Red Light Ticket Attorney in Towson
Clear Guidance When A Red Light Ticket Puts Your Record At Risk
A red light ticket in Maryland can feel minor at first, until you start worrying about points, fines, and insurance premiums. If you received a citation in or around Towson, you may be unsure whether to just pay it or take steps to protect your driving record. You do not have to make that decision alone.
Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC is a Baltimore-based law firm that regularly helps drivers who are facing traffic violations in this part of Maryland. Since 2004, we have served thousands of clients throughout the region, and our attorneys draw on former prosecutor experience to evaluate each traffic case and provide practical, straightforward advice. Our goal is to help you understand what your ticket really means and what options you may have before you act.
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt that can follow you for years. As your Towson red light ticket defense lawyer, we will fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced. Reach out to Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC at (410) 755-5801 or through our online contact form.
Understanding Red Light Laws in Maryland
In Maryland, red light violations are generally split into two categories: officer-issued citations and automated camera citations. Understanding which one you are facing is critical, as the legal paths and consequences differ significantly. Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-202, a driver facing a steady circular red signal must stop at a clearly marked stop line or before entering the intersection.
- Officer-Issued Citations: If a police officer stops you in Towson for running a red light, you are facing a moving violation. This is a criminal-adjacent traffic matter that carries a fine (usually $140) and, more importantly, two points on your Maryland driving record. If the violation contributed to an accident, the points can increase.
- Automated Camera Citations: Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-202.1, local jurisdictions like Baltimore County are authorized to use "traffic control signal monitoring systems." These are civil violations. They carry a flat fine of $75 and do not result in points on your license or notification to your insurance company. However, failure to pay or contest them can lead to your vehicle registration being flagged, preventing renewal.
As your Towson red light ticket defense lawyer, we analyze the specific statute cited on your ticket. While camera tickets are civil, they are often used as "revenue generators" for local municipalities. We investigate whether the camera was properly calibrated and if the required signage was visible at the intersection, as mandated by Maryland law.
What Sets Us Apart
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Thousands of Happy Clients
Our attorneys have successfully served thousands of clients, delivering personalized and effective legal solutions.
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Former Prosecutor Experience
With Mike LaFleur’s background as a former prosecutor, we bring unique insight into both sides of the law, giving us a strategic edge.
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Wide Range of Services
Our firm offers a wide range of experience across criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and estate planning, ensuring comprehensive legal support for your needs.
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Teamwork With A Track Record
At Alex and LaFleur, our strong teamwork and collaboration comes with a consistent track record of success, delivering positive outcomes for our clients,
With experience on both sides of the court system, we're prepared for whatever direction your case takes. Contact us today to get started.
Penalties and Consequences of Red Light Tickets in Towson
The "cost" of a ticket is rarely just the number printed on the paper. At Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC, we help you look at the long-term impact:
- MVA Points: For officer-issued tickets, the two points added to your record stay "active" for two years. Accumulating points can lead to mandatory driver improvement programs, license suspension, or even revocation.
- Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies in Maryland frequently check driving records during renewal. A moving violation conviction can lead to a significant increase in your monthly premiums for three to five years.
- Registration Flags: For camera tickets, ignoring the $75 fine will eventually result in a "flag" on your vehicle's record with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You will be unable to renew your tags until the fine and additional late fees are paid.
- Employment Impact: If your job requires a clean driving record or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), even a single red light moving violation can jeopardize your livelihood.
Why Drivers Turn To Our Red Light Defense Team
When you are looking for help with a traffic ticket, you want more than a name on a list. You want a legal team that understands how prosecutors and judges look at these cases and who treats your concern with real attention. At Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC, our partner Mike LaFleur previously served as prosecutor, so we have seen firsthand how the State prepares and presents traffic and criminal matters.
That background gives us a practical advantage when we review a red light citation. We understand what facts tend to matter in court, how evidence is typically presented, and which issues may raise questions about a particular stop or ticket.
We combine that insight with our guiding philosophy of “Small Firm. Big Results.”, meaning we work to offer the personal attention of a small practice along with the seasoned judgment that comes from years of handling a broad range of legal matters.
What To Do After You Receive A Red Light Ticket
The moment you receive a ticket, whether at a roadside stop or in the mail, you start facing deadlines and decisions. Taking a few practical steps early can make it easier to protect your options and avoid unpleasant surprises later. You do not need legal training to get started, just some focused attention to the details in front of you.
Here are sensible steps to take after receiving a red light ticket:
- Review the citation carefully. Confirm the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, and make sure your personal information is accurate. Note whether the ticket is marked as a camera violation or as an officer-issued citation.
- Pay attention to deadlines. Citations typically list a date by which you must respond or choose from several options, such as paying the fine or requesting a hearing. Missing that timeframe can limit your choices and may lead to additional consequences.
- Write down what you remember. If you were stopped by an officer, record your recollection of the traffic light, traffic conditions, and anything unusual about the intersection or stop. If the ticket was camera-generated, keep the notice and any included images or links.
- Consider the bigger picture. Think about your current driving record, whether you have other pending citations, and whether you hold a commercial or professional license that depends on your ability to drive.
- Talk with an attorney before making a final decision. A brief consultation can help you understand what the ticket may mean for you and what options may be available. At Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC, we offer convenient initial consultations so you can ask questions before you choose a path.
Taking these steps does not commit you to contesting the ticket, but it helps you avoid reacting under pressure and gives you more information to discuss if you decide to seek legal advice.
Talk With Our Team About Your Red Light Ticket
If a red light citation is causing you to worry about your license, your job, or your insurance, talking with an attorney can bring clarity. At Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC, we bring years of criminal and traffic defense experience, former prosecutor insight, and a commitment to personal attention to every matter we handle.
Our aim is to help you understand what your ticket means, what options may be available, and how to move forward with confidence.
Call (410) 755-5801 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with our traffic ticket attorneys.
