Grand Rapids Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Getting a traffic ticket may seem like a minor inconvenience at first. However, even a simple civil infraction can increase your insurance rates, add points to your license, and create long-term consequences. If the ticket is a misdemeanor, the stakes are even higher. For over 30 years, Attorney Bruce Alan Block has helped Michigan drivers fight traffic violations, reduce penalties, and protect their driving records.

Whether you received a speeding ticket in Grand Rapids, were cited for reckless driving, or are facing a suspended license charge, Attorney Block provides experienced and strategic representation designed to achieve the best possible result.

Types of Traffic Violations in Michigan

Michigan traffic violations fall into two main categories. Understanding which one applies is important because the penalties are very different.

Civil Infractions

Civil infractions do not include jail time. However, they can still add points to your driving record and significantly increase your insurance premiums. Common examples include:

• Speeding
• Rolling through a stop sign
• Failure to signal
• Distracted driving or texting
• Driving with defective equipment (e.g., a broken headlight)

Although these violations seem minor, the points and insurance impact can last for years. As a result, having an attorney negotiate the ticket can save you substantial money over time.

Traffic Misdemeanors

Traffic misdemeanors are criminal offenses and should never be ignored. They may lead to fines, probation, license suspension, and even jail. In addition, they create a permanent criminal record. Examples include:

• Reckless driving
• Driving with a suspended license (DWLS)
• Operating without insurance
• OWI/OWVI (drunk or impaired driving)
• Leaving the scene of an accident

Because misdemeanor traffic charges carry long-lasting penalties, it is essential to speak with a lawyer before appearing in court.

Why Points Matter

Michigan uses a point system to track driving behavior. Too many points — especially within a short period — can trigger a license suspension. For example, accumulating 12 points may result in loss of driving privileges.

Even a single speeding ticket can raise insurance costs for three to five years. As a result, paying the ticket outright or attempting to handle it alone can be an expensive mistake.

How to Read Your Michigan Ticket

Your State of Michigan Uniform Law Citation will show exactly what type of offense you are charged with. Look for these codes:

• C/I – Civil Infraction
• Misd – Criminal Misdemeanor
• Fel – Felony (rare in traffic cases)
• Warn – Warning only

If the “Misd” box is checked, you are facing a criminal charge that requires a court appearance. Unlike civil infractions, these charges can never be expunged. Even civil infractions can remain visible to insurers, which is why legal representation is so valuable.

Why Hire a Grand Rapids Traffic Ticket Lawyer?

Pleading guilty or paying a ticket without speaking to an attorney is one of the most common mistakes drivers make. With proper legal representation, many traffic charges can be reduced or dismissed. An experienced attorney can:

• Reduce or eliminate points on your license
• Lower fines and court costs
• Negotiate for lesser offenses
• Protect your license from suspension
• Identify weaknesses in the officer’s evidence

Because Attorney Block has decades of courtroom experience, he knows how to challenge traffic citations and defend Michigan drivers from harsh penalties.

Common Traffic Cases Attorney Block Handles

• OWI/OWVI (drunk or impaired driving)
• Driving-related drug offenses
• Traffic misdemeanors within criminal cases
• Hit-or-run with injury

Whether your goal is to avoid points, protect your record, or fight a misdemeanor, Attorney Block works to secure the best possible resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Attorney Bruce Alan Block today to review your ticket and discuss the best strategy to protect your driving record.