Howard County Traffic Violations Lawyers

Protect Your Driving Privileges with Our Columbia, MD Lawyers

Serious traffic offenses in Maryland—such as those that carry the possibility of jail time—demand immediate attention and skilled legal representation. Unlike minor traffic or parking tickets, these violations can have life-altering consequences.

Consequences of Serious Offenses

Being convicted of a serious traffic violation in Maryland can result in mandatory jail sentences, substantial fines, points on your driving record, and sharply increased insurance premiums. These penalties can impact employment, licensure, and personal freedom.

An individual convicted of a serious traffic offense in Maryland faces many consequences, including:

• jail time
• points on their driving record
• fines
• increased insurance rates

Contact the Howard County traffic attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake for a free consultation to discuss your defense options.

Take Action Early

If charged with a jailable traffic offense—such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving while suspended—the right defense can make a critical difference. Consulting with an experienced Howard County, Maryland traffic lawyer promptly may help reduce or avoid these severe penalties.

Dial (410) 927-5137 now or contact us online to get started on your case. Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake serves Columbia and the surrounding counties.

Howard County Traffic Defense Attorneys

The attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake offer extensive experience representing individuals charged with serious traffic offenses throughout Howard County, Maryland, and nearby areas, appearing in both District and Circuit Courts as well as before the MVA.

Types of Serious Traffic Cases

We represent clients in all Maryland and Federal traffic offenses, including:

• DUI/DWI
• Driving while suspended or revoked
• Driving without a license or insurance
• Speeding tickets
• Negligent or reckless driving
• Motor Vehicle Administration hearings (MVA hearing)

Why Choose Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake for Your Traffic Violation Defense?

Facing a traffic violation in Maryland, particularly one that could impact your record and insurance, can be overwhelming. The choice of your legal representation will profoundly impact the outcome of your case and your future. 

Our firm offers you:

• Dedicated Traffic Defense Focus
• Aggressive and Thorough Defense
• Meticulous Attention to Detail
• Comprehensive Client Support
• Local Court and MVA Experience

You do not have to fight to protect your driving privileges on your own. Our Maryland traffic ticket lawyers are eager to help you get started on building an effective and compelling case in Howard County that tells your side of the story. The odds of success could be higher than you think, but you will only know if you try. 

Contact Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake today by dialing (410) 927-5137 today.

Why Fight Serious Traffic Charges?

Choosing to contest serious traffic charges rather than simply paying the fine is an important decision, as pleading guilty brings lasting consequences. Partnering with a skilled traffic attorney can help protect your interests in several ways:

• Protect Your Driving Record: Challenging citations helps preserve your license and minimize points, reducing the risk of suspensions or revocations.
• Save on Insurance: Avoiding convictions often prevents steep auto insurance premium hikes.
• Avoid a Criminal Record: Many misdemeanor offenses, such as reckless driving or driving while suspended, can result in a permanent record that limits future opportunities.
• Potential for Dismissal or Reduction: Weak officer testimony or procedural errors may lead to dismissal, or an attorney may negotiate a reduction to a less severe charge.

Consequences of Serious Traffic Offenses

Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may take swift action against a driver’s license, including suspension, revocation, or other restrictions, even for single serious violations. Offenders are entitled to a hearing, which is crucial to avoid automatic penalties—a process that now requires an affirmative request rather than automatic trial notice.

Failing to act can result in immediate suspension without a hearing. Engaging an experienced Howard County traffic attorney at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake helps ensure your rights are preserved and your driving privileges protected.

Update: Maryland’s Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland’s new Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act redefines reckless driving to include driving 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit. This law introduces much harsher penalties for excessive speeding, reflecting the state’s commitment to targeting the most dangerous driving behaviors.

For skilled guidance through serious traffic charges or MVA hearings, contact the lawyers at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake for a consultation.

Expanded Definition and Penalties for Reckless Driving

With Maryland's Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act effective October 1, 2025, driving 30 mph or more above the speed limit now constitutes reckless driving—a notably serious offense.

Penalties Under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act

• Up to 60 Days in Jail: Conviction can result in up to two months of incarceration, underscoring the gravity of the offense.
• Up to $1,000 Fine: Fines for reckless driving may reach as high as $1,000, creating substantial financial impact.
• Six Points on Your License: Offenders receive six points, which can trigger higher insurance premiums, license suspension, and long-term effects on driving status.

This new designation is a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive speeding and the significant consequences drivers now face if caught engaging in such behavior.

Immediate Legal Support

This law makes clear the severe risks of excessive speeding and the sweeping repercussions for those charged. If accused of violating the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, consequences can be life-altering—from jail time and steep fines, to lasting challenges with employment, finances, and reputation. The Columbia attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake are prepared to help guide and defend against these charges.