A “must appear” traffic citation in the State of Maryland is a type of traffic ticket that requires the recipient defendant to personally appear in court to address the charges. This means that the person who receives the citation must appear in person before a judge on the scheduled court date, and they cannot simply pay a fine and be done with it. The reason for this is that all “must appear” citations carry a possible jail sentence. That is why “must appear” citations should be taken extremely seriously and not simply brushed off if received.
A “must appear” citation is typically issued for more serious traffic offenses. These offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI)
- Driving While Impaired by Alcohol (DWI)
- Driving While Impaired by Drugs
- Driving While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Driving Without Insurance
- Hit-and-Run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Driving While Suspended (16-303(c))
- Driving While Revoked
If you receive a “must appear” traffic citation, it is important to take it seriously and show up to court as directed. Failure to appear in court can result in additional charges and penalties, including fines, points on your driving record, and even a warrant for your arrest.
“Must Appear” Traffic Citation Attorney in Towson, MD
Our criminal defense law firm in Towson, MD has extensive experience in representing people who have received a “must appear” traffic citation. A criminal defense attorney can be very helpful in defending against a “must appear” citation in Maryland. Some of the ways in which a criminal defense attorney can assist you include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide legal advice: A defense attorney can provide legal advice and guidance on the best course of action for your case. They can help you understand the charges against you, the potential consequences, and the options available for resolving the citation.
- Represent you in court: A defense attorney can represent you in court and fight to protect your rights. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to seek a favorable outcome.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor: In some cases, a defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges. They can use their experience and knowledge of the law to seek a favorable plea deal or negotiate for a lesser charge.
- Challenge the citation: If there are issues with the citation, such as a mistake on the ticket or questions about the police officer’s conduct, a defense attorney may be able to challenge the citation in court. They can use their knowledge of the law to argue for a dismissal of the charges.
- Help you understand the legal process: The legal process can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you have never been involved in a court case before. A defense attorney can explain the legal process and help you understand what to expect as your case progresses.
Contact our office today if you have have received a “must appear” traffic citation to schedule a free consultation with an award-winning criminal defense attorney.
