driving privileges (if you accumulate too many points on your driver’s license)
• Increased auto insurance premiums for several years (which could add up to thousands of dollars)
• Enhanced fines if you get pulled over again (which could also be in the thousands of dollars)
• Additional transportation costs if you lose your driver’s license (plus reinstatement fees paid to the DMV)
• Loss of education, job, housing, and financing opportunities

Myth #3: Hiring a Lawyer to Fight Your Traffic Ticket Isn’t Worth It

Whether you broke the law or were ticketed unjustly, it is worth speaking with a lawyer. In either scenario, your ticket doesn’t go away on its own. To avoid unnecessary consequences, you must fight your ticket in court. An experienced lawyer can help you fight your ticket by all means available, whether seeking a “Not guilty” verdict in court or explaining what happened to secure leniency from the judge.

Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation About Your Traffic Ticket in Maryland

Did you get a traffic ticket in Maryland? If so, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options with an experienced lawyer one-on-one. To schedule an appointment with Maryland traffic ticket lawyer Cynthia Christiani, call us at 443-405-8211 or contact us confidentially online today.