The most common traffic misdemeanors are reckless driving, driving with a suspended license or no license (DWLS), improper license plate, expired license plate, drunk driving (OWI, OWID, OWVI), and a lot more. Michigan law mandates that every vehicle on the road have car insurance. However, there is also a civil infraction for not having proof of insurance in your vehicle. The distinction between a traffic misdemeanor and a civil infraction can be very confusing, especially since they are both written up on the same one-size-fits-all ticket.
There are two ways to tell the difference. Probably the best way of distinguishing whether you have been written up for a traffic misdemeanor or a less serious traffic civil infraction is to carefully inspect the State of Michigan Uniform Law Citation. Next to the charge there is a very small box that indicates the type of offense you are being charged with. The type of charge is abbreviated - which makes things even more confusing. There are three boxes that you need to carefully check: C/I = Civil Infraction; Misd = criminal misdemeanor; Fel = criminal felony. If the "Misd" box is checked it means you are accused of a traffic misdemeanor. "Warn" means that you were only issued a warning. See the example on the left of a State of Michigan Uniform Law Citation Ticket.
Another way to differentiate between a civil infraction and a criminal misdemeanor is whether you are required to see a judge if you decide to just pay the ticket. Since jail is not possible for civil infractions, if you decide to not fight the ticket you can do so with the clerk at the front counter and will never see a judge or magistrate. However, if the court clerk tells you that you must appear before a magistrate or judge, that is a clear indication that you have been charged with a traffic misdemeanor. Remember, traffic misdemeanors can NEVER be expunged or set aside.
In our opinion, admitting responsibility or pleading guilty to a traffic misdemeanor or civil infraction ticket without first talking with a lawyer is a BIG MISTAKE. Usually, the charge can be lessened and/or the consequences (points) reduced. Never go to court alone. Never, Never ever just plead guilty or just pay the ticket. Always talk with a Grand Rapids West Michigan traffic ticket lawyer before going to court. Our Grand Rapids, Michigan traffic ticket lawyer will advise and guide you through the traffic ticket maze.
The civil infractions and traffic misdemeanors go on your permanent driving record forever. Even one speeding ticket can cause your insurance rates to go up. Whether or not you are guilty of the infraction or traffic offense does not matter. Talk with a Michigan traffic ticket lawyer us first. If nothing else we can probably help you get the points reduced.