How Can a Traffic Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Help Me?

Michigan has a long history of over-criminalizing traffic offenses. If you’ve been cited for a felony or misdemeanor traffic offense, here is what you need to know.

A Traffic Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Can Help You Avoid Long-Lasting Consequences

Being charged with a traffic misdemeanor in Michigan is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., our dedicated team of experienced traffic misdemeanor defense attorneys is here to provide the aggressive and effective representation you need to protect your rights and your future. We will navigate the complex legal landscape for you, guiding you every step of the way to ensure you get the best possible outcome and avoid the direct and collateral consequences of a conviction. Our track record of success speaks for itself, and we are committed to achieving the best results for our clients.

The Difference Between a Traffic Infraction and a Misdemeanor

Civil traffic infractions are minor violations of traffic laws that typically result in fines and points on your driving record. They do not carry the potential for jail time. Traffic misdemeanors, on the other hand, are more serious offenses that can lead to criminal charges, resulting in fines, jail sentences, probation, and more severe consequences, including long-term impacts on your driving privileges and criminal record. If you face a traffic misdemeanor, it is vital that you retain a skilled defense attorney right away to protect and defend you.

Direct and Indirect Penalties of Traffic Misdemeanors

Direct Penalties for traffic misdemeanors include jail time, fines, and potential license suspensions. These penalties can significantly impact your daily life, including your ability to drive, your financial situation, and your personal freedom.

Indirect Penalties can be equally damaging, such as increased insurance premiums, difficulties in securing employment, and a permanent criminal record that can affect various aspects of your life.

By hiring an experienced, respected traffic misdemeanor defense attorney from LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., you may be able to avoid these consequences altogether. Our skilled attorneys are adept at negotiating favorable plea deals or seeking the dismissal of charges to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.

Best Traffic Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Misdemeanor Traffic Violations – What You Need to Know

Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: Up to $500
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

If you’re involved in an accident causing property damage, Michigan law requires you to stop, provide your information, and report the accident. Failing to do so can lead to severe consequences, including jail time and fines.

Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident

Maximum Jail Sentence: 1 year
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: Up to $5,000
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Leaving the scene of an accident where someone is injured is a serious offense with severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment.

Failure to Report an Accident Forthwith

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: Up to $500
License Penalties: 4 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Failure to report an accident promptly can lead to fines and jail time. It’s important to report accidents as soon as possible to avoid these penalties.

Reckless Driving

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: Up to $500
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with disregard for safety and can result in significant legal penalties.

OWI/DUI

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days (for a first offense)
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

A first-time OWI/DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and license suspension. Subsequent offenses have even more severe penalties.

Drag Racing

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Participating in drag racing can lead to significant fines, jail time, and a suspension of your driver’s license.

Civil Infraction Causing Serious Bodily Injury

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $500 – $1,000
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Serious bodily injury caused by a traffic violation can result in significant fines and potential license suspension.

Civil Infraction Causing Death

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $1,000 – $5,000
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Although categorized as a civil infraction, causing death through a traffic violation is treated with utmost severity. Our traffic misdemeanor defense attorneys can help you avoid jail time.

Driving While License Suspended

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $500 – $1,000
License Penalties: 4 points on driving record; further suspension of driving privileges

Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor that can lead to more severe consequences and extended license suspension.

Driving Without Insurance/Registration

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $200 – $500
License Penalties: 4 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Operating a vehicle without valid insurance or registration can lead to fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Leaving a Child Unattended in a Vehicle

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is a misdemeanor with serious legal implications. If you want to avoid jail, you will need a top-tier traffic misdemeanor criminal defense attorney.

Allowing an Unlicensed Driver to Operate a Vehicle

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 4 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Allowing an unlicensed individual to drive can result in fines, jail time, and points on your driving record.

Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 2 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Possessing open alcohol containers in a vehicle is a misdemeanor with penalties including fines and potential license suspension.

Improper License Plate

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 2 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Using an improper license plate is a misdemeanor that can result in fines and potential license suspension.

Driving Without a Valid License

Maximum Jail Sentence: 93 days
Probation Term: Up to 2 years
Fine: $100 – $500
License Penalties: 6 points on driving record; possible license suspension

Driving without a valid license can lead to fines, jail time, and a suspension of driving privileges.

When Do You Need a Traffic Misdemeanor Defense Attorney?

A traffic misdemeanor defense attorney is crucial in navigating the complexities of the legal system and avoiding the pitfalls of self-representation. The benefits of hiring a skilled attorney include:

Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable lawyer will help you understand the charges and your options.

Strategic Defense: An experienced attorney will develop a strategic defense plan tailored to your case.

Effective Negotiation: A good lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Self-representation or working with an ineffective lawyer might seem like a cost-saving measure but can lead to severe consequences if they fail to achieve an optimal result.

Hiring LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. ensures you have top-tier legal representation focused on achieving the best outcome for your case.

Why You Should Fight Every Case

A good traffic misdemeanor defense attorney can almost always improve the situation, helping clients avoid convictions, fines, higher insurance rates, and more. Even if convicted, a strong defense can mitigate the consequences. Additionally, avoiding a conviction now means you won’t have to return to court later to seek an expungement. A skilled lawyer can:

Challenge Evidence: Examine the evidence and legal procedures to find weaknesses in the case.
Negotiate Plea Deals: Seek plea bargains that can lead to reduced charges or lesser penalties.
Prevent Convictions: Work to avoid a conviction, which helps prevent increased insurance rates, future legal troubles, and a permanent criminal record.
Avoid Future Issues: Addressing the case effectively the first time can prevent future legal challenges and the need for expungement.

By fighting your case, you can potentially avoid a conviction and its associated long-term consequences.

“If I’m guilty, how can a traffic misdemeanor defense attorney help?“

Even if you believe you are guilty, the traffic misdemeanor defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience and an unparalleled track record for persuading prosecutors to agree to plea bargains resulting in the dismissal of criminal charges and convincing judges to minimize any sentence and fines. They can negotiate plea deals, advocate for reduced penalties, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Expungement of Traffic Misdemeanors

Michigan law was recently changed to permit judges to set aside misdemeanor and felony convictions under the Motor Vehicle Code. Expunging one’s misdemeanor traffic offenses from their criminal history can provide significant benefits, including better job prospects, housing opportunities, and the removal of a permanent criminal record. The traffic misdemeanor defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., can guide you through the expungement process and help you achieve a clean slate.

Why Hire LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to Defend Against a Criminal Traffic Charge

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against traffic misdemeanor charges. Our traffic misdemeanor defense attorneys are committed to providing personalized and aggressive representation to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. We understand the intricacies of Michigan traffic law and use our expertise to protect your rights and future. Call us for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your traffic misdemeanor case. We will find a way to help you!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.