Michigan Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
Q: I received 2 tickets and a warning. I was not in the vehicle. I was at home sleeping. What do I do?
Mark Bredow's answer
You did not mention the specific citations that were issued. However, most infractions, including defective equipment violations are issued to the driver, not the owner. It is an infraction to drive a vehicle that does not comply, not to own one. There are citations that can be issued to an owner based upon the owner's allowing another to drive. I recommend that you contact an attorney and request a formal hearing on the citations. You may also consider filing a FOIA request for a copy of...
You did not mention the specific citations that were issued. However, most infractions, including defective equipment violations are issued to the driver, not the owner. It is an infraction to drive a vehicle that does not comply, not to own one. There are citations that can be issued to an owner based upon the owner's allowing another to drive. I recommend that you contact an attorney and request a formal hearing on the citations. You may also consider filing a FOIA request for a copy of...
Q: I received a running red light ticket but the name on the ticket is not mine it's the owner of the vehicles do i pay it
Frank B. Ford's answer
You need to contact the police department that issued the ticket, and ask them to dismiss the ticket and re-write it in your name. If you just pay it, the other person will get points on their record that they don't deserve. In being honest about it, you may actually help yourself by getting the police or prosecutor to give you some kind of a break. Do the right thing. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
You need to contact the police department that issued the ticket, and ask them to dismiss the ticket and re-write it in your name. If you just pay it, the other person will get points on their record that they don't deserve. In being honest about it, you may actually help yourself by getting the police or prosecutor to give you some kind of a break. Do the right thing. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
Q: How do you request a court appointed attorney for a traffic violation?
Brent T. Geers' answer
You don't get one unless what you're cited for is a misdemeanor (versus a civil infraction), and you have the possibility of jail.
You don't get one unless what you're cited for is a misdemeanor (versus a civil infraction), and you have the possibility of jail.
Q: Will I be able to use an emergency situation defense?
Brent T. Geers' answer
Your boyfriend is fortunate that all he received was a speeding citation; he could have received criminal charges. Given the circumstances, though, and the fact that he wasn't criminally charged, it may be worth his while to obtain local counsel and request a formal hearing on the citation to see what can be worked out.
Your boyfriend is fortunate that all he received was a speeding citation; he could have received criminal charges. Given the circumstances, though, and the fact that he wasn't criminally charged, it may be worth his while to obtain local counsel and request a formal hearing on the citation to see what can be worked out.
Q: Traffic Crash
Brent T. Geers' answer
Doesn't sound like it. Criminal charges could result if alcohol or drugs were involved, or you failed to stop and report, or you somehow intentionally or recklessly did this. None of that appears to be the case here.
Doesn't sound like it. Criminal charges could result if alcohol or drugs were involved, or you failed to stop and report, or you somehow intentionally or recklessly did this. None of that appears to be the case here.
Q: Fail to Stop in Assured Clear Distance citation information wrong: Name, Address, Driver's License# and car can i fight
Brent T. Geers' answer
You will not win on the merits due to wrong information, unless you are saying that you received this ticket but you weren't the one driving. And if it was you driving, but the ticket lists someone else's information, how is it affecting you at this point? By asking for a formal hearing and showing up, the court will simply correct the information and ask you why you should not be held responsible.
You will not win on the merits due to wrong information, unless you are saying that you received this ticket but you weren't the one driving. And if it was you driving, but the ticket lists someone else's information, how is it affecting you at this point? By asking for a formal hearing and showing up, the court will simply correct the information and ask you why you should not be held responsible.
Q: I reviced a double parking ticket, but the address on the ticket doesnt match my ID or Insurance. Do i gave to pay it?
Brent T. Geers' answer
Yes. The wrong address won't get you out of the parking ticket. They have your license plate number and sooner or later it will catch up to you. My advice is to pay it and move along with life, but be sure that the ticketing agency has your current address because you don't want them coming back down the road saying you owe extra costs.
Yes. The wrong address won't get you out of the parking ticket. They have your license plate number and sooner or later it will catch up to you. My advice is to pay it and move along with life, but be sure that the ticketing agency has your current address because you don't want them coming back down the road saying you owe extra costs.
