Minnesota Traffic Lawyer

Most drivers have committed a traffic offense at least once at some point in their driving history. However, while most of these offenses are considered minor, such as driving ten miles per hour or less over the posted speed limit, there are some instances in which a traffic citation can have dire consequences.

If you are facing criminal charges for committing a traffic-related offense, you may need skilled legal counsel to help you avoid the most severe associated penalties. For more information on the advantages that obtaining legal counsel could offer someone choosing to fight a traffic violation in court, contact a seasoned Minnesota traffic lawyer.

Types of Traffic Offenses

Although speeding is one of the more common types of traffic violations issued to motorists, it is not the only offense a driver can commit while on state and public roadways. Some of the other types of common traffic-related mistakes that motorists may make include the following:

• Failure to properly stop or yield
• Failure to wear a seatbelt while driving
• Driving without a license
• Engaging in reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Driving without a license, proper insurance, or registration

While these offenses are all criminally punishable acts under Minnesota state law, the penalties a violator may face will vary drastically depending on a wide range of enhancing factors. A Minnesota attorney with experiencing handling cases stemming from traffic violations could review the facts of an alleged offender’s case and then determine whether there are any viable legal defenses available to them to lessen or avoid the associated repercussions.

Criminal Penalties for Traffic Violations

Many traffic-related criminal offenses are not punishable as gross misdemeanors or felonies, such as those defined under Minnesota Statutes § 609.03. However, individuals who commit traffic violations could still face criminal penalties, such as those assessed under Minn. Stat. § 609.02.

In most cases, a traffic violation is considered a “petty misdemeanor,” which means that a conviction will not result in jail time. Typically, a fine of up to $300 is assessed for these cases. When a traffic violation constitutes a misdemeanor offense, such as driving without a license, the penalties increase to potential jail time for up to 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A skilled Minnesota traffic attorney who has experience defending moving violations in court could work diligently to get the charges dismissed so that a defendant does not have to experience these penalties.

Consult a Minnesota Traffic Attorney to Build a Strong Defense Against Your Charges

Although moving violations are relatively common and are not always accompanied by severe criminal penalties, violating a state’s existing traffic regulations can have serious consequences in some cases. You may end up paying hefty fines and could collect unwanted points on your license and face higher insurance prices. In the most severe cases, you could be required to spend some time in jail.

Fortunately, a qualified legal professional is ready to take on your case. Call the firm today to discuss your criminal case with a Minnesota traffic lawyer and learn more about your options.