Navigating what to do after getting a Michigan traffic ticket can be daunting, with options ranging from fighting the ticket to weighing the long-term implications on insurance premiums. Deciding whether to fight a ticket or accept the consequences includes considering the potential impact on your driving record and insurance rates.
Many people don’t know what to do after getting a ticket. Some consider paying for the ticket and moving on, believing it to be the cheaper option. However, this approach can have long-term consequences that far outweigh the immediate cost of the ticket. By fighting every traffic ticket, you can protect yourself from increased insurance premiums, points on your driving record, and potential limitations on your driving privileges. In this article, we will explore why fighting every traffic ticket is a wise investment and the benefits it can provide in the long run.
The Cost of Paying a Ticket
On the surface, paying a traffic ticket may seem like the easiest and most convenient option. The ticket provides instructions on how to pay the fine either in person or online. According to statistics from the National Motorists Association, only 5% of Americans contest their traffic tickets. However, paying a ticket without a fight can have significant financial consequences.
Disadvantages of Paying a Ticket
Here are some of the major disadvantages of paying a ticket without attempting to fight it:
- Higher insurance premiums: Paying a ticket can lead to higher insurance premiums for the next 3-5 years, which can be far greater than the cost of hiring a lawyer.
- Points on your driving record: Paying a ticket results in points being added to your driving record, potentially leading to further consequences in the future.
- Impact on future tickets: Tickets that appear on your record can affect the outcome of future tickets if you choose to contest them.
- Employment limitations: Some employers may deny or restrict your use of company vehicles if you have a history of traffic violations.
- Expensive ticket set-aside: Trying to get a ticket set aside after admitting responsibility can be expensive and not guaranteed.
- Points System and License Reexamination: Accumulating 12 points within two years necessitates a driver assessment reexamination. The Secretary of State monitors your points and mandating a reexamination at 12 points, which may include tests on eyesight, traffic safety knowledge, and driving skills.
The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
The answer to the question of “What to do after getting a Michigan traffic ticket,” is straightforward. Hiring a skilled traffic defense lawyer to fight your traffic ticket can make a significant difference in the outcome and long-term consequences. An attorney experienced in negotiating traffic tickets can help protect your driving record and save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per year. Hiring a traffic ticket attorney in Michigan can significantly influence the outcome of your case, especially for serious offenses or when facing the possibility of license suspension.
Save Time and Avoid Missed Work
When you receive a traffic ticket, one of the major concerns is having to appear in court. Hiring a lawyer can save you valuable time by allowing them to appear on your behalf. This means you won’t have to take time off work or spend hours waiting in line at the courthouse. Many times, lawyers can handle the entire process without you having to be present.
Expert Negotiation for the Best Outcome
One of the significant advantages of hiring a lawyer for a traffic ticket is their ability to negotiate with the prosecution. They have the knowledge and experience to assess your case and determine the best possible outcome, considering your driving record and other factors. Whether it’s reducing fines, avoiding points on your license, or seeking alternative resolutions, a skilled lawyer can advocate for the best deal.
Knowledge of Legal Procedures and Rights
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the procedures and your rights. Lawyers specializing in traffic tickets understand the intricacies of the law and can guide you through the process. The Michigan Traffic Ticket Manual is quite large. Good lawyers know this manual well and the laws associated with the infractions. They know the documents to file, the deadlines to meet, and how to challenge evidence if it was improperly obtained. By having a lawyer by your side, you can ensure that your case is handled correctly and in compliance with legal procedures.
Explanation of Your Options
When facing a traffic ticket, it’s crucial to understand the different options available to you. Pleading guilty may not always be the best choice. A lawyer can explain the implications of pleading not guilty, no contest, or guilty, helping you make an informed decision. They can also provide insights into the potential repercussions of each option, allowing you to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
Minimize Consequences for Accidents
If you were involved in an accident and received a traffic ticket, hiring a lawyer becomes even more crucial. They can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce a moving violation to a non-moving violation. This can prevent points on your license and potentially a criminal conviction. By minimizing the consequences of the ticket, you can protect your driving record and insurance premiums.
Time and Cost Savings
One might assume that hiring a lawyer is expensive, but many times, it can actually save you money. When you consider the fines, court costs, and potential insurance rate increases associated with a traffic ticket, the cost of hiring a lawyer becomes a worthwhile investment. Lawyers can save you time by handling the legal proceedings efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays, and ensuring your case is resolved in a timely manner.
Reasonable Fees and Cost-Effective Solutions
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer is not as expensive as it may seem. The cost of their services is often outweighed by the potential savings in fines, insurance premiums, and other expenses. Many times, the reduction in fines alone can offset the cost of hiring a lawyer. It’s important to consider the long-term financial implications of a traffic ticket and the potential benefits of having professional legal representation.
Avoiding Points and Entries on Your Driving Record
The best outcome you can hope for when fighting a traffic ticket is a dismissal without court costs. However, if a dismissal is not possible, an experienced attorney can work towards reducing the charges to offenses that do not carry any points or abstract on your record. Offenses such as “impeding traffic” or “double parking” can be utilized to avoid points and maintain a clean driving record.
Avoiding Consequences of Increased Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies do not want you to hire an attorney. Insurance companies play a significant role in the long-term consequences of paying a traffic ticket. They use the information on your driving record to calculate your premiums for the next 3-5 years. Insurance eligibility points, assigned by insurance companies, can cause increased premiums or even denial of coverage if you have accumulated too many points within a certain period. Young and elderly drivers, in particular, should know how their driving records can affect their insurance rates.
You Benefit Financially
While the immediate cost of hiring a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket may seem significant, it can provide substantial long-term economic benefits. According to Gary Biller, President of the National Motorists Association, a single traffic violation conviction can increase insurance rates by 15-20% within a 3-5 year period. By investing in an attorney and fighting the ticket, you can potentially save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your automotive insurance rates.
Benefits for Young and Elderly Drivers
Young and elderly drivers face higher insurance premiums because of being in higher-risk groups. Therefore, it is crucial for these drivers to be proactive in avoiding traffic tickets and fighting any tickets they receive. By hiring an attorney to fight their traffic tickets, they can protect their driving records and mitigate the economic impact of increased insurance premiums.
Do I really need a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
Conclusion
The choices Michigan drivers make following the receipt of a speeding ticket can have extensive consequences, not just immediately but in the long run, affecting insurance rates, employment opportunities, and legal standings. With the knowledge of how to effectively respond to a ticket, the potential to engage skilled legal assistance, and the understanding of the long-term ramifications, drivers are better equipped to handle such situations with foresight and prudence. This guide aims to empower readers with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of traffic violations, ensuring a more informed approach to maintaining a clean driving record and mitigating adverse outcomes.
Contact Us.
Czarnecki & Taylor are a team of experienced traffic ticket attorneys who have successfully represented thousands of clients in Michigan.
You can call us at (586) 718-2345, 24/7 – 365 days a year. We offer free consultations. You can also use the button below to send us a message.