Currie & Currie, P.C. is a fully staffed law office with over 40 years experience that also includes 4 years as the Elected Prosecuting Attorney of Saginaw County.

TRAFFIC LAW

Well over 30 million people in the United States receive a traffic ticket each year. Yet, only an estimated 10% of all tickets are actually contested. The result is hundreds of millions of dollars each year paid for traffic ticket fines, increased insurance premiums and other related financial penalties.
Most people do not consider the possibility of challenging a traffic ticket. Many Michigan drivers assume the cost of a traffic court attorney is too great. In fact, in many cases an experienced traffic attorney can save you money in the long run. Many traffic offenses can, and often do, result in significant fines, loss of driving privileges, and increased insurance rates. And the more serious traffic offenses, or even some less serious violations if they are part of a series of violations by the same offender, can result in imprisonment.
Quite simply, traffic tickets should not be taken lightly. We take them quite seriously which is why it is an area of unique specialty in our firm. We explain the possible consequences of the various violations and represent those charged with traffic offenses. We take the mystery out of the process and greatly increase the probability of a positive outcome.
In our streamlined system, and in most cases, there is no need for unnecessary meetings in our office or even the need for you to appear in court for your hearing. Simply fax or e-mail us and pay our legal fee via credit card over the phone. We do all the work and appear on your behalf. It’s that simple.
At the Law office of Currie & Currie our goal is to restore your driving privileges as soon as possible and to save you money. Our traffic court attorney seeks dismissed charges and reduced point tickets on behalf of Michigan drivers. Our clients rely on their driver's license to make a living and provide transportation for their family. If your license has been revoked or suspended, we will seek driver's license restoration. We also understand that mounting traffic violations result in increased insurance premiums. Our criminal defense practice represents drivers in matters involving:
Call (989) 799-5350 or Toll-Free (866) 832-8544 to arrange a free initial consultation. Available 24/7 for immediate service • Credit cards accepted • Payment plans.
TRAFFIC LAW FAQ

Q. What is the difference between a civil infraction traffic ticket and a misdemeanor traffic ticket?
A civil infraction traffic offense is non-criminal. There is no potential jail penalty. You do not need to appear in court unless you wish to challenge the ticket and request a hearing. A misdemeanor traffic offense, such OWI, Reckless Driving etc....do require you to appear in court and are considered criminal in nature. There is potential jail time for any traffic related misdemeanor and most of these crimes cannot be expunged from your record.

Q. What are points?
In Michigan, the majority of moving violations carry points as determined by the Secretary of State. Points are placed on your master driving record for 2 years and also are reported to your automobile insurance company resulting in drastic rate increases.
Some general examples of points

2 points:	- speeding 1- 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit failure to yield violation of basic speed law - improper turn - ignore yield sign
3 points:	- disobey traffic signal - disobey stop sign - careless driving - improper passing - speeding 11-15 m.p.h. over the speed limit
4 points:	-failure to yield to emergency -responder/emergency vehicle -drag racing -speeding 16 m.p.h. or higher over the speed limit

Q.Why should I hire a lawyer if I know that I am guilty of the offense listed on the ticket?
Because an experienced lawyer, absent a tremendous break already provided by the officer, can still generally negotiate a reduction in the number of points you ultimately receive. Sometimes a ticket can even be dismissed, for example, if an officer fails to appear for a hearing (in a limited number of jurisdictions).
Q. Should I still fight a ticket if I have a clean driving record?
Without question. Having a clean record is the best time to fight a ticket. Under these circumstances, we are in a better position to negotiate a very favorable plea bargain such as a reduction of your ticket to a 0 point non-moving violation. This type of infraction does not appear on your master driving record with the Secretary of State and does not get reported to your insurance company.
Q. Do I have to appear in court for my hearing?
Under most circumstances, no. Most courts allow your attorney to appear on your behalf. The vast majority of our clients do not appear and allow us to negotiate the best possible deal for them without the clients presence.
Q. What if I want to fight the ticket in an actual hearing?
Then you will need to appear for the hearing.
Q. Are most tickets fought by way of an actual hearing?
Actually, no. As most experienced attorneys will tell you, the majority tickets are negotiated by way of a plea bargain. The reason for this is that the burden of proof in traffic ticket matters is very high, there is no jury (for civil infractions) and the vast majority of courts defer heavily to the testifying officer. Statistically, it is often a losing proposition for the client. We would much prefer to reduce odds and negotiate a plea to protect your driving record and offset exorbitant insurance premiums.
Nevertheless, some tickets necessarily must be fought and we aggressively do so in court on a regular basis.
Q. The fine for my ticket is less than your fee, why shouldn’t I just pay it and be done with it?
Because the long term consequences of your ticket are far more than you realize. First, most moving violations involve points which will go on your master driving record for 2 years. Worse, any civil infraction will be reported to your automobile insurance carrier who will not hesitate to immediately apply a dramatic raise to your annual premiums. The more points you receive the higher the increase. This could literally cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the next few years. Most insurers will absolutely downplay this information to you but the stark statistically reality speaks volumes. The insurance companies are extremely profitable and its always at your expense.
Q. Can I also get hit with driver responsibility fees? If so, what are these fees all about?
Absolutely. A few years ago, Michigan’s Driver Responsibility Law was introduced to, in effect, penalize “bad” drivers and those with too many points. The fees begin at $100 if a person has 7 or more active points on their record and increase by $50 for each additional point. For 18 points, the fee is $650. You will have to pay the fee for 2 years if you cross the point threshold. If you do not pay the fee, your driver’s license will be suspended.
There are higher driver responsibility fees that are automatically imposed in more serious traffic offenses and must be paid for 2 years:
- Operating While Intoxicated: $1000 yr/2 yrs.
- Operating While Visibly Impaired: $500/2 yrs.
- Driving While License Suspended: $500/2 yrs.
- Q. Is there a difference if I received my ticket for speeding in a construction zone?
  Yes. First, the fines are doubled. If you were traveling 1-10 m.p.h. over the speed limit, you will receive a 3 point ticket. Speeding 11-15 m.p.h. is a 4 point ticket. If, however, you were speeding 16 m.p.h. over the limit you will receive a 5 point ticket. It does not matter in the eyes of the law if workers were actually present and working at the time of your traffic stop.