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 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.
Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff 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:
- Drunk driving–dui/owi, felony owi
- Hit and Runs
- License violations
- Driving on suspended and revoked license
- Careless and reckless driving
- Joyriding
- 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
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLS)
Driving on a suspended, revoked, or denied license (MCL 257.904) is a criminal misdemeanor — not just a ticket. A first offense can carry up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine; a second offense up to a year. A conviction adds points, extends your suspension, and can lead to your vehicle being immobilized. Many people don’t even realize their license was suspended — often over an unpaid ticket or a missed court date — until they get pulled over. I can frequently get these charges reduced or resolved in a way that gets you legal to drive again. If your license has been revoked, ask me about license restoration.
Fleeing and Eluding
Failing to stop for a police officer — fleeing and eluding (MCL 257.602a) — is a felony in Michigan, charged in four degrees. Fourth-degree fleeing and eluding carries up to 2 years in prison, and the penalties climb steeply if an accident, injury, or death is involved, up to 15 years. Because it is a felony, the case is heard in circuit court and can carry lifelong consequences. A charge like this demands a serious defense from day one.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run)
Michigan law requires drivers to stop and identify themselves after a crash. Failing to stop (MCL 257.617 and 257.617a) ranges from a misdemeanor for a property-damage accident to a felony punishable by up to 5 years — or up to 15 years if someone was seriously injured or killed. Panic and confusion after an accident are common, but the charge is serious, and how it is handled in the first days matters.
Points, Insurance, and Your Driving Record
Even a “minor” traffic conviction follows you. Michigan assigns points to most moving violations, and those points raise your insurance and can trigger license sanctions once they add up. For anyone who drives for a living, the stakes are higher still. Before you simply pay a ticket and plead guilty by mail, talk to me — a reduction to a non-moving or zero-point violation can save you far more than the fine. If your ticket involves alcohol, see my OWI / drunk driving defense.
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!
"Shawn is very good at what he does he makes sure to get your results fast ..If you are ever unsure about anything and need the cold hard truth instead of someone who is going to try to make you feel better by sugar coating things He is your guy to call.He makes sure he does everything and anything to get the job done and do it right and efficiently all in all great guy." Dame read more testimonials