Howard County Traffic Ticket Lawyers

Protect Your Driving Privileges with Our Columbia, MD Lawyers

While traffic tickets may not seem like a serious issue, they can accumulate quickly and adversely affect your ability to drive. Ignoring or mishandling these tickets can lead to severe repercussions that extend beyond fines. Engaging a seasoned lawyer early can significantly reduce such risks.

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

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

If you are facing a traffic violation, there is a chance you can avoid the penalties. Call the Howard County, Maryland traffic ticket lawyers at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake today and schedule a free consultation about your case.

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

Your Local Traffic Lawyer in Howard County

The attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake have years of experience handling traffic cases in Howard County, Maryland, and the surrounding areas of all varieties in the Maryland District and Circuit Courts as well as the MVA.

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
• All other traffic violations
• Motor Vehicle Administration hearings (MVA hearing)

Why You Should Fight Your Traffic Ticket?

Simply paying a traffic ticket or pleading guilty is an admission of guilt. While it may seem like the easiest solution, it’s rarely the best one. It is an admission of guilt with numerous unforeseen consequences that often outweigh the initial fine. 

There are many compelling reasons to challenge your charge with the help of a Columbia traffic ticket lawyer.

• Avoid Points: Fewer points mean lower risk of MVA administrative actions (warnings, mandatory DIPs, suspensions, revocations).
• Save Money on Insurance: Auto insurance rate hikes often outweigh the initial ticket fine.
• Prevent License Suspension/Revocation: Contesting tickets helps keep your point total low, preserving your driving privileges in Howard County.
• Avoid a Criminal Record: For misdemeanor traffic violations (like reckless driving, driving while suspended, driving without insurance), a conviction results in a permanent criminal record. This can limit future employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
• Potential for Dismissal or Reduction: Many tickets can be dismissed entirely if the officer's testimony is weak or if legal errors are found. Alternatively, your attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense.

What Are the Consequences of Traffic Tickets?

There are many situations where the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will take action against one’s license to suspend, revoke, or otherwise restrict driving privileges. In some instances, one offense alone is enough to suspend or revoke a person’s license. However, drivers are entitled to a hearing—an option they should undoubtedly pursue.

It used to be that if you did nothing, you would get a trial notice. Not anymore. You must affirmatively request a hearing, or you could be automatically suspended, which is where the Howard County traffic ticket lawyers at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake come in. Call us now to get the ball rolling and protect your license.

What is Maryland’s new reckless driving law— the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act?

Effective October 1, 2025, Maryland is set to implement a major update to its traffic laws under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act. For the first time in state history, driving 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit will be classified as reckless driving and carry significant penalties. This landmark change underscores Maryland’s commitment to improving road safety by targeting dangerous driving behaviors.

Reckless Driving Redefined Under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act

Under this new law, speeding 30 mph or more over the limit now qualifies as reckless driving, a serious traffic offense.

The penalties for violating the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act include the following:

• Up to 60 Days in Jail – Drivers found guilty of reckless driving may face up to two months of incarceration, emphasizing the severity of the offense.
• Up to a $1,000 Fine – Financial consequences for reckless driving can be substantial, with fines reaching as high as $1,000.
• Six Points on Your Driver’s License – Accumulating six points on your driving record can lead to increased insurance premiums, potential license suspension, and long-term consequences for your driving privileges.

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.

The penalties can be life-altering if you’ve been charged under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act. Jail time, hefty fines, and points on your license can create a ripple effect on your finances, livelihood, and reputation. Our Columbia attorneys understand how overwhelming this situation can be and are here to help.

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.