Traffic violations are among the most common offenses in the state of Minnesota. Some, like speeding, are punished mildly with fines reaching several hundred dollars. Others, like hit and run offenses, can be punished by years in prison. Even tickets that appear to be minor can have major ramifications on your driving privileges and your insurance rates if not properly dealt with. If you’ve been charged with a traffic violation in Minnesota, reach out to Avery Appelman and the team at Appelman Law Firm for a free case review.
Minnesota Traffic Laws
Traffic offenses in Minnesota range from very minor to incredibly severe, so it’s important that you take a moment after a traffic stop to really understand what you’re up against and the potential fallout if things don’t go your way in court. What may appear to be a simple misdemeanor offense could lead to jail time, major fines, the loss of your driving privileges, large increases to your automobile insurance premiums and more. We’re the first call for many who run into a criminal traffic issue, and that’s because we have a proven track record for delivering results.
I was referred to Avery Appelman by a friend. I have been happy with Appelman Law Firm for all of my traffic related matters. Talking to Avery I immediately recognized his knowledge of the law but more importantly he knew how to get things done. Avery knows the “ins and outs” of the legal system. I have interacted with him for a variety of different legal needs and he is quick on his toes, savvy, and will not settle for what he doesn’t believe is in the best interest of his client. Avery is a friend now, as I have referred him a number of my friends and co-workers. I trust Avery to handle their cases. He is always professional and compassionate. If anyone is looking for a smart, bright caring criminal lawyer, Avery Appelman should be your only call.”
We know that we can help you sort out a traffic ticket or a criminal driving offense, and for more information about traffic laws, penalties, defenses and more, keep reading below.
Common Minnesota Traffic Offenses
Unlike a crime like burglary or arson, traffic offenses come in all different shapes and sizes. A cop may pull over 20 vehicles for 20 different violations on a given day. Here’s a list of some of the most common driving offenses that we deal with in our practice, and follow the links for more information about each of these violations.
- Drunk Driving/DUI
- Careless/Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Hit and Run
- Driving Without Insurance
- Passing An Emergency Vehicle
- School Bus Stop Arm Violations
This is far from the full list of traffic violations that we assist clients with, but those tend to be some of the most common. If you’re dealing with one of these issues, or a more niche concern, reach out to the team at Appelman Law Firm for a free strategy session.
Traffic Violations – Penalties And Defenses
One concern we oftentimes hear from clients who are facing a traffic issue is whether it’s actually worth it to hire a lawyer to assist with the matter. We completely understand that you don’t want to spend $500 on a lawyer to contest a $250 speeding ticket. We understand the economics at play, and trust us when we say that we hold a similar view of the situation. We don’t want to take on a petty traffic ticket case and bill a client for our services when it’s a matter they could handle on their own with a little direction. We’re more than happy to provide some guidance and point you in the right direction if it doesn’t make sense to bring a lawyer on board for your traffic ticket. If both sides feel that it’s a matter that’s best settled without a lawyer, we’ll help give you the tools to make a strong case on your own in court.
With that said, as we mentioned above, oftentimes a criminal traffic matter carries more potential consequences than meets the eye at first glance. You might not just be facing a $250 fine. You may face jail time, a driver’s license suspension, implications for your professional licenses, huge rate increases with your insurance, required driver education courses and more. When all those factors are considered, it certainly may be worth your while to connect with a traffic ticket attorney.
The defense for your traffic matter will be unique to your case. All aspects of your case will be reviewed. We’ll want to hear your version of events, review police reports, check dash cameras, talk to witnesses, review the location of the stop and inspect it all for inconsistencies or potential advantages when building a case. Remember, it’s not just about whether you were speeding or driving recklessly, it’s whether the state can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. They also have protocols that need to be followed in order for a lawful stop to be conducted, so if they pull you over without cause, if they have improperly calibrated equipment or their testimony simply doesn’t stand up to pushback from a lawyer, we can get the ticket thrown out regardless of your actions on that day. Let us build a personal and professional defense for you based on the facts of the case.
We also want to touch on a lawyer’s role as a negotiator in traffic matters. We’ve worked with prosecutors on countless occasions to get charges reduced or work for specific penalties in lieu of harsher sentences. Even if the state has you dead to rights, talking with a skilled negotiator could make the difference between a conviction for DUI and a plea deal to a much lesser reckless driving charge. It may appear that you are out of options, but know that a lawyer can almost always help you avoid a worst-case scenario. Don’t just plead guilty and hope for the best, connect with a criminal traffic lawyer in your area.
Being followed is not the same as being stopped. We wrote a plain-English guide on how long an officer can follow you before it becomes a stop.
Minnesota Traffic Law FAQs
- Do I have to answer police questions during a traffic stop?
- You must provide your license, registration, and insurance, but you have the right to remain silent about anything else, including where you’ve been or whether you’ve been drinking.
- Can I refuse a breathalyzer in Minnesota?
- Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test under Minnesota’s implied consent law is a separate crime — typically charged as a gross misdemeanor — and triggers an automatic license revocation.
- Should I take field sobriety tests?
- Field sobriety tests are voluntary in Minnesota. They are designed to be difficult and used as evidence against you; politely declining is generally the better choice.
Twin Cities Traffic Attorneys
If you have been pulled over and charged with a traffic offense in Minnesota, it’s important that you have a defense attorney at your side to defend your rights. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Appelman Law Firm have been defending clients charged with traffic offenses for more than twenty years. Give us a call today to set up your free consultation – (952) 224.2277.
