Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

I am a 17 yr old male. I have had my driver license since April 2009. On May 30, 2010 I got my first speeding ticket in Wimico (sp). I was speeding but my speedometer needs re calibrated because I have smaller tires on my S10 Chevy so it messed up the speedometer calibration.

This was the first long trip my mom had allowed me to go on by myself. I had checked all my fluids but forgot all about the speedometer. I live in Edgewater, MD and was going to Ocean City, MD (approx. 3 hour drive) At this time my mom is having me put back on the standard tires on my truck,find a place that will calibrate my speedometer, no more long trip without her until she feels I am ready (I may be 36 knowing her) and she is checking into a refresher course in driving for me to take this summerand I can only go to school and work which is five minutes away from my home.

I work six days a week at Goodyear Tires and am on work study with school. So any points will affect my job and schooling not to mention my insurance. What should I do about the ticket.

Pay the fine, check the box where it says guitly with explantion, or want to go to trail?


Asked on 6/07/10, 9:50 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Well, definitely don't pay the ticket because you'll get points. You should go to trial, because you never know what can happen in Court-officer may fail to appear, or be unable to prove the case. If you don't want to drive al the way to Salisbury, it may be best to hire an attorney who can appear without you.

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Answered on 6/07/10, 1:03 pm
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

How you exercise your rights is ultimately your decision. There are financial consequences either way. Even if you plead not guilty, you may miss work to travel to Salisbury and back, and you may hire a lawyer. However, if you plead guilty either in court or by paying the ticket, you will pay the fine, there may be increased insurance costs, and if you are still a provisional driver, you may be required to attend the Driver Improvement Program. I suggest making an estimate of the costs of each option.

If the officer does not appear, if the patrol car's speedometer was not calibrated to pace, or if the radar/lidar was not calibrated, then the citation may be dismissed.

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Answered on 6/07/10, 3:59 pm


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