Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

Pay off the points?

I received a ticket for running a red light. I had an informal hearing

today and plead ''Not Responsible'' because I believe the light was

yellow. The magistrate took the cop's side and slapped me with a

$90 fine and 3 points on my license. Now my perfect driving

record is tarnished. Is it worth it to appeal this judgment, hire a

laywer, and have a formal hearing with a judge? I don't care about

paying the fine, but I don't want my insurance rates to skyrocket...


Asked on 3/17/03, 8:21 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Eric I. Kutinsky THE MICHIGAN LEGAL TEAM, P.C.

Re: Pay off the points?

Don't just go pay it is not in your best interest. For insurance purposes these points count against you for a 3-year period. One ticket on your record could result in $1,000's in insurance surcharges that you have to pay. It is estimated that over 100,000 tickets are handed out each day. Do the math yourself and you can easily see who the real winner is if you merely plead responsible and pay the fine. I can request a formal hearing. Depending on the city, we have a great chance of helping you. Please contact my office to set up a free initial consultation. (248) 737-7000 or [email protected]

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Answered on 3/17/03, 10:10 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: Pay off the points?

Yes it's worth it. You have 7 days from the judgment to appeal and get a formal hearing wher an attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to get you a better deal. (The only way to win an informal hearing is if the officer fails to appear.)

Perfect records are the leverage lawyers use to keep your record clean. Once the record shows a few convictions, that leverage disappears.

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Answered on 3/18/03, 9:46 am


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