Q: I was in a car accident. The ticket states that I left the scene. I gave all my information to the other party.
Frank B. Ford's answer
Leaving the scene of an accident is a 6 point violation, which is as big as they get. It is also a criminal offense that could conceivably put you in jail for three months, although that is not likely. My point is, it's a serious charge, and you should get an attorney who regularly practices traffic law to assist you, and do so as soon as possible. An attorney can present your situation in the most favorable light. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
Leaving the scene of an accident is a 6 point violation, which is as big as they get. It is also a criminal offense that could conceivably put you in jail for three months, although that is not likely. My point is, it's a serious charge, and you should get an attorney who regularly practices traffic law to assist you, and do so as soon as possible. An attorney can present your situation in the most favorable light. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
Q: I just received a speeding ticket and the officer wrote I was doing 80 in a 55 zone, but the zone was 70.
Frank B. Ford's answer
The rights I assume you refer to are the Miranda Warnings. Those do not apply for two reasons: You were not in custody, and a speeding ticket is not a criminal charge, it is a Civil Infraction. If the area had a 70 MPH speed limit, then that is a significant issue, because that makes a difference in the number of points you would get if you are found responsible or plead responsible. Depending on where this took place, you may want to request an Informal Hearing, or hire an attorney and...
The rights I assume you refer to are the Miranda Warnings. Those do not apply for two reasons: You were not in custody, and a speeding ticket is not a criminal charge, it is a Civil Infraction. If the area had a 70 MPH speed limit, then that is a significant issue, because that makes a difference in the number of points you would get if you are found responsible or plead responsible. Depending on where this took place, you may want to request an Informal Hearing, or hire an attorney and...
Q: I got a ticket for double parking even though I was pulled over for speeding. Is this legal? Can I do anything about it?
Frank B. Ford's answer
You got a big break. Pay the ticket for double parking and be happy you won't be getting points. In fact, nothing at all will go on your driving record, so long as you pay the ticket on time. If you contest it, they will probably amend the ticket to charge you with the speeding charge, so leave well enough alone and pay it. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
You got a big break. Pay the ticket for double parking and be happy you won't be getting points. In fact, nothing at all will go on your driving record, so long as you pay the ticket on time. If you contest it, they will probably amend the ticket to charge you with the speeding charge, so leave well enough alone and pay it. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
Q: I am under the age of 18 and I have a driver's permit but not a Driver's License can I purchase a car at a Dealership?
1 Answer
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Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Civil Rights
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Michigan
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Answered on Aug 22, 2018
Answered on Aug 22, 2018
Mark Bredow's answer
it's unlikely that a car dealer will sell to you alone, without an adult, because minors may void a contract until their 18th birthday. But, if they do, the dealer will apply for the plate for you. You are not required to be a licensed driver to purchase a car, but you have to be licensed to drive it off the lot.
it's unlikely that a car dealer will sell to you alone, without an adult, because minors may void a contract until their 18th birthday. But, if they do, the dealer will apply for the plate for you. You are not required to be a licensed driver to purchase a car, but you have to be licensed to drive it off the lot.
Q: I forgot to get my tag renewed. I got a citation. Can I fight it?
Frank B. Ford's answer
Contact the court within the time period stated on the ticket. Tell them you want to have an Informal Hearing, or Pre-trial, depending on how the ticket is written. The ticket should be marked as to if it is a Civil Infraction (CI) or Misdemeanor (Misd). There should be instructions for whichever it is attached to the ticket; follow them. as to how to contest a ticket. Then go to court when you are notified or told to come to court, and explain your situation to the prosecutor or officer or...
Contact the court within the time period stated on the ticket. Tell them you want to have an Informal Hearing, or Pre-trial, depending on how the ticket is written. The ticket should be marked as to if it is a Civil Infraction (CI) or Misdemeanor (Misd). There should be instructions for whichever it is attached to the ticket; follow them. as to how to contest a ticket. Then go to court when you are notified or told to come to court, and explain your situation to the prosecutor or officer or...
