Civil Infractions vs. Criminal Traffic Offenses
Most moving violations in Michigan, such as speeding and careless driving, are civil infractions. Others, including reckless driving (MCL 257.626), driving while license suspended (MCL 257.904), and leaving the scene of an accident, are criminal misdemeanors that can carry jail time.
Points on Your Record
Under MCL 257.320a, points stay on a Michigan driving record for 2 years. Examples include:
- Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit: 2 points
- Speeding 11 to 15 mph over: 3 points
- Speeding more than 15 mph over: 4 points
- Careless driving: 3 points
- Reckless driving and OWI: 6 points
Accumulating 12 or more points within 2 years can lead to a driver assessment re-examination and possible license action. Points can also raise insurance premiums.
Commercial Drivers
CDL holders face stricter rules. Serious traffic violations can lead to CDL disqualification, and CDL holders are not eligible for the Basic Driver Improvement Course that lets some drivers avoid points (MCL 257.320d).
How We Help
We contest tickets at informal and formal hearings and negotiate reductions to non-moving or lower-point violations. One client hired Miguel for six traffic tickets and had the fines and tickets dismissed with only a small penalty.