Olney Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys

Lawyer for People Charged With Reckless Driving in Olney, Maryland

The roads in and around Olney range from busy commuter routes to winding two-lane stretches through the countryside. People who are accused of driving dangerously on these roads could face charges of reckless driving. In Maryland, reckless driving is not a simple traffic ticket that can be paid and forgotten. It is a criminal offense, and a conviction can lead to up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and other penalties.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers defend drivers in Olney who are dealing with reckless driving charges. Our team has the experience to recognize weak points in a traffic crime case, and we have the negotiation and courtroom skills to push for better outcomes for our clients. We can explain how Maryland law applies in a specific situation and determine the ideal defense strategies to help resolve a case successfully.

We treat every client with respect, and we work hard to protect their licenses and their records. Our goal is always to make sure our clients are ready to address legal concerns that may arise during their cases and appear in court when required. We will coach clients on what questions they may be asked and what answers they should give. We will also make sure they are dressed correctly so that they present a positive image to a judge. Through these efforts, we will work to make the legal process as stress-free as possible.

Where Reckless Driving Arrests May Happen in Olney

Montgomery County Police and Maryland State Police frequently patrol a number of roads in and around Olney, including:

• Georgia Avenue (MD 97): On the main north-south route through Olney, drivers may be accused of speeding through intersections or on open stretches of road.
• Olney-Sandy Spring Road and Olney-Laytonsville Road (MD 108): In sections of this route, drivers may be accused of passing slower vehicles unsafely.
• The Intercounty Connector (MD 200): This highway's wide lanes and long straightaways make speeding more common, and troopers regularly patrol the highway and pull drivers over for traffic violations.
• Norbeck Road, Emory Lane, and Muncaster Mill Road: These connecting routes experience heavy rush-hour traffic, and drivers may be accused of making aggressive lane changes or other dangerous actions.
• Parking Lots and Side Streets: Shopping center parking lots and other local streets may sometimes be used for late-night driving stunts and racing.

When Speeding Becomes Reckless Driving

Ordinary speeding is usually handled as a traffic citation. However, Maryland law treats driving 30 miles per hour or more over the posted limit as reckless driving on its own, without any additional proof of dangerous behavior. A driver who is accused of going 70 miles per hour in a zone with a 40-mile-per-hour speed limit, for example, may face a criminal charge rather than a routine traffic ticket.

Speeding below the 30-mile-per-hour threshold could still lead to reckless driving charges when it was allegedly combined with other factors. Driving too fast in heavy rain, approaching a crowded intersection at high speed, or speeding through a school zone when children were present may lead an officer to charge a driver with reckless driving based on their alleged disregard for safety.

Illegal Passing That May Be Treated as Reckless Driving

Maryland law has put clear rules in place for when and how drivers may pass other vehicles. Charges of reckless driving may be based on:

Passing in No-Passing Zones

Drivers are prohibited from passing in locations where signs or solid yellow lines mark a no-passing zone. On curving rural roads near Olney, passing on a blind curve or hill can create a risk of a head-on collision, and it may be considered to be reckless.

Passing on the Right

Drivers may pass other vehicles on the right only in limited circumstances. If a person allegedly drove onto a road's shoulder or off the pavement when passing, they could be arrested for reckless driving.

Passing Stopped School Buses and Emergency Vehicles

Drivers are required to stop for school buses with flashing red lights. They are also required to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency vehicles that have stopped on the side of the road. Ignoring these rules could lead to reckless driving charges, especially in situations where children or emergency workers were allegedly placed at risk.

Street Racing and Exhibition Driving

Racing another car on a public road is prohibited. Police officers have also taken steps to crack down on exhibition driving, which may include stunts such as burnouts, donuts, and intentional skidding. These activities are often tied to organized street takeovers.

Other Situations That Can Lead to Reckless Driving Charges

Reckless driving charges may also be based on allegations of conduct such as driving the wrong way on a divided highway, weaving through traffic while using a phone, ignoring railroad crossing signals, or speeding through a highway work zone when construction crews are present. Drivers who flee from traffic stops may face reckless driving charges along with the separate offense of fleeing or eluding police.

Contact Our Olney Reckless Driving Lawyers

A reckless driving charge can affect your license and your insurance rates, and it could result in a jail sentence. Legal help from a lawyer who has experience handling these cases can change the outcome of your situation. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can review your case and determine the best steps to take to achieve results that will keep you on the road while avoiding serious penalties. Contact our Olney, MD reckless driving charges attorneys at 301-762-7500 to set up a free consultation and speak with our team about your options.