Traffic Violation Lawyer in Grand Rapids

If you have had the unfortunate occurrence of getting pulled over and cited for a criminal traffic violation in Michigan, there are a few things that you should know. Understanding the implications of such violations is crucial, as they can significantly impact your personal and professional life. Being charged with a criminal traffic violation not only results in fines or possible jail time but also creates a criminal record that can influence future employment and educational opportunities. 

There is a difference between civil and criminal traffic violations. A civil traffic violation is considered a non-criminal offense and is classified as a “civil infraction,” while a criminal traffic violation is classified as a crime and could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. This means that if you are convicted of a criminal traffic offense, you will have a criminal record. Differentiating between these two categories is essential, as civil infractions are generally less severe, involving minor fines and points on your driving record. However, criminal violations demand greater attention because they can lead to more serious legal ramifications. A traffic violation attorney in Grand Rapids can provide the guidance needed to navigate these complexities. 

Examples of Criminal Traffic Violations:

• Driving While License Suspended, Revoked, or Denied
• Driving without a license
• Drunk driving 

Difference Between Civil & Criminal Traffic Tickets

A civil infraction traffic ticket is not a crime and will not show up on a criminal background check. A civil infraction traffic ticket will usually have a fine attached to it, but jail time cannot be imposed for a civil ticket. A civil infraction traffic ticket may show up on your Master Driving Record and could impact your insurance. Criminal traffic tickets are commonly misdemeanors, which are punishable by jail time and fines. 

The normal procedures for criminal law also apply to criminal traffic tickets. This means that the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil infraction traffic ticket only needs to be proven by a “more likely than not” standard, which is a lower standard of proof. A person who was charged with a criminal traffic offense will be given court dates, starting with an arraignment and pre-trial conference. The defendant will be required to meet with the criminal prosecutor, and if a plea agreement is not reached, then the case will proceed to a criminal trial. Navigating the legal system with a criminal charge can be complex and requires a clear understanding of your rights and obligations. Having legal representation during this process can greatly impact the outcome of your situation. 

Impact of Traffic Tickets in Grand Rapids

The impact of a traffic ticket depends on the severity of the ticket and charge. If you plead responsible to a civil traffic ticket, you likely will face having points added to your driving record and a fine. This could also result in higher insurance rates. If you are convicted of a criminal traffic ticket, you could face jail time, fines, court costs, points on your driving record, and higher insurance rates as well. Seeking help from a traffic violation lawyer in Grand Rapids can mitigate these consequences greatly.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Traffic Ticket in Grand Rapids? The good news is, there are ways to minimize the damage that a traffic ticket, whether a civil infraction or a misdemeanor, can cause. Often, we are able to negotiate a lower ticket, a ticket that carries fewer or no points, or even a ticket that is not reportable to the Secretary of State (thus keeping points off and insurance costs down). Engaging a knowledgeable attorney means accessing someone's detailed understanding of the legal system and familiarity with local traffic laws, which can be crucial in reducing penalties or avoiding them altogether. Experienced attorneys can identify flaws in the prosecution's evidence or alternative explanations for the alleged violation, potentially influencing the decision in your favor.

If you have been issued a traffic citation, contact Tanis Schultz, PLLC today to discuss your options with our Grand Rapids criminal defense attorneys. We offer personalized consultations to better understand your situation and help you make an informed decision about your legal options. Protect your driving record and potentially lessen the legal consequences you face by reaching out to us today. 

Speeding Tickets & Their Consequences

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. The consequences of a speeding ticket go beyond just paying a simple fine. Accumulated speeding tickets can significantly affect your driving record, leading to increased insurance premiums and even the suspension of your driver's license. The state of Michigan operates on a point system, where each speeding violation adds points to your driving record. An excess of points can lead to further legal complications, including mandatory driver re-education courses.

Beyond financial penalties, habitual speeding can have social and psychological impacts. It might restrict your freedom by limiting your ability to drive and could even impact your employability, especially if your job requires you to maintain a clean driving record. Our team is well-versed in the rules and regulations surrounding speeding violations in Michigan and can help navigate these complexities to reduce the long-term impact on your life.

Understanding Michigan's OWI Laws

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is a serious offense in Michigan with stringent penalties. It is crucial to understand the nuances of these laws to avoid severe penalties, such as substantial fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Michigan law defines OWI in multiple categories, including those involving alcohol, drugs, or both, with varying degrees of penalties depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense.

The legal threshold for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%, and stricter measures are in place for drivers under 21 and commercial drivers. Convictions can result in significant disruptions to your personal and professional life. Working with a traffic violation attorney in Grand Rapids can provide invaluable assistance, guiding you through the legal process and helping to mitigate the damages that an OWI charge can inflict on your life.

FAQs About Traffic Violations in Grand Rapids

What Should I Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket in Grand Rapids?

After receiving a traffic ticket, it is important to respond promptly. Review the ticket details carefully to understand the nature of the alleged violation, the associated penalties, and deadlines for payment or contesting the ticket. Ignoring the ticket can lead to additional fines, a warrant for your arrest, or even license suspension. If you believe the ticket was issued unjustly, you have the option to contest it in court. Consulting with a Grand Rapids traffic violation attorney can provide clarity on the best course of action.

How Can a Traffic Violation Affect My Insurance Rates?

Traffic violations can significantly impact car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use your driving record as an indicator of risk, and violations like speeding or an OWI can lead to a higher perceived risk, translating to increased rates. Generally, minor infraction rates increase for about three years, but severe violations like OWIs can affect rates for longer. Proactively addressing tickets and understanding their impact can sometimes help reduce insurance costs, a process our legal team can assist you with.

Is Fighting a Traffic Ticket Worth It?

Contesting a traffic ticket may be beneficial depending on the circumstances. Fighting the ticket can potentially lead to reduced fines, fewer points on your record, or dismissal of the charges altogether. However, consider the time and costs involved in contesting a ticket. Legal guidance can help weigh these factors and determine if challenging a ticket makes sense in your situation. A Grand Rapids traffic violation lawyer will evaluate your circumstances and help decide the most advantageous path forward.

What Are Michigan's Penalties for Repeat Offenders?

Repeat offenders in Michigan face increasingly severe penalties. For example, repeated OWIs lead to elevated fines, longer jail sentences, and extended license suspensions. Habitual offenses can also result in mandatory vehicle immobilization or forfeiture. Understanding these escalating consequences is vital for anyone at risk of committing repeat violations. Seeking legal advice from Tanis Schultz can assist in understanding and navigating these complex legal waters.

How Does Michigan's Point System Work?

Michigan's driver point system assigns points for various traffic violations, with more severe violations carrying higher points. Accumulating too many points over a specified period can lead to driver's license suspensions and other penalties. For instance, speeding 10 mph or less over the limit incurs two points, whereas reckless driving adds six points. It's imperative to manage these points to maintain your driving privileges. Legal strategies exist to help contest points or prevent them from further affecting your record.