Traffic Criminal Defense Lawyer
Always be careful when driving in Michigan—some traffic offenses are criminal and may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies.
If you receive a traffic citation, it is important to determine whether the offense is a criminal offense or a civil infraction. A criminal traffic offense carries fines and the possibility of jail time. You must appear in court for a criminal traffic offense—you cannot simply pay a fine to resolve the matter.
Some criminal traffic offenses also result in points being added to your driving record.
It’s important to fight a criminal traffic charge. In my 25+ years of experience handling these cases, I have successfully negotiated with prosecutors to reduce criminal traffic charges to civil infractions, where the only penalty is a fine.
Common Traffic Criminal Offenses (Misdemeanors or Felonies):
- Impaired driving (OWVI)
- Drunk driving (OWI, DUI)
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
- Driving without a valid license in possession
- Improper registration
- Reckless driving
- Reckless driving causing serious injury or death
- Allowing an unlicensed person to operate your vehicle
- Driving certain trucks without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Spilled load on a highway
- Leaving the scene of a personal injury or property damage accident
- Failing to report an accident
- Reckless driving causing serious injury or death (duplicate—may remove or consolidate)
- Third-offense drunk driving
Penalties for Traffic Criminal Offenses May Include:
- Points assessed on your Secretary of State driving record
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Possible jail time
- Fines and court costs
- Driving restrictions
If you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor or felony, call me to discuss your rights and legal options. I offer free consultations by phone or in person.
Call (248) 357-3000, or after hours text or call me at (248) 227-9101. You may also email me to schedule an appointment.
