Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and Driving Offenses
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a status a judge can offer to a defendant driver. The defendant driver, if they successfully complete the probationary period, can keep a clean driving record by avoiding a conviction. It is ultimately up to the judge whether they feel a driver is a good candidate, and the driver must accept waiving certain appeal rights in order to receive a PBJ.
The advantages of a PBJ are that the charge will not appear on your regular driving record. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) maintains a Probation Before Judgment record along with your driving record, and your PBJ will be recorded there. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and other people will be able to see your PBJ record. For example, a prosecutor may recommend opposing probation before judgment for a driver who has received multiple PBJs for the same offense. Judges are often reluctant to give people too many PBJs. They may decline to grant a driver a PBJ, and that is fully within their discretion.
For more information about Probation Before Judgment in a DUI/DWI case, please find more information here.
A PBJ is not guaranteed, even on a first offense. Contact a Traffic Defense Lawyer in Maryland today to discuss the facts of your case and any possible defenses you may have.