We at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office understand that a traffic offense can cost you time in jail, hefty fines and the loss of your driver’s license. No matter how minor your traffic offense may appear, traffic offenses and the points on your record can add up, especially if you don’t challenge them in court.
With more than 20 years of defending traffic offenses in Michigan, our legal team is highly effective in protecting your rights and your record. We handle a wide range of traffic-related offenses, including the interests of businesses who have an employee commit such an offense in a company vehicle. Examples of charges we routinely fight are:
Michigan law refers to drunk driving offenses as operating while intoxicated (OWI), but most people still call it driving under the influence (DUI). DUI is a criminal offense related to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content over 0.08. A DUI may be punishable by jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, probation and more. Most DUI offenses are misdemeanors but may be charged as felonies in certain circumstances.
If you get a DUI while driving a company-owned vehicle such as a fleet car, delivery truck, police car or school bus, it can have serious consequences. Your company’s auto insurance covers you in its car. Thus, if your rates for coverage increase because of your DUI, your employer will likely take away your company car. If driving a company vehicle is a requirement of your job, this could be grounds for firing you. Additionally, if you apply for a job that requires you to drive a company car or truck, you may be denied employment because of your DUI.
If you drive a bus, tractor-trailer, tanker, or other truck carrying cargo or hazardous materials, your job requires a commercial drivers license (CDL) and a clean driving record. At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, we provide the professional legal representation you need when traffic violations threaten your ability to work. Our Grand Rapids traffic crimes attorneys have over 27 years of experience in protecting clients’ interests and can help defend you against these charges.
The Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual outlines the requirements for obtaining a CDL in our state. It also highlights the different types of traffic violations that could result in fines and the loss of your license. These are divided into two categories:
Penalties for CDL violations can be severe, jeopardizing your ability to work in the industry. The Michigan Secretary of State advises that these penalties include the following:
For a felony conviction on the manufacture or distribution of controlled substances, your CDL will be revoked for ten years.
If you have been charged with a traffic offense, it is important to discuss it with a qualified attorney. At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, we work to protect your driving record and your rights. Call us at 616-698-0000 or contact us via our online inquiry form. We are also available on Skype by appointment.
To talk with our attorney about your legal concerns, contact the Van Den Heuvel Law Office by calling 616-698-0000. You may also complete our online contact form. After-hours consultations are available by appointment. We are also available on Skype by appointment.