Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

I have been driving on a suspended license in MD for 10 years...I didn't pay three fines. I was stopped by a police officer and was ticketed for driving while suspended and not having a license to hand to the officer. I haven't received my court date as yet. On the ticket it gives me the option of pleading guilty and not having a trial, just going in front of the judge for sentencing. Will I have the chance to give the extenuating circumstances that I have. I am bi-polar and adhd which makes it hard to remember things, etc. I am supposed to go back to work in a few weeks and I must be able to drive to get to the multiple locations that I must get to. I hope if I get to explain these things to the judge he might be lenient and not sentence me to jail. Or should I go to trial?


Asked on 3/20/11, 12:42 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

You could also pay the fines that are causing the suspension before you go to court. Perhaps the prosecutor would then agree to call a lesser charge. Even if the prosecutor proceeds on the suspended license, most judges would be more sympathetic to a defendant who has gotten a valid license, than to one who has not. I do not think that most judges will find adhd a defense or mitigation. Instead, they would probably say do not drive without a license, and they might impose jail to remind you.

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Answered on 3/20/11, 12:54 pm
Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

You neednt request trial, it will be automatic because your case is a must appear. You need a lawyer, because I can see that some of the questions you have include a fundamental misunderstanding of gow the system works.

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Answered on 3/20/11, 2:35 pm


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