"Must Appear" Traffic Citations
In the State of Maryland, a “must appear” traffic citation is a serious traffic violation that requires the Defendant to appear in court to answer the charges instead of simply paying a fine. Commonly charged “must appear” citations in Baltimore County, MD include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI)
- Driving While Suspended (16-303(c))
- Driving Without a License or Required Authorization
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Driving Without Insurance
- Fleeing and Eluding the Police
Common Defenses to a "Must Appear" Traffic Citation
There are several legal and factual defenses that may be raised to fight a “must appear” traffic citation in Maryland. Some possible defenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lack of probable cause: If the police officer did not have probable cause to pull you over or issue the citation, then the citation may be invalid.
- Improper citation: The citation may be invalid if it was not filled out correctly or if it does not accurately describe the alleged offense.
- Error on the citation: The citation may be invalid if there is an error on the citation, such as an incorrect date or time.
- Emergency situation: If you were speeding or driving erratically to avoid an emergency situation, such as to get to a hospital or to avoid an accident, you may be able to raise this as a defense.
"Must Appear" Traffic Citation Attorney in Towson, MD
Our criminal defense law firm in Towson, MD has extensive experience in helping people who have received a “must appear” traffic citation. Contact our office today if you have received a “must appear” traffic citation in Baltimore County, MD or nearby area to schedule a free consultation with an award-winning criminal defense attorney. The consultation is an opportunity for you to explain your situation to the attorney and for the attorney to assess your case. Some of the things you can expect to discuss during the consultation include:
- Case facts: You will be asked to provide detailed information about the charges against you, the evidence against you, and any other relevant details about your case.
- Legal options: The attorney will explain the possible legal options available to you, including potential defenses, plea bargains, and trial strategies.
- Attorney-client relationship: You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the attorney’s experience, qualifications, and approach to representing clients.
Fees and costs: The attorney will explain their fees and costs, including any retainer or hourly fees, and provide an estimate of how much your case may cost.
