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How the state police may decide to cite you

On Behalf of | Aug 15, 2017 | Felonies |

It’s not very often that we talk about traffic violations on this blog, but we find it important enough to discuss them through this post for a variety of reasons. First, with Labor Day weekend coming soon, traffic enforcement will undoubtedly be higher, especially because the possibility of having more drunk drivers and distracted drivers on the road raises the potential for an accident.

Second, traffic violations may have far-reaching implications that can greatly impact a person’s life. Essentially, unresolved violations may turn into bench warrants, which may land an unsuspecting driver in jail.

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” comes to mind when dealing with traffic stops, especially for speeding. This post will give some insight into what factors some Michigan State Police officers use in determining whether to issue a ticket.

Before the stop – Chances are that the officer will use a radar gun from a stationary position to gain an initial speed reading. If a car is travelling far above the speed limit, the officer may jump into traffic to get a second reading and will not likely pull a car over until directly behind it.

During the stop – The officer will likely make a number of “reads” before approaching the driver’s side, including a scan of the license plate to gather information about possible registration violations or whether it was involved in a crime. The officer will also assess the driver’s demeanor. Cordial drivers may get the benefit of the doubt and may leave with only a warning, while callous and disrespectful ones may be cited.

Ultimately, the process is not infallible, and mistakes regarding speed documentation are likely. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you on how to proceed in defending these violations.