By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney | DUI & Traffic Violations – Calvert County, Maryland
Reckless Driving Lawyer Dares Beach, MD | Out-of-Town Driver Defense
If you’re visiting Dares Beach and ended up with a reckless driving charge, you’re probably shocked—and maybe even a little angry.
You’re not alone.
I’ve worked with plenty of out-of-town drivers who came to Calvert County for a quiet weekend and left with a court date.
Maryland’s traffic laws are strict.
And in small communities like Dares Beach, local enforcement keeps a close eye on unfamiliar vehicles.
If you’re not used to the speed limits, road layout, or enforcement patterns here, it’s easy to find yourself pulled over—and charged with something far more serious than you expected.
What Counts as Reckless Driving in Maryland?
In Maryland, reckless driving isn’t just about going 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. It can include:
- Weaving between cars
- Driving too fast for the road conditions
- Not yielding or failing to signal
- Tailgating or sudden lane changes
- Driving in a way police consider “aggressive” or “careless”
The problem? These are subjective charges.
What one officer calls “reckless,” another might overlook completely.
In tourist-heavy areas like Dares Beach, officers sometimes assume you’re not familiar with the roads—and if your driving looks even slightly erratic, you could get cited.
Why This Charge Is a Big Deal
Reckless driving in Maryland is a misdemeanor, not just a traffic infraction. That means:
- Up to 6 points on your license
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible license suspension
- A permanent mark on your driving and criminal record
- Insurance rate hikes that last for years
If you’re from out of state, this charge could even impact your license back home, depending on where you’re licensed.
How I Defend Out-of-Town Drivers
I’ve helped drivers from Virginia, D.C., Pennsylvania, and beyond fight reckless driving charges in Calvert County.
My goal is straightforward: to minimize the damage or eliminate the charge.
Here’s what I do:
- Challenge the officer’s narrative: Was it reckless, or just unfamiliar driving in an unfamiliar place?
- Check for errors in the citation: Details matter, and many tickets include mistakes that can be used in your favor.
- Appear in court on your behalf: In many cases, I can represent you in court so you don’t have to travel back.
- Negotiate for a lesser offense: When dismissal isn’t possible, I fight to get the charge reduced to something that won’t wreck your record.
Why Visitors Call Me
- I’m local to Calvert County and know the court system here.
- I’ve handled hundreds of reckless driving cases, many for out-of-town drivers.
- I work quickly and keep you informed—so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
- I respect your time, your record, and your rights.
“Getting charged with reckless driving just for missing a turn or speeding up too quickly isn’t fair. I’m here to give you a fair shot—and keep one bad moment from becoming a long-term problem.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Let’s Fix This Before It Gets Worse
If you received a reckless driving ticket in Dares Beach or anywhere in Calvert County, don’t just plead guilty.
Let’s talk about your options—and start building your defense.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