Q: I was stopped because of move over violation. Did not get the ticket. Will he charge me because it is misdemeanor
Jasmine D. Rippy's answer
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle is a misdemeanor in Michigan punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days. If the officer didn’t give you a ticket, then you got a break.
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle is a misdemeanor in Michigan punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days. If the officer didn’t give you a ticket, then you got a break.
Q: Can a officer legally pull me over without reason?
Jasmine D. Rippy's answer
No, officers must have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity to pull you over. If you feel that your constitutional rights have been violated by the police, you should have an attorney represent you. If you can’t afford one, you can request a court appointed attorney.
No, officers must have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity to pull you over. If you feel that your constitutional rights have been violated by the police, you should have an attorney represent you. If you can’t afford one, you can request a court appointed attorney.
Q: Ticket for plate violation and no proof of insurance. Was not my car. Have to appear in court
Jasmine D. Rippy's answer
If you appear in court and can show proof that the plates are now valid and that you have insurance, the prosecutor may offer a plea deal with reduced charges and fines.
If you appear in court and can show proof that the plates are now valid and that you have insurance, the prosecutor may offer a plea deal with reduced charges and fines.
Q: If i pay a ticket don't that mean i plead guilty or no contest.
Jasmine D. Rippy's answer
A regular traffic ticket is a civil infraction so paying it would mean that your pleading responsible to the civil infraction.
A regular traffic ticket is a civil infraction so paying it would mean that your pleading responsible to the civil infraction.
Q: I have a ticket That is 14 yrs old but I did not get it I When to get my drive license
Frank B. Ford's answer
I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question. If it is a civil infraction, then it is certainly in default, and you just need to pay it. If it is a misdemeanor, then you will have to appear at court, in which case you will be much better off if you hire an attorney to help you. Is it keeping you from having a valid driver's license? Probably so, in which case, you will have to deal with it before Secretary of State will issue a license. If it is a misdemeanor, there may be an old...
I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question. If it is a civil infraction, then it is certainly in default, and you just need to pay it. If it is a misdemeanor, then you will have to appear at court, in which case you will be much better off if you hire an attorney to help you. Is it keeping you from having a valid driver's license? Probably so, in which case, you will have to deal with it before Secretary of State will issue a license. If it is a misdemeanor, there may be an old...
Q: Hello I received a speeding ticket. Found numerous mistakes on ticket.
Frank B. Ford's answer
This kind of errors are called scrivener errors, and they are usually not of much help in fighting a ticket. They might be useful as a bargaining point in a negotiation for a reduction in the charge. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
This kind of errors are called scrivener errors, and they are usually not of much help in fighting a ticket. They might be useful as a bargaining point in a negotiation for a reduction in the charge. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford
Q: My ticket has the color of my vehicle incorrect. Will that be enough for dismissal?
Jasmine D. Rippy's answer
If everything else on the ticket is correct except for the color of your vehicle, the ticket won’t automatically be dismissed because it contains the wrong color. Substantive issues such as your break light not being defective at the time of the stop would be grounds for a dismissal. However, a technical error such as the color of your car won't get the case dismissed alone.
If everything else on the ticket is correct except for the color of your vehicle, the ticket won’t automatically be dismissed because it contains the wrong color. Substantive issues such as your break light not being defective at the time of the stop would be grounds for a dismissal. However, a technical error such as the color of your car won't get the case dismissed alone.
Q: Is there a way I can have a speeding ticket dismissed? It is my first ticket in the 40 plus years I have been driving.
Mark Bredow's answer
It may difficult to get the ticket dismissed, unless you request a formal hearing and the officer fails to appear. Otherwise you are advised to try to negotiate the ticket down to a lessor offense with fewer points and/or fees. It is well worth the cost to have an attorney appear with you.
It may difficult to get the ticket dismissed, unless you request a formal hearing and the officer fails to appear. Otherwise you are advised to try to negotiate the ticket down to a lessor offense with fewer points and/or fees. It is well worth the cost to have an attorney appear with you.
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