TRAFFIC TICKET DEFENSE

It is never fun to get pulled over and be issued a traffic ticket by the police. This occurrence happens to almost all of us, and the inconvenience of it is coupled with potential license sanctions, fines, and increased insurance rates. Traffic tickets are issued for various alleged violations of traffic safety laws. Common tickets include speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign, and making an illegal turn. 

Being found responsible of these and other infractions will put points on your driver’s license. If you get enough points on your license, then your driver's license may be taken away by the Michigan Secretary of State. You may also have to pay more for insurance. 

Some people just pay the ticket when they get it, thinking that they are doing the right thing by doing so. But did you know that paying the ticket means that you are admitting that you did something wrong and that you are accepting all of the included consequences? These consequences include points on your record, potential license sanctions, and increased insurance rates. 

If you are facing a traffic ticket, then there may be the potential to avoid getting points that you don’t need. Make sure to have your case evaluated by an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have received a traffic ticket.

Commercial driver’s licenses are not just a way to get around, they are a way to make a living for the people that have them. Keeping a commercial driver’s license is essential for people who have to drive for work, such as truck drivers, taxicab drivers, and other professional drivers. Common tickets commercial drivers face include overweight trucks, improper plates, and violations of trucking protocols. 

The state of Michigan is constantly changing the laws about commercial driving. If a driver gets a traffic violation, it will remain on their driver’s record for up to 10 years. If a commercial driver gets more than one traffic violation in two years, then their commercial license can be taken away as punishment. In addition to state law, there are also federal laws that increased the penalties for various traffic violations for commercial drivers.

There are different rules for drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) than for other drivers. For example, the legal limit for drinking alcohol is lower for commercial drivers. If a commercial driver is caught driving with a higher blood alcohol level, their license may be suspended for at least one year. There are other violations that can also lead to a suspension, like leaving the scene of an accident or using the vehicle to commit a crime. If the commercial vehicle was carrying hazardous materials at the time of the violation, the suspension will be at least three years.

HOW POINTS CAN AFFECT YOUR LICENSE AND INSURANCE?

Traffic violations result in both a fine and the potential issuance of points, which is determined by the Michigan Vehicle Code. Some traffic offenses carry no points, while serious traffic-related offenses can carry up to six points. If points are added to your driver’s record, then they will remain on your record for a period of two years. The Secretary of State cannot remove points, and neither can a judge. Once points are added to your license, they will affect you until they expire.

If you accrue four points on your driver’s record within two years, then you will be sent a warning letter from the Michigan Secretary of State that advises you to drive more carefully. Accruing eight points will result in another letter that threatens the suspension of your driver’s license. If you accumulate a total of 12 points on your driver’s license, then you can face license suspension, restriction, or revocation. You will also have to pass a driver’s re-examination. 

The best way to avoid the consequences of traffic points is to never be found responsible of them in the first place. Hiring an experienced attorney can help you avoid points and save money on your insurance and other fees. Make sure to speak to an attorney if you have received a traffic ticket to best understand your options.

THE MY MICHIGAN LEGAL DIFFERENCE

When you are seeking to contest a traffic ticket, it is important to understand the process and be familiar with the types of resolutions that can help you avoid points on your driver’s record. If you were given a ticket wrongfully, then you can challenge the officer at a formal hearing. At My Michigan Legal, we pride ourselves on putting you in the best position to avoid receiving points on your driver’s record. It could be the difference between keeping and losing your legal ability to drive and the difference between higher or lower insurance rates. Certain violations can put both a commercial and regular driver’s license at risk. Make sure you approach your case appropriately.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

If you are facing a traffic ticket, then you will likely have a number of questions. Finding a website like this one can be a great resource, but it is not a substitute for the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you have questions about your situation, then contact us at My Michigan Legal today.

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