Kalamazoo Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are commonplace, and most of us have exceeded the speed limit on occasion or neglected to make a full stop at a stop sign. The amount of time that people spend behind the wheel and the number of minor violations we witness in a day make it easy to overlook the possible consequences of traffic violations.
Civil Traffic Violations
Most traffic violations are civil rather than criminal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t carry serious consequences. Some of the most common penalties are fines and driver’s license suspension. There may be additional indirect costs as well, such as increased automobile insurance costs. Depending upon your profession, traffic violations may even cost you your job.
Before you appear in court on a traffic ticket or simply send off a check, make sure you fully understand the possible consequences and explore the defenses that may be available to you. Attorney Tara L. Sharp is here to help. You can schedule a free consultation by calling 269-978-6560.
Out of State Drivers
If you’ve received a traffic citation while passing through the state of Michigan, you may feel that you’re left with two bad options: traveling to fight the ticket or admitting the violation and paying the ticket simply because you can’t take the time out to appear in court. We are often able to help out of state drivers resolve traffic violations without appearing in court, meaning that you would not have to return to Michigan.
Driver’s License Points in Michigan
In addition to the consequences associated with individual traffic offenses, the state of Michigan employs a point system. Accumulating too many points will trigger warning letters and financial consequences, ultimately culminating in a re-examination process that may result in suspension of your driver’s license.
The re-examination is triggered when you reach 12 points in any two-year period. Different offenses are assigned different point values, so it may take just two or three offenses to reach 12 points. Point values for some of the most common offenses are:
| Offense | Points |
|---|---|
| Operating While Intoxicated | 6 |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident | 6 |
| Reckless Driving | 6 |
| Drag Racing Driver | 4 |
| Under 21 with Any Alcohol Content | 4 |
| Speeding by 16+ mph | 4 |
| Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle | 4 |
| Disobeying a Traffic Signal or Stop Sign | 3 |
| Speeding by 11-15 mph | 3 |
| Improper Passing | 3 |
| Failure to Stop for a School Bus | 3 |
| Speeding by 10 mph or less | 2 |
| Open Alcohol Container in Vehicle | 2 |
Driver’s License Restoration
Depending on the reason your driver’s license has been suspended and various other factors, we may be able to assist you in reinstating your driving privileges ahead of schedule, or help you to obtain a restricted license that will allow you to drive to and from work during the suspension period.
Criminal Traffic Violations
In addition to the costs, risk of driver’s license suspension and indirect consequences, some traffic violations are classified as misdemeanors, or even felonies. Some of the most common among these include:
-
- Operating While Intoxicated
- Operating While Impaired
- Open Intoxicants in Vehicle
- Failure to Stop or Identify After an Accident
- Reckless Driving
- Drag Racing
- Disobeying a School Crossing Guard
- Misdemeanor and felony traffic convictions carry criminal penalties, including possible jail time. If you’ve been charged with a criminal traffic offense, you could have a lot at risk. Before you make any decisions about how to proceed, talk to an experience traffic lawyer.
Talk to a Kalamazoo Traffic Lawyer
Whether you’ve been issued a ticket for a civil traffic violation or are facing criminal charges for a more serious traffic offense, you can’t afford to take it lightly. Contact us today to learn more about the possible consequences and your options for negotiating a more favorable resolution or fighting the charge.
Just call 269-978-6560.