If you’ve received a civil citation in Maryland for a traffic ticket or marijuana-related offense, you may be wondering how to pay it and whether it’s worth contesting in court. Civil citations are not criminal charges, but they can still have legal and financial consequences if you don’t respond properly.
Learning about how Maryland handles civil citations is essential to protecting your rights and avoiding late fees or additional penalties. Here’s what you should know about paying these citations and what options are available under state law.
What Is a Civil Citation in Maryland?
A civil citation is a notice that you’ve violated a law that is treated as a civil (non-criminal) matter. Unlike criminal cases, civil citations do not carry the possibility of jail time. However, they can still result in fines. Some traffic citations may also carry MVA points or other licensing consequences, depending on the specific charge. Cannabis-related civil citations generally do not involve driver’s license points, but you still must respond by the deadline.
Common types of civil citations in Maryland include:
- Traffic tickets for offenses like speeding and running a red light
- Marijuana-related civil citations (such as public consumption)
- Violations of local ordinances, such as littering laws
Each citation will include instructions on how to respond and a deadline for payment, with an exact amount as well.
How to Pay a Civil Citation in Maryland
You can pay a civil citation in a variety of ways, according to the Maryland Courts website. These include paying the fee online, by phone, in person, or by mail. There is also an option to set up a payment plan if you cannot afford to pay the entire sum at once.
Generally speaking, you must respond to your citation in one way or another within 30 days of receiving it. If you’re not sure of the best way to proceed, getting legal advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer may be your best course of action.
Can I Contest a Civil Citation?
Yes, you have the right to request a trial for a civil citation. To do so, check the box on your citation indicating that you want a trial, sign it, and mail it to the court address on the notice before the deadline expires. You can also select this option online in some cases.
During your trial, you can present evidence and argue your case before a judge. If the judge rules in your favor, the citation and fine may be dismissed.
Note that instead of a trial, you can also request a waiver hearing to plead “guilty with an explanation.” This option may allow you to receive a reduced penalty for your citation if your argument is successful. Waiver hearings can sometimes take place entirely over the internet, too.
What Happens if I Don’t Pay My Civil Citation?
Ignoring a civil citation in Maryland can lead to additional consequences. For traffic citations, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may suspend your license until payment is made.
You may also face:
- Additional late penalties and administrative fees
- A default judgment against you in court
- Possible collection actions for unpaid fines
If your citation is marijuana-related, failure to pay could result in further court involvement.
Contact a Waldorf Drug Crimes Lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for Legal Help
Paying a civil citation in Maryland is generally straightforward, but knowing your rights and deadlines is crucial to avoiding bigger problems later. If you’re unsure how to proceed or want to contest your citation, contact a Waldorf drug crimes attorney at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation today.
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
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(301) 857-4771