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TRAFFIC TICKET FACT SHEET

Updated 6/2005

DISCLAIMER: This website is not a substitute for legal advice. Students with specific questions, problems, disputes, or cases should consult with our Office or another legal service provider of their choice. Do not act on or rely upon this information or information in the linked sites without first consulting with our Office or another legal service provider. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information or materials contained on other websites that we list.

Many students come to GLAO after receiving traffic violations. Students come with a wide range of questions and requests for advice, including: What type of plea should I enter? What penalties are likely? What are the consequences of a conviction? How can I request a postponement? What happens in court if the officer does not appear?

We encourage you to come in to see us if you have received a traffic ticket and have questions or need advice. However, we do ask that you review the following materials before coming in. Remember, these materials are informational only and do not substitute for legal advice.
 http://www.courts.state.md.us/district/selfhelp/traffic.html
http://www.msba.org/departments/commpubl/publications/brochures/trafficticket.htm
HOW GLAO CAN HELP:
WE CAN: WE CANNOT:
Review your ticket with you, evaluate whether you have any legal defenses to the charge, and help you decide how you will plead

Provide information on the MVA point system corresponding to the offense

Explain the court process and help you prepare for court if you are representing yourself

Explain the relationship between your traffic ticket and insurance or civil liability issues where an accident was involved

Explain how to appeal a conviction and evaluate whether you have grounds for an appeal 		Provide legal advice about out-of-state tickets or court procedures; we can, however, provide referrals and resources

Give specific legal advice if another graduate student may be a witness against you or if there is some other potential conflict of interest with another graduate student

Give you legal advice or help you prepare to represent yourself if the case involves an alcohol or drug-related charge, bodily injury or death to another person, or another felony; we will recommend outside counsel in these cases and can provide referrals

Tip of the Month: Out-Of-State Tickets

Does a conviction of an out-of-state traffic offense result in "points" on my Maryland driving record?
Not necessarily. Under Maryland traffic statutes, points are ordinarily not "transferable" except for the most serious violations. Do not let this fool you, though - the conviction itself is still likely to appear on your Maryland record. For more detailed information, please come see us during our walk-in hours.

Other Resources:

ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, TRANSPORTATION VOLUME
The statutes governing traffic laws, traffic offenses and sentences, and the MVA point system can be found in the Transportation Volume of the Maryland Annotated Code at http://198.187.128.12/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=fs-main.htm&2.0 or available in UM and local libraries

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION (MVA) WEBSITE at www.mva.state.md.us

PEOPLES LAW LIBRARY OF MARYLAND at www.peoples-law.com

When you come for an initial consultation, you will be asked to fill out our Traffic Ticket Intake Worksheet. You can find the Worksheet here. If you would like to save time at your initial interview, fill in the worksheet, print it out, and bring it with you when you come to meet with GLAO staff.