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Ann Arbor Traffic Lawyer Defends Infraction Tickets
Most people will receive a traffic ticket in the course of their lifetime. Most times, these tickets are for speeding, but you can also receive infractions for parking, failure to yield, disobeying traffic signals and even improper lane use, to name a few. Many of these are a hit on your driving record, which can cost you higher insurance premiums for several years. However, contrary to what most people believe, you don’t have to pay the traffic ticket. You generally have two options in Michigan for fighting traffic tickets, with an Ann Arbor traffic lawyer.
Sam Bernstein, an experienced Ann Arbor traffic lawyer and the ArborYpsi Law team, can go to court on your behalf and speak to the prosecuting attorney. In fact, you don’t even need to attend court because an attorney can do this for you. We can work with the prosecutor to dismiss the ticket in exchange for a ticket that is a non-moving violation, which has zero points and will not go on your driving record.
The second option is for you to contest the ticket in a hearing. A formal hearing will be held in which it is the prosecutor’s burden to prove you committed the civil infraction. The formal hearing is like a mini-trial. In the hearing, the police officer or witness will testify, and you may testify as well. As your lawyer, we will cross-examine the witnesses, help you tell your story, and argue your case to the judge. The judge makes the final decision. The prosecutor’s burden of proof is the preponderance of the evidence, which is much lower than the burden of beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case.
Michigan’s Point System for Traffic Offenses
Under Michigan law, tickets have a point system, which impacts your insurance rates. If you have too many points, the Secretary of State’s office may even require you to appear at a driver licensing re-examination hearing, and the results could include license sanctions or suspension.
Here are some common Michigan Traffic Citations and the point penalties associated with them.
Accident - Failure to Stop or ID after Personal Injury - 6 points, misdemeanor
Accident - Failure to Stop or ID after Property Damage - 6 points, misdemeanor
Accident - Hit and Run - 6 points
Careless Driving - 3 points
Disobey Stop Sign - 3 points
Disobey Traffic Signal - 3 points
Drag Racing - 4 points, misdemeanor
Driving While License Suspended/Revoked/Denied - 2 points, misdemeanor, additional suspension
Diving Without Due Care and Caution - 2 points
Failure to Dim Lights - 2 points
Failure to Signal - 2 points
Failure to Stop within Clear Distance - 2 points
Failure to Yield - 2 points
Failure to Yield to Emergency Responder - 2 points
Improper Passing - 3 points
Improper Turn - 2 points
Open Container of an Intoxicant in a Motor Vehicle - misdemeanor
Reckless Driving - 6 points, misdemeanor, a 90-day suspension
Speeding 5 MPH over - 1 point
Speeding 10 MPH over - 2 points
Speeding up through 15 MPH - 3 points
Speeding over 15 MPH - 4 points
Violation of Basic Speeding Laws - 2 points
Contact an Ann Arbor Traffic Attorney
If you are facing drag racing, reckless or careless driving, failure to stop, identify after a personal injury accident, or property damage accident, you should contact an experienced Ann Arbor traffic lawyer to review your case immediately.
Sam Bernstein at ArborYpsi Law can review your case and provide you with top notch legal representation for these complicated matters that could have long-lasting consequences. Our initial consultations are always free, so contact our team today to arrange an appointment.
Sam was a helpful lawyer who is a man of his word. He helped in our cases 2 times in a row with successful outcomes. I could not think of a better lawyer who is always on time to court, good attitude, smart, and honest. He is respectful and answers all of the questions we had. Two cases were both a success thanks to Sam Gigi
★★★★★
It has been a couple of days since Sam represented my son in Washtenaw County. He gave me the miracle I prayed for. He did way more than I thought was possible and as I told him on the phone I would hug him if I could. If you ever need a good lawyer, this guy is the one to hire – and his prices are very very reasonable. I wish him much prosperity and a good life. He made my life happy for the first time in a long time and I cannot thank him enough. Linda
★★★★★
Sam took my call and consulted me immediately. He provided fair pricing for the legal services I was requiring. I hired him about a week before my case, he still took on the case load and did amazing work. He is an excellent attorney and a friendly person to be in the court room with when you’re in a stressful situation. Devon