Maryland residents may be surprised to know that different kinds of speed limits apply to different areas of cities, states and towns. These categories of speed limits will affect the kind of speeding ticket defense that those accused of speeding choose.
Vehicle speeding laws usually fall under one of the following types:
- Absolute
- Presumed, presumptive or prima facie
- Basic
When a speed limit is is “absolute,” the defense will be the most straightforward. With this speed limit, if drivers go over the limit, the law has been violated. It’s as simple as that. Drivers need to illuminate in court the reasons why the police or law enforcement officer’s opinion that you were speeding is wrong or doubtful.
When a speed limit is “presumed, presumptive or prima facie,” the criminal defense strategy employed will not be so straightforward or simple. There is more wiggle room in these cases from both sides. The idea is that drivers can show the court that they were driving a safe speed given the circumstances and conditions of the road. Conversely, police will try to illuminate that the opposite was true.
When a speed limit is “basic,” it means that a driver could have been driving under listed speed limit, yet still be speeding if his or her speed was not appropriate given the road and weather conditions at the time.
Were you inappropriately accused of speeding in Maryland? Many drivers in your situation are completely unaware that they have every right to defend against a traffic ticket. By working with an experienced criminal law attorney, you can defend against your speeding ticket too.