Traffic Ticket Attorney in Marion County

Get Trusted Help from a Marion County Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you received a traffic ticket in Marion County, you may have immediate questions about your rights and options. With Christopher W. Grider Attorney at Law, you get a dedicated traffic ticket attorney in Marion County who brings more than 30 years of focused experience in traffic law and criminal defense throughout Indianapolis and nearby communities.

Facing a citation often triggers concerns about points on your license, mounting fines, or even losing your driving privileges. I take time to explain potential outcomes, so you know what to expect before you enter the courthouse. Local rules often shape each case, so working with someone who understands Marion County traffic courts can streamline your experience and reduce stress.

Don't pay that ticket without exploring your options. As a former prosecutor, I offer free consultations to discuss your case. Call (317) 637-9000 or reach out through my online form. The initial consultation is free.

Understanding Indiana Traffic Laws and the Point System

In Indiana, traffic violations are categorized as either moving or non-moving violations. While non-moving violations typically only result in a fine, a conviction for a moving violation will add points to your driver's license. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) uses a point system to track these offenses, and a conviction for a moving violation can lead to an accumulation of points that can trigger serious penalties. A skilled Marion County traffic ticket lawyer understands that the goal in many of these cases is to keep points off your license. The severity of a violation determines the number of points assessed, and those points remain active on your driving record for two years from the conviction date.

Common Traffic Ticket Violations in Marion County

As a traffic ticket attorney in Marion County, I handle a wide range of traffic violation cases, from minor infractions to serious criminal offenses. The type of offense you are charged with will determine the potential points on your license and the severity of the consequences.

• Speeding: In Indiana, speeding is a traffic infraction, but the points increase based on how fast you were driving. A driver going 1-15 mph over the limit is typically a 2-point violation, while a driver going 16-25 mph over the limit is a 4-point violation, and going more than 25 mph over can result in a 6-point violation. Speeding in a school or work zone can carry even higher point penalties.
• Reckless Driving: This is a more serious offense that is often charged as a Class C misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense. Reckless driving involves willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others and can be charged for driving at an unreasonably high speed, passing unlawfully, or driving in and out of a line of traffic. A conviction can result in a jail sentence, a substantial fine, and a 6-point penalty on your license.
• Driving Without a License or on a Suspended License: This is a serious criminal offense. Driving without ever having obtained a license is a Class C misdemeanor, while driving with a suspended license can be a Class A infraction or a misdemeanor. A conviction will add 8 points to your license and can lead to further suspensions.
• Improper U-turn: This is a 4-point violation. While it may seem like a minor offense, it can quickly add to your point total and contribute to a license suspension.
• Failing to Yield: Failing to yield to a moving emergency vehicle is a 6-point violation. Failing to yield at a stop sign or an intersection is a 4-point violation.

The penalties and consequences for each of these offenses can escalate quickly. My firm's experience as a Marion County traffic ticket lawyer allows me to quickly assess your case and build a defense that is tailored to the specific charge you are facing.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

The penalties for a traffic ticket conviction in Indiana can extend far beyond the direct consequences and impact your life for years to come, making it imperative to have a powerful defense from a traffic ticket attorney in Marion County.

• Fines and Fees: Fines vary by offense, but a single traffic ticket can include a base fine, court costs, and other administrative fees that can add up quickly.
• License Suspension: An accumulation of points can lead to a license suspension. If you accumulate 20 points in a two-year period, the BMV will order an administrative hearing and can suspend your license. Some offenses, such as driving while suspended or refusing a chemical test for OWI, can result in an automatic suspension.
• Increased Insurance Rates: A conviction will almost certainly result in a significant increase in your car insurance premiums, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a few years.
• Employment Issues: For those who drive for a living, a conviction can jeopardize your employment or professional license. Many companies will not hire or retain drivers with a poor driving record.
• Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV): In Indiana, a person who commits multiple serious traffic offenses over a 10-year period can be designated as a Habitual Traffic Violator, which can result in a license suspension of five or even ten years.

These long-term impacts underscore the urgency of hiring a skilled Marion County traffic ticket lawyer to protect your future.