What You Need To Know About Traffic Tickets
Getting a traffic ticket can be frustrating – and expensive. But there are steps you can take after you have received a traffic ticket to try and keep your driving record clean, protect your license and prevent costly insurance hikes. At my law firm, [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], I am here to help you understand the points and fines you may be facing – and to fight to help you get the best possible results.
Any time you are “convicted” of a traffic ticket, you will have to pay certain fines. Keep in mind that if you just go ahead and pay your ticket, you are “admitting responsibility” – which is the same as a conviction. This means you will “automatically” be assessed the points for that traffic ticket. Also remember, that if you ignore your ticket you will also be “automatically” assessed the fine and the points.
Traffic ticket fines can be different from court to court. Similarly, late fees or penalties can differ from court to court. But points are set by the Michigan Vehicle Code and are the same throughout Michigan for any given traffic ticket.
Should I Plead Guilty Or Responsible To A Traffic Ticket?
When you receive a traffic ticket make sure you understand whether the offense is a civil infraction or a misdemeanor offense. Also, determine whether the offense carries points on your Michigan driving record. I am experienced and can answer any questions you may have.
Understanding What A Civil Infraction Traffic Ticket Is
If you receive a civil infraction that carries points, don’t just pay the ticket. The offense and points will appear on your driving record and this will cause your insurance premiums to increase. You have the right to request a hearing during which you can either fight the ticket or ask the court to reduce or eliminate the points. Our attorneys can handle this process for you from beginning to end.
Call my office and I will request the hearing on your behalf and appear in court. In most cases, it is not necessary to actually conduct the hearing. Even if you committed the offense, I can work with the city attorney or prosecutor and ask for a reduction of the points. I have a very high success rate. And most courts don’t even require you to appear as long as you give an attorneys authority to act on your behalf. You will have a reasonable period of time after court to pay any court fines.
What To Do If You Receive A Misdemeanor Traffic Ticket
If you receive a traffic misdemeanor ticket, you can’t simply pay the ticket. At a minimum, the court will require your appearance at an arraignment. All courts will offer you a pretrial conference if you plead not guilty at your arraignment. The arraignment is a proceeding in which you plead guilty or not guilty. Most courts will allow an attorney to waive the arraignment by pleading not guilty on your behalf in writing and faxing it to the court. Even if you feel you are guilty, I am successful in negotiating with city attorneys and prosecutors to reduce your traffic misdemeanor offense. In many cases, I can reduce the misdemeanor to a civil infraction.
Whether you received a traffic civil infraction or misdemeanor offense, you should at least call my office for a free phone or office consultation. Making the wrong decision can be costly and could result in increased fines, driver responsibility fees and increased insurance premiums.
Do Not Wait – Call [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-3″], Today
I am an experienced traffic attorney and I will help you understand what your ticket means for you and explain the best way to handle it in your situation. Contact me online to schedule a free case evaluation or call [nap_phone id=”LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1″].