I Just Got a Traffic Ticket, and I Don’t Know What To Do Next?

Should I pay it? No!! A good lawyer can do many things to help you save money by reducing points and getting charges dismissed.

Do Not Admit to a Civil Infraction – Fight All Tickets

If you just received a traffic ticket, it is considered a civil infraction. A civil infraction is a minor violation of the law; however, it can still have stiff consequences.

A civil infraction can include speeding, driving too fast for conditions, careless driving, failing to signal, changing your address, etc. A civil infraction traffic ticket carries a fine and, with some exceptions, points on your driving record. Having a moving violation or points on your record can affect the status of your driving privileges and also your insurance rates.

What Are My Options? You have three.

1. Pay the ticket: this is almost always the wrong thing. Paying a ticket without a fight is a mistake because there are almost always things a lawyer can do to minimize the damage to your license and insurance rates. In other words, if you just got a traffic ticket, resist the impulse to pay it so that it’s not on your mind because there is likely a way to get it dismissed or reduced if you make the right moves.

2. Ask for an Informal Hearing: An informal hearing is a hearing with you, the police office, and the court’s magistrate or judge. There are no attorneys on either side. The officer presents his case, and you have an opportunity to present your case. A decision gets made. If the magistrate heard the case and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal the decision to the judge. An appeal is the same as a formal hearing. To appeal an adverse ruling in an informal hearing, you must post a bond with the court in the ticket amount.

3. Ask for a Formal Hearing: At a formal hearing, attorneys get involved. The prosecutor will represent the police officer. You may have an attorney with you as well. It is wise to have legal counsel at this stage, so you do not have to face the court, prosecutor, and police officer alone.

Michigan’s Premier Traffic Ticket Defense Attorneys

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have spent decades working in Michigan’s traffic courts. Several of the firm’s attorneys have also worked in the courts as judicial officers making decisions about traffic offenses. With LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. as your traffic ticket defense law firm, you have attorneys with the experience and specialized skills to help minimize damage to your driving record and insurance rates. Michigan has limited public transportation, so it is imperative that you retain the right to stay on the road legally if you just got a traffic ticket.

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.