Silver Spring Maryland Criminal Defense Legal Blog

Many people get in trouble for the way they drive. Whether someone is going over the speed limit or driving too closely to the vehicle in front, police officers have many reasons to issue tickets, or even charge individuals with crimes, for the way they conduct themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle. Unfortunately, a recent incident may have left you facing more than just a speeding ticket.

If a police officer pulls over your vehicle, you likely wrack your brain trying to remember your legal rights while trying to remain calm. After all, a police officer stopping you is rarely a pleasant experience for most drivers. However, if authorities became involved because a car accident took place for which they believe you are at fault, you may face a more serious situation.

Unless you are backing up or changing lanes, what is happening behind you as you drive may be an afterthought. Of course, you occasionally glance in your rearview mirror out of habit or when coming to a stop, but mostly your eyes are forward watching where you are going. When you do look back and see another vehicle racing toward you, it may fill you with dread. In many cases, there is little you can do to avoid a rear-end collision

Rear-end collisions can result in devastating injuries, and certain factors can increase the severity. For example, a vehicle that strikes you from behind at a high rate of speed while you are sitting still in traffic may push your car into the vehicle ahead of you, multiplying your injuries. In this same situation, a tractor-trailer can bring tragedy to your family. The sad fact is that rear-end collisions are almost always preventable.

When you are driving home from dinner or perhaps driving to your next stop on a fun night out with friends, it can change the course of your entire evening to see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. You may not think you've had much to drink at all, and you may be unsure of why the police are pulling you over. Regardless, you know that you need to pull over and cooperate with law enforcement. 

There are specific reasons why a police officer may initiate a suspected DUI traffic stop. If you are displaying certain types of behavior, even if you don't realize it, it could land you in trouble. It can be helpful for all Maryland drivers to know what counts as reasonable suspicion and what they can do in the event they find themselves facing DUI charges.

Some people do not always consider the consequences of their actions when they are carrying out those actions. Unfortunately, some behaviors could be unlawful, and as a result, you could end up facing criminal charges. In this type of scenario, it is important to start looking at the potential repercussions.

In particular, you may have concerns about whether a conviction for the charges you face could lead to incarceration. Beyond that, you may wonder whether you could go to jail or prison. Gaining answers to these concerns and others is important during this time.