The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan

Traffic Crimes Attorneys
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Citizens of the state of Michigan get traffic violations all the time.  Many people don’t feel the need to contact a lawyer after this happens, but Shawn at The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan can minimize the negative impact of your traffic violation.  We will protect your rights and fight for you every step of the way if you are charged with traffic crimes. 

The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan has a reputation for providing aggressive and knowledgeable legal representation.  Our skilled attorneys can handle a wide range of matters from drug crimes, felony offenses and all traffic crimes. The traffic crimes we defend include:

  1. Drunk driving–dui/owi, felony owi
  2. Hit and Runs
  3. License violations
  4. Driving on suspended and revoked license
  5. Careless and reckless driving
  6. Joyriding
  7. Unlawful use of a vehicle.

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Reckless Driving

The Reckless Driving charge in Michigan is a misdemeanor charge which carries with it a possible penalty of up to 93 days in jail.  Under the Reckless Driving Statute, a person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other places open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.  “Willful or wanton disregard” means more than simple carelessness, but does not require proof of an intent to cause harm.  It means knowingly disregarding the possible risks to the safety of people or property.

We understand that the reckless driving law in Michigan was recently changed to include these additional offenses:  reckless driving causing serious injury and reckless driving causing death.  Reckless driving causing serious injury is a felony with a possible sentence of up to five years in prison.  Reckless driving causing death is an extremely serious felony.  A conviction for Reckless driving causing the death of another due to reckless driving could result in a prison sentence of up to fifteen years incarceration.

Careless Driving

The Careless Driving Charge in Michigan is Routinely handed out by police officers all across.  According to the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, the civil infraction for Careless Driving is defined as a “person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public including an area designated for the parking of vehicles in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness.”

A more explanatory definition of what constitutes Careless Driving negligence can be inferred from the Michigan Criminal Jury Instruction Definition of Negligence which states that “[o]rdinary negligence means not taking reasonable care under the circumstances as they were at the time.  If someone does something that is usually dangerous, something that a sensible person would know could hurt someone, that is ordinary negligence.  If the defendant did not do what a sensible person would have done under the circumstances, then he is guilty of ordinary negligence.” 

See CJI2d 11.21

Hire The Best Grand Rapids, Michigan Traffic Crime Lawyer!

Far too often, many people get a traffic ticket in the Grand Rapids area and they just pay the fine and move on. However, one of the best traffic crimes defense lawyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan knows that is a mistake. 

Do not send in your guilty plea and payment without understanding what the costs are for doing so. Beyond the financial burden, you will get points on your record which will raise your insurance costs. 

The long-term costs of these traffic infractions can be far greater than you realize. Talk to Shawn first before you do anything regarding your traffic crime.  Shawn will let you know what your options are.

West Michigan top rated traffic lawyer can successfully help you get your ticket crime reduced and even dismissed. Call Shawn today for a free case evaluation!

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