Area of Practice

Traffic & Misdemeanors

Traffic violations should not be taken lightly. Even a speeding ticket can lead to increased auto insurance rates, a restricted license, loss of your license or jail time.

Traffic infractions are the most common category of traffic violations. They include speeding, running a red light, following too closely, operating a vehicle with defective equipment (such as a broken tail light or headlight), and failure to: yield the right of way, come to a full stop at a stop sign, or stop at a cross-walk or school bus crossing.

Traffic infractions often result in a ticket that can be paid prior to your assigned court date. However, a traffic ticket can also cause a loss of points on your driver’s license, increased auto insurance rates and a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, depending on your driving history.

Traffic misdemeanors include driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) and reckless driving. These are criminal offenses that can result in jail time, fines and the suspension or loss of your driver’s license.

If you have been ticketed for a traffic infraction or charged with a traffic misdemeanor, you should know your legal rights and the possible outcomes you are facing. Our attorneys can provide you with the legal advice you need and the representation you want to help keep you on the road.

Traffic Violations

Reckless Driving

DUI and DWI

Assault and Battery

Possession

Shoplifting

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor crimes are divided into 5 different categories or “classes”, with Class 1 misdemeanors being the most serious.  They are broken down as follows:

Class 1 misdemeanors include DUIs, reckless driving, assault and battery, domestic assault and petit larceny. Class 1 misdemeanors carry the possibility of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500.00 fine.  

  • Class 2 misdemeanors are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine and include possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and driving on a suspended license (for a first offense).
  • Class 3 misdemeanors include possession of a schedule V controlled substance and unintentional damage to property.  This class of misdemeanors is punishable by fine only, up to $500.
  • Class 4 misdemeanors: the maximum punishment is a $250 fine and includes offenses such as first offense public intoxication and possession of a schedule VI controlled substance.
  • Class U misdemeanors are made up of a broad range of “unclassified” misdemeanors that do not fit within another category and carry a range of punishments.  The most common is possession of small amounts of marijuana.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is imperative that you understand your rights and options.  Our attorneys are here to help you.

Expungements

If you were charged with a crime and the charges were dismissed or nolle prossed, or you were acquitted, you may be able to have your records expunged. To obtain an expungement, you must file a petition with the appropriate court. The commonwealth’s attorney could object, but the decision is up to the judge.

Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to provide you with the advice and representation you need to obtain an expungement.