Traffic Law

DUI/DWI

More than 50% of Mr. Kudel’s clients have been charged with an alcohol-related driving offense (DUI/DWI). Most DUIs do not involve an accident but some do involve property damage, personal injury and even occasionally, the loss of life (Homicide by Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence/Impaired by Alcohol/Drugs and Auto Manslaughter). The non-fatal DUI/DWI can result in incarceration, fines and the imposition of points by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration on an individual’s driving record. It can also lead to the suspension or revocation of an individual’s driving privilege and the requirement of an Ignition Interlock on their vehicle.

DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED; DRIVING WHILE REVOKED; DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE

In Maryland, a person may be charged with driving while their privilege has been Suspended, Revoked or Expired. There are many reasons why an individual’s privilege may be Suspended or Revoked by Maryland or another State. The reasons include the accumulation of points; the failure to attend court when required to do so; the failure to pay a fine; the failure to pay child support or a suspension or revocation imposed by a DMV or an MVA after an Administrative Hearing. Mr. Kudel has represented individuals on issues that could lead to a suspension or revocation. In many cases, and depending on the individual’s driving history, Mr. Kudel has been successful in securing the dismissal of these charges.

HIT AND RUN; FLEEING AND ELUDING; DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE; DRIVING IN VIOLATION OF A LICENSE RESTRICTION

Mr. Kudel has represented individuals who have been charged with Hit and Run; Fleeing and Eluding; Driving without Insurance and Driving in Violation of various License Restrictions. All of these offenses carry the possibility of incarceration, the imposition of fines and the assessment of points by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. In many cases, and depending on the individual’s driving history, Mr. Kudel has been successful in securing the dismissal of these charges.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS; NON-JAILABLE TRAFFIC OFFENSES; OUT OF STATE DRIVER VIOLATIONS

Mr. Kudel represents individuals who have been charged with conduct which contributed to an accident. These offenses include Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision; Failure to Yield the Right of Way; Negligent Driving; Reckless Driving; Aggressive Driving and Engaging in a Speed Contest.  While non-jailable, these offenses carry points upon conviction and can lead to a suspension or revocation of an individual’s driving privilege.
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS TO AVOID SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S DRIVING PRIVILEGE
Because a large part of Mr. Kudel’s practice involves serious and non-serious traffic offenses, he also handles cases before the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings where the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration seeks to suspend or revoke an individual’s privilege to drive.  Although the hearing setting is less formal than a courtroom, the issues that are presented at these hearings are often complex and require the expertise and experience that Mr. Kudel has gained in over 36 years of practice.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES (CDL)

Mr. Kudel has handled many cases involving individuals who have been issued a Commercial Driver’s License. The laws and rules for CDLs are unique and require specialized knowledge and skill. Because of his knowledge and experience, Mr. Kudel is often able to obtain a result in Court or the Motor Vehicle Administration that will allow an individual to retain his/her CDL and avoid disqualification of the privilege.