If a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of traffic violations, he or she may request that you step out of the car and perform field sobriety tests. These tests include tasks such as walking heel-to-toe in a straight line. They are intended to provide further probable cause for police officers to arrest you and charge you with DUI or aggravated DUI in the Annapolis area. Unfortunately, it’s entirely possible for people who are not intoxicated to fail these tests, particularly when it’s nighttime and the individual is disoriented from having been pulled over.

As you’ll learn when you watch this video, field sobriety tests are not the same as chemical tests. Unlike chemical tests, it is not mandatory for a person to submit to field sobriety tests in Maryland. If you could be facing DUI or aggravated DUI charges, you have the right to request to be taken in for a chemical test instead. You also have the right to call a criminal lawyer if you are arrested.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the topics discussed and does not qualify as legal advice. Every case is different and the laws applicable to each case may differ. If you have a legal matter, you should speak to an attorney to get advice on your particular situation.

Every accident case involves unique issues , but to prove liability, there are a few basic elements that must be present in the case. The defendant must be shown to have breached his or her duty to exercise reasonable care toward the plaintiff and that breach of duty must have caused the plaintiff’s injuries. To demonstrate these elements, a personal injury attorney located in Annapolis may gather physical evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and medical records. The injury lawyer can also interview eyewitnesses; their statements may substantiate the claims of the plaintiff.

When reviewing the available evidence, the injury lawyer will look for acts of negligence or recklessness that the defendant may have committed. For example, the police reports may indicate that the truck driver was speeding, following too closely, or not obeying traffic signals. In some personal injury claims that involve truck accidents, other defendants may be named, such as the truck company or the manufacturer of truck parts. An injury lawyer may use internal records from those defendants to assess liability.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the topics discussed and does not qualify as legal advice. Every case is different and the laws applicable to each case may differ. If you have a legal matter, you should speak to an attorney to get advice on your particular situation.

If you’ve received a speeding ticket, it’s likely that you’ll simply mail in the fine. However, some traffic violations are more serious than others and they aren’t always your fault. If you’ve received a citation for serious traffic violations such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, fleeing an officer, leaving the scene of the accident, or driving after suspension of your license, it’s advisable that you contact a traffic lawyer. Residents of Annapolis who are charged with traffic violations can have a criminal defense attorney represent them at Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearings.

During the MVA hearing, the traffic lawyer will argue your case to improve your chances of maintaining your driving privileges. Your criminal defense attorney may also need to represent you in a criminal court. If so, your lawyer will help you understand what to expect from the process and how to conduct yourself appropriately in court. Your attorney may negotiate for a reduction of charges to lessen the legal consequences.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the topics discussed and does not qualify as legal advice. Every case is different and the laws applicable to each case may differ. If you have a legal matter, you should speak to an attorney to get advice on your particular situation.

Traffic violations in Annapolis are commonplace. Many people simply pay the fine without trying to contest traffic violations. Yet, this can be costly and in some cases it may result in points on the individuals’ licenses. Instead, consider talking to a traffic ticket lawyer. A criminal defense attorney will have extensive knowledge of the strategies that are successful in beating traffic violations.

For example, your lawyer may argue that you failed to stop at a stop sign because the stop sign was obscured or had fallen over. Or, you may have failed to stop at a crosswalk because the crosswalk markers were so faded that you could not see them clearly. In other cases, your traffic ticket lawyer may argue that your actions were legally justified. For example, you may have swerved across the double yellow line to avoid striking an unexpected obstacle such as an animal or child darting out into the road. Since every case is unique, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer about your legal rights and options.