License Suspension Lawyer in Ocean City, MD
Not having your driver's license can greatly affect your everyday routine by making it challenging to commute to work, school, or run essential errands.
If your license is suspended or you are at risk of suspension, it is crucial to take swift action. Here at the Law Office of Steven W. Rakow, we work hard to protect clients from license suspensions in Ocean City, MD. We are ready to assist you, too!
License suspensions may occur due to different factors, such as DUI arrests, DWI arrests, traffic infractions, or neglecting to settle fines. Steve Rakow has extensive knowledge of Maryland's traffic laws and will work with you to dispute the suspension and consider all possible solutions to help you return to the road.
Contact us online or give us a call at 410-600-3075 today to schedule a consultation!
Reasons for Maryland License Suspensions
In Maryland, a license suspension can be triggered by several factors. Some of the most common include:
DUI/DWI Charges
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges can result in a license suspension, especially if you are convicted. In Maryland, the consequences vary depending on whether it is a first offense or if you have had prior violations. If you are convicted of DUI/DWI, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will automatically suspend your driver's license. The length of the suspension depends on whether it's your first, second, or subsequent offense. A first-time DUI conviction can result in a suspension of up to 180 days, while subsequent offenses lead to longer suspensions, sometimes years. The suspension can be harsher if there are aggravating factors, such as a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level or an accident involving injury.
In some cases, your license may be suspended even before a court hearing. This happens if you fail a breathalyzer test or refuse to submit to one. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension is automatic. On the other hand, a court-ordered suspension is decided after trial, often following a conviction.
If your license is suspended, there may still be an opportunity to contest the suspension. Steve Rakow can review the specifics of your case, including the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the breathalyzer results, or whether the proper procedures were followed during your arrest. If any errors are found, it's possible to have the suspension reduced or even removed.
Traffic Violations
Traffic violations, including speeding tickets, running red lights, or driving without insurance, can lead to points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points within a set period results in suspension of your driver's license. In Maryland, if you accumulate 8 or more points within two years, the MVA can suspend your license. The more serious violations, such as reckless driving or hit-and-run accidents, carry higher point values, so it does not take many infractions to hit the threshold. If you are facing this situation, you could face temporary suspension or even a permanent revocation.
Contesting a traffic violation can help reduce or eliminate points. In some cases, a traffic ticket might be contestable based on errors in the ticketing process, faulty radar gun readings, or incorrect identification of the driver. Steve Rakow will examine the details and fight for your rights, helping to minimize the consequences, including avoiding a license suspension.
If you have accumulated too many points but want to avoid a suspension, enrolling in a defensive driving course might be an option. Upon successful completion, the MVA may reduce the points on your record, potentially preventing the suspension. It is important to note that this is typically a one-time option in any given period, so careful management of your driving record is key.
Failure to Pay Fines or Child Support
Failing to pay fines or child support can trigger a license suspension in Maryland. These suspensions are often automatic and do not require a court hearing unless you contest them. If you fail to pay court fines, traffic tickets, or other related fees, the MVA can suspend your driver's license as a penalty. This usually happens after you have been given ample time to settle your debts but have failed to do so. Similarly, if you are behind on child support payments, your license may be suspended by the court handling your case, especially if there is a formal order requiring payments.
One way to prevent a suspension is to arrange a payment plan with the MVA or the agency handling your fines or child support. If you are unable to pay the full amount upfront, it's important to make a reasonable attempt to work out a solution. Showing that you are trying to make payments can sometimes help prevent or delay a suspension.
If your license is suspended due to unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to contest the suspension or work out an arrangement to get your license back. As your lawyer, I can help negotiate a payment plan, or if you believe the suspension was issued in error, we can challenge it in court. Acting quickly is important to minimize the time you're without a license.
Having your license suspended can cause disruption in your life, regardless of the reason. Steve Rakow will thoroughly examine your situation and assist you in finding the most effective methods to challenge the suspension or reduce its consequences.
What to Do if Your License is Suspended
Contact Steve Rakow, suspended license lawyer, in Maryland if you have been notified that your driver's license has been suspended. Time is of the essence, and there may be a restricted timeframe to ask for a hearing or a license suspension dispute.
Contact Our License Suspension Attorney in Ocean City, MD
If your license has been suspended or you are at risk of losing your driving privileges, The Law Office of Steven W. Rakow is here to help. Call 410-600-3075 to discuss your case and work to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.