Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Staute of limitations for traffic offenses?

In March of 2004 I was in an accident where I fell asleep behind the wheel of my car and hit a tree and was unconcious. Five weeks later I recieved 5 tickets in the Mail for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Control Vehicle Speed. In 11/04 I went to Cicuit Court because I prayed for a jury trial since these offenses carried jail time. At Circuit Court the charges were sent back to district Court. Upon checking my criminal record it showed that theses tickets were deleted from the system. On 3 July 07 I got a Court suumons for District Court to answer to theses charges. Isn't there a statute of limitations or a right to a speedy trial like in criminal court? This whole situation has me in distraught, please help.


Asked on 7/04/07, 9:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Staute of limitations for traffic offenses?

Statute of limitations applies to when a charge is brought, that is, the time from the offense to the time of the charging document (ticket). Once the ticket is written, the statute requirement is met. Speedy trial applies in Circuit Court, but generally not in district court. It depends on the situtation. You might consider consulting with an attorney.

Read more
Answered on 7/04/07, 10:58 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Traffic Law questions and answers in Maryland