Speeding Violations Defense Lawyer in Annapolis
Fighting against the consequences of a speeding violation in Maryland
Getting pulled over for speeding is never a good time. The flashing lights, the sinking feeling in your stomach, and that dreaded question – “Do you know how fast you were going?” This can turn an ordinary day into a stressful one. If you were recently hit with a speeding violation in Annapolis, you may wonder what to do next. Should you pay the fine? Should you fight the ticket? What will it mean for your driving record and insurance?
I’m Drew Cochran, an experienced criminal defense lawyer right here in Annapolis. I’ve helped many drivers just like you deal with speeding violations and traffic tickets. I know the roads, I know the law, and I know how the system works. Don't worry whether this is your first ticket or one of several. You’ve come to the right place.
What counts as speeding in Annapolis?
As you might have guessed, in Maryland, speeding means going over the posted speed limit. Simple enough, right? But there’s more to it. There are different types of speeding violations and the penalties can vary depending on how fast you were going, where you were speeding, and whether you’ve had any past offenses. Here are a few examples of common speeding violations:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit (like going 60 mph in a 45 mph zone)
- Driving too fast for conditions (even if you’re under the speed limit, but weather or traffic makes your speed unsafe)
- Speeding in a work zone (which results in higher fines and penalties)
- Excessive speeding (defined as 20 mph or more over the speed limit)
- Reckless driving due to high speed (this can turn into a criminal charge; not just a traffic ticket)
A speeding ticket might seem minor, but it can have serious consequences on your life. This is why it’s so important to take it seriously, and why you might want a lawyer like me in your corner.
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What are the penalties for speeding in Annapolis?
Here in Maryland, speeding isn’t just about paying a fine and moving on with your life. When you get a ticket you could be looking at the following:
- Fines, which are higher the faster you are
- One to five points on your license for speeding, and possibly more for reckless driving.
- Significantly increased insurance premiums.
- License suspension, if you accumulate too many points in a short period.
- Required court appearances, especially for serious speeding offenses.
A speeding ticket can also show up on your driving record for several years, which can hurt you in unexpected ways – like applying for certain jobs or renting a car.
Should I just pay the speeding ticket?
Many people make the mistake of paying their speeding ticket without thinking twice. But here’s the deal – paying the ticket is the same as pleading guilty. You’re admitting you were speeding, and the points will go straight on your driving record. This means:
- Your insurance company might raise your rates.
- If you have other violations, the state might suspend your license.
- You miss the opportunity to fight the charge and possibly avoid those points altogether.
In many cases, you have better options. That’s where I come in.
How can your Annapolis speeding violation lawyer help with my case?
As a traffic violations lawyer in Annapolis, I help people just like you every day. My job is to make sure you’re treated fairly and to fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Here’s how I can help:
- I go over the ticket, the circumstances of the traffic stop, and any available evidence. Was the radar or speed gun properly calibrated? Was the officer properly trained on using it? Were speed limit signs visible and posted clearly? I look for any weak points in the prosecution’s case.
- If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of court, it’s no problem. I can often show up on your behalf, argue your case, and present the strongest defense possible.
- In many cases, I work to get the charges reduced or even dismissed. Sometimes, we ask for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which means no points on your license if you meet certain conditions. In other cases, I may push for a lesser charge that won’t raise your insurance rates.
At the end of the day, the goal is to avoid points, keep your insurance premiums low, and protect your driving privileges. This is what I fight for every single time.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)?
Probation Before Judgment is a unique option here in Maryland, and it’s something that a lot of drivers don’t know about. PBJ means you plead guilty or “no contest,” but the judge withholds the conviction. The result? No points on your record and your insurance company typically won’t see it. As long as you stay out of trouble and follow the terms of your probation, you’re good.
I often seek PBJ for first-time offenders and people with good driving records. PBJ is not guaranteed, but if we make a strong case, you have a good shot.
What if I have prior speeding tickets?
Don’t panic, even if this isn’t your first time being pulled over. I’ve successfully helped plenty of repeat offenders. The key here is to build a strong defense and show the court that you’re taking the charge seriously. Maybe we can demonstrate that your past violations were a long time ago. Maybe we can argue that you’ve taken steps to improve your driving, like a defensive driving course. There are always options and I will help you find them.
What if I’m a commercial driver?
If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a speeding ticket can be even more serious. You may be at risk of losing your job or your license, especially if the violation occurred in a commercial vehicle. The stakes are higher and you need an experienced traffic violations attorney who understands how to protect your livelihood.
I have represented many commercial drivers facing speeding violations and other traffic offenses. I know how to keep your record clean, and your job safe.
What if I’m a teen or a new driver?
New drivers – especially teens – are often held to higher standards. In Maryland, drivers under the age of 18 can lose their license after just one serious violation. This is why parents often call me after their teen gets a ticket. They want to make sure this one mistake doesn’t destroy their child’s future.
If you or your child is a new driver facing a speeding ticket, it’s important to act fast. With the right legal strategy, though, we can help minimize the damage and keep your driving record clean.
What are some common defenses against Annapolis speeding tickets?
You might think that there’s no way to fight a speeding ticket, but there is. Here are a few defenses we may be able to use:
- The radar gun was not properly calibrated
- The officer lacked proper training on the speed detection device
- There were no clear signs of the posted speed limit
- You were speeding due to a medical or mechanical emergency
- Another car was mistaken for yours
Every case is different, so I look closely at the details to build the best possible defense on your behalf.
Why choose Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law for my speeding violation case?
I know there are a lot of lawyers out there. But here’s what makes me different.
I’m local – I know Annapolis and the Maryland court system inside and out. I’ve handled hundreds of traffic cases with successful results. I treat every case personally. You’re not just a file on my desk. And, I believe in communication, honesty, and doing what’s best for YOU and your case.
When you work with me, you’re not getting some generic legal team. You get one-on-one support from a real person who cares about your case.
Contact our experienced Annapolis speeding defense lawyer today
If you’ve been pulled over for speeding in Annapolis, don’t wait. The sooner we talk, the more legal options you’ll have. No pressure, no judgment — just a real conversation about how to protect your driving record, your insurance, and your peace of mind. If you received a speeding citation, call Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation at one of my offices in Annapolis or Ellicott City.
And remember: Keep Calm – and Call Drew.