Bloomfield Hills Traffic Lawyer

There are very few drivers who at some point in their driving history have not either committed a driving or parking violation. Although traffic violations are very common, they can add up and become a financial strain. There are also more serious traffic issues involving car accidents or driving under the influence.

By meeting with a Bloomfield Hills traffic lawyer, you can fight against any fines or tickets you have accrued and defend yourself against criminal proceedings. Not only will this help financially by removing fines, buy you may also be able to reduce the chance of adding points against your license which can increase your insurance rates. Contact a skilled criminal attorney to begin combatting the charges against you.

There are several driving and parking violations that can cause a driver to be issued a ticket. If a person has several tickets, they have three options in choosing how to respond:

• Denying the charge and requesting a hearing
• Admitting responsibility but including an explanation to be considered by a magistrate
• Admitting responsibility and paying the fine

People can rack up fines and fees for speeding, license plate or registration violations, or for general driving mistakes (ex. failure to yield or running a stop sign). Therefore, it is important that they contact a Bloomfield Hills traffic lawyer before proceeding with their case.

In 2016, there were a total of 42,660 accidents in Oakland county. Out of these accidents, 78 were fatal accidents, 8,218 caused injuries, and 34,364 caused property damage. A driver that causes injury or even death to others because of reckless driving has violated Michigan’s reckless driving statute under section 257.626. Bloomfield Hills traffic lawyers have seen the extent of the punishment depends on the extent of injuries caused to others because of the reckless driving.

Reckless driving without any injuries or property damage is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 93 days in prison or a $500 fine. If the reckless driving results in a serious body impairment of a body function of another person the driver can be charged with imprisonment for up to five years or a fine between $1,000-5,000. If a person dies because of reckless driving, the driver can be sentenced up to 15 years in prison or a fine between $2,500-10,000.

There are several types of laws in place for drivers who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With all the laws, if there are multiple or repeat offenses, the potential penalties increase. Operating while intoxicated is when a driver has a blood alcohol level of .08% or more. A blood alcohol level of .17 or higher is called “super-drunk” and has a much higher penalty. If the driver is clearly drunk or intoxicated, it is considered operating while intoxicated. A lesser included drunk driving offense is called operating while impaired.

Drivers under 21 are under a zero-tolerance policy where if they have a blood alcohol content of .02 percent or higher they have violated the law. If the driver is under 21 and has a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, they are treated as an adult. It is also illegal to drive with the presence of cocaine or any other schedule one drug, including marijuana. These drugs are considered “zero tolerance meaning even if a person is not intoxicated or impaired, just the presence alone is a violation of the law.

Traffic laws can vary so much because they can range from simple violations to felonies. A Bloomfield Hills traffic lawyer can help you figure out what laws you may have violated or have been charged with. Attorneys can help you figure out how to fight against these charges to protect yourself financially and to avoid more serious consequences, such as time in prison.