Plymouth Traffic Lawyer

While traffic tickets may seem relatively minor, they could have serious implications, notably if you accumulate multiple tickets over time. Successive traffic offenses may eventually result in increased insurance rates, points on your driving record, and a serious impact on your driving privileges. Protecting your driving record is crucial when attempting to avoid these negative consequences.

The assistance of a Plymouth traffic lawyer can make a big difference in your ability to keep your driving record clean. More specifically, a dedicated defense attorney could provide excellence in criminal defense by explaining your options for handling a traffic ticket, how tickets may adversely affect your future, and the steps you should take to avoid potentially damaging outcomes.

The most minor traffic offenses under Michigan law are civil infractions. Minor offenses also add points to your driving record, which remain on your record for two years. Importantly, traffic offenses are not all equal, and the number of points assessed varies for individual violations. A well-practiced attorney could explain how points may impact a person’s driving privileges.

Some common traffic offenses and their point values include:

• Two points — speeding less than ten miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit, having an open alcohol container in vehicle, and other moving violations
• Three points — disobeying a traffic signal or sign, improper passing, and speeding between 11 and 15 MPH over the speed limit
• Four points — operating while visibly impaired, speeding 16 MPH or more over the speed limit, and failing to yield for an emergency vehicle
• Six points — failing to stop at the scene of a crash, reckless driving, unlawful BAC of 0.08 or more, and refusing to take a chemical test

Drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period are subject to suspension of their driving privileges. As such, consulting a Plymouth traffic lawyer may be worthwhile after any traffic offense, notably for individuals who already have points on their driving records.

With the points assessed on their driving records, drivers convicted of numerous traffic offenses are likely to see an increase in their motor vehicle insurance rates that may last for a significant period. Even a first traffic offense could increase insurance rates. Having multiple offenses makes it more likely in the eyes of insurance companies that they might eventually have to pay for property damage or injuries.

Beyond these aforementioned consequences, you may additionally face steep fines, court costs, and referrals to certain educational programs after committing multiple traffic violations. In some cases, a driving offense could even lead to a jail sentence or additional criminal charges, in which case representation from a traffic attorney in Plymouth could be key to your personal and financial future.

Many people view traffic tickets as a small inconvenience in their daily lives. If traffic tickets accumulate or are ignored, they could mandate serious changes to your lifestyle. Fines and costs, court appearances, increased insurance premiums, and driver’s license suspensions are all possible negative repercussions of traffic violations that you should want to avoid.

An experienced Plymouth traffic lawyer could assist with assessing your current driving record, and available strategies for avoiding further points being added to that record. If you are facing any kind of traffic violation, call today to start exploring your legal options.