30+ years of trial experience in criminal defense, expungements, OWI/DUI, family law, and civil litigation—serving Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Personalized strategy. Proven results. Se habla español.
- 660 Cascade West Pkwy SE, Ste 70 Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- (616) 676-8770
- brucealanblock.com
Meet Attorney Bruce Alan Block
With over 30 years of courtroom experience, Bruce Alan Block has built a reputation for strong advocacy and proven results across West Michigan. He takes a hands-on approach to every case, offering clients personal attention and reliable guidance.
Grand Rapids Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Getting a traffic ticket can feel like a nuisance, but it can also have serious consequences for your driving record, insurance premiums, and even your freedom. Whether it’s a minor speeding violation or a traffic misdemeanor, Attorney Bruce Alan Block has over 30 years of experience helping Michigan drivers fight back and protect their rights.
Types of Traffic Violations
In Michigan, traffic violations fall into two main categories. Understanding the difference is critical to knowing what’s at stake:
- Civil Infractions – These include speeding, rolling through a stop sign, failing to signal, texting while driving, or driving with a broken headlight. They don’t carry jail time, but they do add points to your license and raise insurance rates.
- Traffic Misdemeanors – These are criminal offenses and can lead to jail, fines, license suspension, and permanent marks on your driving record. Examples include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license (DWLS), operating without insurance, drunk driving (OWI/OWVI), or leaving the scene of an accident.
Why Points Matter
Each ticket adds points to your Michigan driving record. At 12 points, your license may be suspended. Even a single speeding ticket can drive up your insurance costs for years. That’s why simply paying the ticket—or going to court alone—can be a costly mistake.
How to Tell What You’re Charged With
Your State of Michigan Uniform Law Citation will indicate the type of offense:
- C/I – Civil Infraction
- Misd – Criminal Misdemeanor
- Fel – Felony
- Warn – Warning only
If the “Misd” box is checked, you’re facing a misdemeanor charge, which requires a court appearance and can never be expunged. Civil infractions, while less severe, still impact your driving record and insurance.
Why Hire a Michigan Traffic Ticket Lawyer?
Pleading guilty or paying a ticket without consulting an attorney is a big mistake. A skilled traffic ticket lawyer can often:
- Reduce points on your license
- Lower fines and penalties
- Negotiate lesser offenses to avoid long-term consequences
- Protect your license from suspension
With decades of courtroom experience, Attorney Bruce Alan Block knows how to challenge tickets and protect Michigan drivers from harsh penalties.
FAQs – Michigan Traffic Tickets
Paying a ticket may seem easy, but it adds points to your license and can raise your insurance for years. It’s often better to consult an attorney to reduce or dismiss the charge.
Civil infractions result in fines and points, while misdemeanors are criminal charges that can lead to jail time, higher fines, and permanent records.
Civil infractions and misdemeanors go on your permanent driving record. While they cannot be expunged, an attorney can often negotiate reduced charges to limit the impact.