Most Northville drivers have been pulled over at some point for an alleged traffic violation. Too often, drivers simply shrug off the ticket and plead guilty without considering fighting the ticket. Most traffic violations are civil, rather than criminal, offenses. However, pleading guilty to a traffic violation can have a bigger impact on your life than you may think.
Michigan adheres to a points system for traffic violations. This means that drivers who plead guilty to or are found guilty of, a traffic violation earn demerit points. With enough points, a driver could face license suspension or revocation.
Car insurance companies take drivers’ records into considering when calculating rates. Too many driving points can mean an increased rate, making your traffic ticket costlier than it first seemed. A Northville traffic lawyer can help you minimize the impact a traffic ticket has on your record and insurance premiums. An experienced criminal attorney can discuss your situation with you before trial begins.
Traffic Violation PointsNorthville traffic lawyers know that the Michigan Secretary of State imposes a demerit points system for drivers found guilty of traffic violations. The number of points a driver earns depends on the severity of the traffic violation. In addition to these points, drivers found guilty of a traffic violation must also pay the associated fine. Below is a list of common traffic offenses, and their respective point values.
Speeding one to ten mph over the limit or driving with an open container of alcohol can be two points on someone’s license should they get caught. A three-point offense includes disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign, improper passing, or speeding 11-15 mph over the limit. Failing to yield to emergency vehicles and speeding 16 mph or more over the limit can be a four-point offense. Six-point criminal offenses include reckless driving, driving while intoxicated and a hit and run.
Penalties for Criminal OffensesPoints for traffic offense convictions stay on a driver’s records for two years. Drivers who accumulate 12 or more points face mandatory license reexamination, and may even lose their privilege to drive. A Northville traffic lawyer can help local drivers get their violation reduced or dismissed where possible.
Some traffic violations are criminal offenses, punishable by a jail sentence in addition to driving record points and fines. One of the most common criminal traffic offenses in Northville is reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor. Michigan Vehicle Code Section 257.626 defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
The penalties for reckless driving include up to 93 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500. Given this broad definition, police have the latitude to arrest someone for reckless driving if the officer subjectively feels they broke this law.
Benefit of an AttorneyA Northville traffic attorney can fight to prove the driver’s actions did not meet the willful and wanton standard, helping them avoid conviction. When getting a ticket, you have a right to fight it in court. A Northville traffic lawyer can fight your traffic ticket on your behalf. If you are facing criminal charges, such as reckless or intoxicated driving, your attorney can defend you in court.