Maryland Traffic Charge Defense Attorney
Experienced Defense for Traffic Tickets and Serious Traffic Violations
for drivers in Baltimore and throughout central Maryland
A traffic ticket may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the consequences can be far more serious than most drivers realize. Accumulating points on your driving record, paying costly fines, increased insurance premiums, license suspension, and even jail time for certain offenses can have a lasting impact on your life.
Jennifer Matthews Law provides experienced, strategic legal representation for drivers facing traffic violations throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. With over 25 years of experience in Maryland’s criminal justice system, Jennifer has served as both an Assistant State’s Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender, giving her valuable insight into how drug cases are investigated, prosecuted, negotiated, and tried in court. She has represented thousands of clients in Maryland courts and uses that experience to build strategic defenses tailored to each client’s circumstances
Whether you’ve been cited for speeding or charged with a serious traffic offense, Jennifer Matthews Law is committed to protecting your driving privileges and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Jennifer Matthews Law today for a free, confidential consultation.
Jennifer’s background as both an Assistant State’s Attorney and Assistant Public Defender gives her a unique perspective that few attorneys possess.
You’ll work directly with Jennifer throughout your case, receiving personalized attention and responsive communication from start to finish.
Clients trust Jennifer to provide aggressive advocacy focused on achieving the best possible outcome for every case.
Traffic Offenses We Handle
Jennifer Matthews Kafes represents clients charged with a wide range of Maryland traffic violations, including:
- Speeding tickets
- Reckless driving
- Negligent driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driving without insurance
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving on a revoked license
- Driving without a valid license
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Improper lane changes
- Following too closely
- Hit and run (Leaving the Scene of an Accident)
- Fleeing or attempting to elude police
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations
- Traffic offenses resulting in accidents
- Repeat traffic violations
Whether you are facing a simple citation or a serious misdemeanor, Jennifer Matthews Kafes provides knowledgeable legal guidance every step of the way.
Hiring an attorney for traffic offenses
For many violations, especially those involving points, license suspension, CDL holders, or criminal charges, hiring an attorney can help protect your driving record and your future.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) assigns points for many moving violations.
Depending on the number of points accumulated, drivers may face:
- Warning letters
- Driver improvement program requirements
- License suspension
- License revocation
For commercial drivers, even relatively minor violations may jeopardize employment opportunities and federal driving qualifications.
Jennifer Matthews Kafes works to minimize the impact traffic violations can have on your driving record whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I just pay the ticket?
Many drivers simply pay their traffic ticket without realizing they are admitting guilt.
Paying a ticket may result in:
- Points being added to your driving record
- Increased auto insurance premiums
- Driver’s license suspension
- Commercial driver’s license complications
- Mandatory driver improvement programs
- Higher penalties for future violations
In some cases, challenging the citation can help reduce or eliminate these consequences.
What are some possible Defense Strategies?
Every traffic case deserves careful review. Jennifer Matthews Kafes examines all available evidence to determine whether the citation or charge can be challenged.
Possible defenses may include:
- Inaccurate radar or laser speed readings
- Improper calibration of speed detection equipment
- Mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence
- Officer observation errors
- Procedural mistakes
- Constitutional violations
- Emergency circumstances
Her background as both a prosecutor and defense attorney allows her to anticipate the prosecution’s arguments while developing an effective defense strategy for her clients.
Will I have to appear in court?
Some traffic violations require a court appearance, while others may not. Jennifer Matthews Kafes can explain what to expect based on your specific case.
Can traffic tickets be reduced or dismissed?
Depending on the facts and available evidence, some citations may be reduced, negotiated, or dismissed. Every case is different.
What happens if I already have points on my license?
Accumulating additional points may increase the risk of license suspension or revocation. Prompt legal representation can help you understand your options.
What are some serious traffic offenses?
Some traffic violations carry criminal penalties in addition to fines and points.
These may include:
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving charges involve allegations that a driver operated a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.
Potential consequences include:
- Significant fines
- Points on your license
- Increased insurance rates
- Possible impact on future employment
- Possible Jail Time (under certain circumstances)
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked can result in:
- Additional suspension periods
- Criminal charges
- Fines
- Possible jail time
Jennifer Matthews Kafes evaluates the circumstances surrounding the suspension and works to identify possible defenses and solutions.
Hit and Run (Leaving the Scene of an Accident)
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that may result in substantial criminal penalties, particularly if injuries are involved.
These cases often require immediate legal representation to protect your rights during the investigation.