Traffic Fines - Branch County, Michigan (2024)

FAQs

How do you get a traffic ticket dismissed in Michigan? ›

To get a speeding ticket dismissed in Michigan, ticket recipients may contest the ticket in court. If the recipient can present enough evidence to convince the judge of the recipient's innocence or an error in the ticketing process, the judge may dismiss the case.

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.

Requesting a mitigation hearing

If you're guilty of the traffic violation, you have the option to request a mitigation hearing and have your fine reduced. Your mitigation hearing may result in, any of the following in lieu of paying the full original ticket fine: Fine reduction. Monthly payment plan.

As a consequence, the points for any traffic ticket conviction will remain on your record for two years from the date of the conviction. This is why it is so important to fight every single ticket you receive, rather than waiting until you get a ticket which will push you over the 12-point limit.

You have been in three or more traffic crashes resulting in personal injury or property damage over the past two years. You have accumulated 12 or more points within a two-year period. You have been convicted of violating the restrictions, terms or conditions of your license.

Driving over Michigan speed limits is not a felony. However, depending on the circ*mstances, if a driver's excessive speed constitutes “reckless driving,” then he or she could be guilty of a felony if his or her speeding causes the death or “serious impairment of body function” of another person. (

Points are assigned to every traffic violation, and the number of points on your driving record goes up as the severity of the infraction increases. For example, if you get a speeding ticket for driving 6-10 MPH over the limit, it's a 2-point violation, while speeding 16+ MPH over the limit holds a 4-point value.

First of all, read the instructions on the ticket. It explains your options in detail. Be aware the "court date" on the front of the ticket is not the date you should appear in court. This is a deadline (usually 14 days) for either paying the ticket, or notifying the court of your intention to contest the charge.

How to get points off your license in Michigan? ›

Some drivers have the option to take a Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) to remove the points from your record, but it is at the court's discretion, and you may only take the course once in your lifetime.

Penalties for Not Paying a Fine in Michigan

Within 14 days of this notice, if the fine has still not been paid, the defendant's driver's license will be suspended. A driver's license suspension that arises after a person fails to pay a fine will remain in effect until: The fine has been paid.

Your argument should be clear, concise, and persuasive. State the reasons why you believe you should not have been charged and present any evidence that supports your case. Use specific examples and be as detailed as possible.

Adjust your insurance policy

In Michigan, points for speeding typically stay on your driving record for two years. You'll likely see your rates go up during this probational period, but you can make some adjustments to your insurance policy to counterbalance this.

In Michigan, an impeding traffic violation typically indicates that a driver is alleged to have unreasonably obstructed the normal flow of traffic, for example by driving at a significantly slower speed than what would be considered normal for the conditions at the time.

This process requires you to plead “not guilty” and present your case in person or through an attorney you hire to represent you. If you win, your ticket will be dismissed and your driving record will remain clear of points.

Points may also be added to the driving record by the Secretary of State. A person cannot be sent to jail for a civil infraction. If you have received a traffic ticket, you have 10 business days to answer that citation; namely, to admit or deny responsibility. You are not required to pay the fine within 10 days.

Failing to Appear

If you fail to appear for a civil infraction violation, a default judgment will be entered against you, a $25 late fee will be assessed in addition to the original fines and costs (PDF) and your driver's license will be suspended until such time as payment is made.