How to Get Rid of Points
It is almost always possible to get rid of points or keep a traffic ticket off your record. Never pay a ticket! If you pay a ticket without fighting, you will lose an opportunity to avoid increased insurance rates.
Fighting Traffic Tickets
Casey Roskob was interviewed by Car and Driver magazine. He is an attorney who has dedicated his practice to fighting traffic tickets on behalf of his clients. His philosophy on the litigation of traffic issues also applies to Michigan traffic cases. He stated during the interview, “Fight every ticket….” I’ve shared this philosophy for the past 16 years. Although there are no guarantees in court, almost every ticket can be reduced or dismissed under the right circ*mstances. The insurance companies are the only entities that benefit from Michigan drivers accumulating points on their driving record.
There is almost always no disadvantage in fighting a ticket with an attorney, and there is usually a great benefit. The cost of hiring a lawyer to assist with a ticket is generally less than the costs of increased insurance premiums from a conviction on a moving violation. Often, clients say, “I’m guilty, so why should we go to court?” The answer is simple. In 95% of traffic cases, the issue of guilt or responsibility for the violation is never litigated. In almost all cases, the Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the city attorney or prosecutor and put my client in a much better position by reducing or eliminating points or getting a moving violation dismissed upon payment of a fine. As Mr. Roskob states… “fight every ticket.”
Common Civil Infractions in Michigan
Michigan has many civil infractions; most of which are moving violations that result in higher insurance premiums and points on your driving record. Regardless of the nature of the alleged violation or whether it was justified, it is essential to fight every traffic ticket to avoid points and increased premiums.
- Speeding
- Limited Access Speeding
- Improper Lane Usage
- Improper Start
- Careless Driving
- Failure to Use a Signal
- Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (stop sign or traffic light)
- Too Fast for Conditions
- Failure to Yield
- Failure to Stop Within A Sure and Clear Distance
Misdemeanor Charges – Written as Tickets
In Michigan, some traffic misdemeanors are written as “tickets.” The charges are not civil infractions in these cases and are much more serious.Most traffic misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to 2 years of probation. Some misdemeanors carry a sentence of up to one year in jail. If you’ve received a “ticket” for one of the following offenses, you must have a great lawyer representing you in court to give you the best possible defense.Often, a skilled and adept criminal defense attorney can convince the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a civil infraction, and jail and probation can be avoided entirely.
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving in Violation of a Restricted License
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Show a Valid Operator’s License
- Failure to Have Valid Insurance
- Driving on a Suspended License – Second Offense
- Hit and Run
- Drag Racing
- Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident
- Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident
- Civil Infraction Causing Serious Bodily Injury
- Civil Infraction Causing Death
Fight Every Civil Infraction and Misdemeanor Ticket
If you’ve been issued a civil traffic or misdemeanor ticket in Michigan, you might be tempted to pay the fine and move on. However, doing so can have long-lasting implications on your driving record, insurance rates, and even your freedom. This is why it’s crucial to consider fighting every ticket with the help of a great defense lawyer. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we understand the stakes and are here to tell you why engaging a skilled defense attorney is not just an option but a necessity.
- The Impact of Tickets Goes Beyond Fines: Many underestimate the ripple effects of a seemingly minor traffic infraction or misdemeanor on their lives. Points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and the potential for future legal troubles are just the tip of the iceberg. More severe consequences can include license suspension, job implications for careers requiring a clean driving record, and significant legal penalties for misdemeanors.
- A Great Defense Lawyer Can Make All the Difference: Engaging a seasoned defense attorney offers numerous benefits. Firstly, an experienced lawyer with expertise in Michigan’s traffic and criminal laws gives you the best chance to fight your ticket effectively. They can identify procedural errors, question the evidence against you, and argue for the dismissal or reduction of charges based on legal technicalities you might not know.
- Negotiation Skills to Your Advantage: Experienced defense attorneys possess negotiation skills that can be pivotal in securing a favorable outcome. Whether negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or arguing your case in court, a defense lawyer’s ability to persuasively present your case can lead to significantly better outcomes than if you were to attempt to represent yourself.
- Customized Defense Strategies: Every case is unique, and a skilled lawyer will develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. This personalized approach can uncover avenues for defense that might not be immediately apparent, such as challenging the accuracy of radar gun readings or arguing for the inadmissibility of evidence obtained through improper procedure.
- Protecting Your Future: Perhaps the most compelling reason to fight every ticket with the help of a defense lawyer is the protection of your future. A clean record can preserve your professional opportunities, maintain your insurance rates, and ensure your freedoms remain intact.
At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we are committed to providing our clients with the aggressive, effective defense they need to fight every civil infraction and misdemeanor ticket. Our team of highly experienced attorneys and support staff are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected and that every possible step is taken to achieve a dismissal or reduction of your charges. Don’t let a traffic ticket or misdemeanor charge set you back—contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can fight for you.
We Can Fight your Traffic Ticket
In almost every court in Michigan, it is worth it to fight any traffic ticket you receive. In many cases, a skilled defense lawyer can negotiate a dismissal or a reduction of the charges, even if you have a prior record and there is no defense to the allegation.Officers and prosecutors regularly work with defense lawyers to reduce tickets and points.When a lawyer is known and respected, they can often get the prosecutor and police officer to reduce or eliminate points to avoid a contested hearing.Most prosecutors have felony and misdemeanor cases to handle, witnesses to juggle, and they must deal with harsh judges.They look for ways to quickly and peaceably resolve cases in these situations. Traffic ticket cases with lawyers are usually prime candidates for resolution.
Do you want your ticket dismissed or the points reduced or eliminated? If so, we can very likely help you. We have decades of experience defending clients charged with civil infractions and an unparalleled track record for getting charges reduced or eliminated.
Call us today at(248) 263-6800for a free consultation orcomplete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
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