Q: I have been charged with TA-16-101(a1), for not having a valid driving license, however, I showed my Indian license.
I encountered a police officer yesterday night, who charged me with 1M00JJH with Article TA-16-101(a1). Which states that I was driving without required license and authorization. Also charged me with 1LZ0JJH , TA-16-112(c) article, which states Failure of Individual driving on highway to display license to uniformed police on demand.
I was been charged for not having a valid driving license, though I had a valid Indian driving license. Now I need to appear in court for the hearing. Can you help me out, whether my Indian driving license is valid or not? Whether the charges pressed are apt or not.
The officer told me to get a valid driving license when I appear in court. Will my Indian driving license server as a valid driving license, while I appear for the hearing? since I do not have any state driving license.
What could be the possible charges if I am unable to present US driving license? since I don't have one and would not be able to create one within a short span.
A: Hire a lawyer. The offense carries the potential for jail time, although that is very unlikely; however, a conviction carries points, which could ultimately add up with other tickets to cause your privilege to be suspended. There are a number of defenses to this charge, and depending on how long you have been in Maryland, your status here (student visa, etc.) and whether you have an International license or just one from India (there are international agreements which Maryland follows regarding foreign nationals driving in MD), there may be a full defense. Generally speaking, if you have taken up residence in MD for over 60 days--or 90 days in the case of a valid International license--then you are supposed to obtain a MD license to continue to be allowed to drive here. The police often do not understand the law as it relates to foreign issued licenses and the right to drive in other countries and here in MD. If you intend on remaining in MD for the foreseeable future, or for another 6 months or more, I would recommend that you start the application for a MD license. Just the fact that you have started the application may be sufficient for your lawyer to get the charge dropped. Hire a lawyer. And do not pay the other ticket (failure to display license) as it will be automatically scheduled for trial along with the "must appear" citation.
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