Q: Got ticket for, TA-16-303(f) in Maryland. My ticket says MUST APPEAR but the officer didn't put a date for court?
If I need to appear in court, why didn't the officer put a court date?
A: Court dates are set by the District Court and mailed to your address on your license. The officer does not schedule the date. Trial will be scheduled for a District Court location in the county (or City of Baltimore) where the offense occurred. This offense carries up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine and 12 points on your Maryland privilege to drive which would trigger revocation. Jail is not likely unless you have multiple prior similar offenses. The charge is for driving with an out-of-State suspension. Therefore, if it is possible to clear up the out of state suspension before your court date, in many cases the prosecutor will agree to drop the charge entirely or at least amend the charge to a minor offense. It is also possible to get a judge to grant a “probation before judgment” disposition which would avoid both a conviction and points. Most persons charged with this type of offense hire a lawyer as the risks and consequences are too great to try and muddle your way through on your own.
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