Aggressive Driving Defense Lawyer in Annapolis
Skilled representation when you are charged with aggressive driving in Maryland
If you’ve been pulled over and charged with aggressive driving in Annapolis, you’re likely feeling stressed, confused, and even a little angry. This is totally normal. Being charged with any traffic offense can be scary, but an aggressive driving charge can feel like a big deal, especially if you’re not sure what it means or what’s going to happen next.
That’s where I come in. I’m Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, and I’ve been defending people in Maryland traffic courts for decades. Whether it’s a speeding ticket or something more serious like aggressive driving, I know how the system works and how to protect your rights. Get in touch with me today for experienced legal help.
What is aggressive driving?
Maryland law has a specific definition for aggressive driving. You won’t get slapped with this charge just for going a few miles over the speed limit or honking your horn at a slow driver. Aggressive driving involves a combination of risky driving behaviors that show a pattern of dangerous or reckless conduct.
To be charged with aggressive driving in Annapolis, you must be committing three or more of the following offenses at the same time (or during one continuous driving act):
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improper or unsafe lane changing
- Passing on the right
- Driving on the shoulder
If an officer pulls you over and believes you’ve done at least three of these during one stretch of driving, they can charge you with aggressive driving. It’s not just about being impatient behind the wheel. It’s about engaging in multiple high-risk behaviors simultaneously.
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Why are aggressive driving charges so serious?
Unlike a basic speeding ticket or other minor traffic violation, aggressive driving is a must-appear offense in Maryland. This means you can’t just pay the ticket and move on with your life. You have to go to court. And, because it’s considered a more serious moving violation, it carries heavier penalties and long-term consequences. Here’s what you could be facing if convicted of an aggressive driving charge:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Five points on your Maryland driving record
- Increased car insurance rates
- Possible license suspension (if you already have points)
- In some cases, a criminal record
Five points is no joke. Here in Maryland, accumulating just eight points can lead to a license suspension, and 12 or more points can get your license revoked. So even if you’ve been careful in the past, one aggressive driving conviction can bring you dangerously close to losing your license. You should also keep in mind that proposed legislation, like House Bill 433, seeks to increase penalties for aggressive driving, including potential jail time for repeat offenders.
What happens after I’m charged with aggressive driving in Annapolis?
If you’re charged with aggressive driving, the responding officer will give you a traffic citation. This citation may list other violations, too. Remember, aggressive driving usually means multiple offenses. Then you’ll get a court date, and you’ll need to decide how you want to handle your case. This is where having an experienced traffic violations lawyer like me can make a huge difference in your case.
Many people simply assume that if they were caught doing something wrong, there’s nothing they can do. However, that’s not true. There are many defenses to aggressive driving charges, and in some cases, we can get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed.
What are some common defenses to aggressive driving charges?
Everybody’s case is different, but here are a few ways I’ve successfully defended aggressive driving clients in Annapolis and throughout Maryland.
Aggressive driving charges rely heavily on the officer’s judgment. Maybe they thought you were tailgating, but in reality, traffic was just moving quickly and everyone was close together. Maybe they say you changed lanes unsafely, but there were no cars in the other lane. If we can show that the officer’s observations were mistaken or that your actions didn’t actually meet the legal definition of aggressive driving, we can challenge the charge.
Video evidence, like from a dashcam, can be incredibly powerful evidence. If your car has a dashcam or there were nearby traffic cameras, we might be able to demonstrate that you weren’t driving aggressively. Witnesses can also help paint a clearer picture of what really happened.
Were you rushing to the hospital? Trying to escape a dangerous situation? In some emergency cases, what looks like aggressive driving might actually be a reasonable reaction to the circumstances at hand. This kind of defense can help reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
In cases involving multiple vehicles, it’s not uncommon for an officer to pull over the wrong driver. We’ve seen this happen on highways where several cars are speeding or switching lanes aggressively, and one innocent driver gets singled out. If this happened to you, we can present evidence demonstrating that you weren’t the one they saw.
Why do I need an Annapolis lawyer for aggressive driving charges?
After being charged with aggressive driving, you might be thinking, “It’s just a traffic violation. Do I really need a lawyer?” The answer is yes, you do. Here’s why.
- Aggressive driving charges are serious. They can cost you hundreds of dollars, wreck your insurance rates, and put your license at risk.
- Traffic court isn’t easy. Judges don’t take aggressive driving lightly, and prosecutors may want to make an example out of you. Going in without a strong legal defense can backfire.
- I know the local courts. I’ve handled cases all over Anne Arundel County, specifically in Annapolis. I know what arguments work effectively, how judges tend to rule, and how to negotiate with local prosecutors.
- You only get one shot. If you go to court and lose, your conviction becomes part of your driving record. This is hard to undo. However, if we prepare your case carefully and present a solid defense, we give you the best chance of walking away without major consequences.
What it’s like to work with an Annapolis aggressive driving defense attorney
When you call my office, you don’t get shuffled around from person to person. You’ll speak directly with me, and I’ll handle your case from start to finish. I take the time to explain everything to you in plain English, no legal jargon, and no pressure. Here’s what you can expect:
- We start with a no-cost, no-obligation phone call where you can tell me what happened. I’ll ask you some questions and give you an honest assessment of your case.
- If you decide to hire me, I’ll go over the ticket, the officer’s notes, any video evidence, and more. Together we’ll figure out the best strategy for your defense.
- On your court date, I’ll be there with you. I argue on your behalf, present important evidence, question witnesses if needed, and fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
- After your case is resolved, I’ll make sure you understand what happens next. If your case was dismissed, great! If you were found guilty but got a reduced sentence, we’ll talk about how to protect your driver’s license and keep your record clean moving forward.
Don’t wait. Call an Annapolis aggressive driving defense lawyer today
If you've been charged with aggressive driving in Annapolis or anywhere in Maryland, don’t try to handle it alone. The sooner you get an experienced traffic defense lawyer involved, the better your chances of avoiding fines, points, and a record. At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I’m here to help good people like you get through tough situations with confidence. I believe in second chances, and I believe in standing up for your rights in court. Call us 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.