Minneapolis Traffic Violation Attorneys
Get a free case evaluationExperienced Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN
Defend Your Rights & Reduce Penalties
Traffic violations in Minneapolis may seem like minor infractions, but they can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Whether you’ve been charged with speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, or any other traffic-related offense, the impact on your driving record, insurance premiums, and even your freedom can be serious. At Sieben Edmunds Miller, our experienced traffic violation attorneys understand the complexities of Minnesota traffic laws and are here to help you navigate the legal process, minimize penalties, and protect your driving privileges.
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Minneapolis Traffic Ticket Lawyers: Protecting Your Rights on the Road
If you’ve been issued a traffic citation or charged with a more serious traffic offense in Minneapolis, you might be feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to proceed. The good news is: you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Sieben Edmunds Miller, our Minneapolis traffic lawyers are committed to helping you challenge your charges and minimize the potential impact on your life.
Whether you were cited for speeding, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license, our traffic violation attorneys will evaluate every aspect of your case and build a strong defense tailored to your situation.
Understanding the Legal Categories of Traffic Violations in Minnesota
Traffic offenses in Minnesota fall into three primary categories:
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Petty misdemeanors – Minor infractions such as basic speeding tickets, which typically carry a fine but no jail time.
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Misdemeanors – More serious violations, such as careless driving or driving without a valid license, which can result in jail time up to 90 days.
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Gross misdemeanors and felonies – Severe offenses such as reckless driving with injuries, DWI/DUI, or hit-and-run, which carry harsher penalties including jail or prison time, heavy fines, and license revocation.
Our traffic attorneys in Minneapolis are familiar with how these charges are prosecuted in Hennepin County and surrounding jurisdictions. We will review the classification of your offense and help determine whether any reduction or dismissal is possible based on the facts of your case.
What You Risk by Not Fighting a Traffic Charge
Paying a fine or pleading guilty may seem like the quickest way to deal with a traffic ticket—but it can have long-lasting consequences.
Even one violation on your record may:
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Increase your insurance premiums
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Add points to your license (increasing the risk of suspension)
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Affect your employment—especially for CDL holders or commercial drivers
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Result in a criminal conviction in serious cases
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Disqualify you from driving-related job opportunities
In more severe cases, certain offenses can impact your immigration status, financial aid eligibility, or ability to obtain certain licenses.
That’s why speaking with a Minneapolis traffic attorney is a smart move—even if your violation seems “minor” on the surface.
Common Legal Defenses Our Minneapolis Traffic Attorneys Use
The traffic ticket defense strategies we employ depend on the facts of each case, but common approaches include:
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Challenging the traffic stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any resulting ticket or charge may be invalid.
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Questioning the accuracy of speed detection tools: Radar and LIDAR devices must be properly calibrated and operated by certified officers.
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Identifying procedural errors: Citations must meet legal formatting requirements, and traffic stops must comply with constitutional protections.
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Reviewing camera footage and witness accounts: Dashcam video, traffic camera evidence, and third-party testimony can strengthen your case.
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Negotiating charge reductions: We often work with prosecutors to reduce offenses to non-moving violations, avoiding points or insurance hikes.
Our attorneys tailor every defense based on your unique circumstances, including your driving history and the seriousness of the charge.
Traffic Violation Cases We Commonly Defend
We have successfully represented clients in cases involving:
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Speeding (including excessive speed and school zone violations)
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Driving after revocation or suspension
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Driving without insurance
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Illegal turns or improper lane changes
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Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
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Texting while driving or other distracted driving violations
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Commercial driver violations (CDL-specific cases)
Whether you’re a first-time offender or have prior violations, we’ll help you understand your options and build a legal strategy that minimizes the penalties you face.
CDL Drivers and High-Stakes Traffic Charges
If you’re a commercial driver, a traffic violation could threaten your livelihood. Our Minneapolis traffic violation lawyers understand how critical it is to protect your CDL, especially when facing moving violations, DWI/DUI charges, or out-of-service orders.
We fight aggressively to:
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Avoid disqualification of your CDL
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Prevent points from being added to your commercial record
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Maintain your eligibility for high-sensitivity driving positions
We also defend clients facing violations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), including logbook issues and weight or equipment violations.
What If You Miss a Traffic Court Date in Minneapolis?
Failing to appear in court can result in a default judgment, license suspension, or even a warrant for your arrest in some cases. If you’ve missed a traffic hearing, contact our attorneys immediately. We can often file motions to reopen the case and work to reverse any negative consequences that resulted from the missed appearance.
Why Clients Choose Sieben Edmunds Miller for Traffic Defense
Our Minneapolis traffic ticket lawyers are not just here to check boxes — we’re here to win or substantially improve your outcome. Clients choose us because:
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We have a deep understanding of Minneapolis and Hennepin County traffic courts
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We provide clear, responsive communication throughout the case
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We treat every case as important, whether it’s a speeding ticket or a criminal traffic offense
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We offer aggressive advocacy and a commitment to getting you back on the road with minimal disruption
Act Quickly to Preserve Your Options
In many cases, you have limited time to contest a ticket or respond to a court summons. Missing these deadlines can lead to more serious consequences—including automatic license suspension or additional fines.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket or been charged with a driving-related offense, don’t wait. Reach out to Sieben Edmunds Miller today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled traffic lawyer in Minneapolis.
Types of Traffic Violations Our Attorneys Handle in Minneapolis, MN
Traffic violations come in many forms, ranging from simple infractions to serious criminal offenses. At Sieben Edmunds Miller, we represent clients facing a wide variety of traffic-related charges, including:
- Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Minnesota. While a single speeding ticket may seem insignificant, multiple violations can lead to increased fines, points on your driving record, and higher insurance rates. In extreme cases, such as excessive speeding, you could face criminal charges.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving occurs when a motorist operates a vehicle in a manner that shows a willful disregard for the safety of others. This is considered a criminal offense in Minnesota and can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a serious offense that can result in significant fines, points on your license, and an increased risk of accidents. If you’ve been ticketed for running a red light or stop sign, it’s essential to take the matter seriously.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, and possible jail time. Repeat offenses or high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels can lead to even more severe consequences.
- Driving Without a License: Operating a vehicle without a valid license or with a suspended license is a traffic offense that can result in fines, additional license suspension, and potential jail time. We can help you navigate the legal complexities and work to restore your driving privileges.
- Hit-and-Run: Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or assist injured parties is a serious crime in Minnesota. A hit-and-run conviction can result in significant fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of your driver’s license.
- Distracted Driving: With the rise of smartphones and other devices, distracted driving has become a growing concern. Minnesota law prohibits texting while driving, and violations can result in fines, points on your license, and higher insurance rates.
- Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License: If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked due to prior violations, driving without a valid license can lead to further penalties, including increased fines, extended suspension periods, and even criminal charges.
Impact of Traffic Violations on Your Record and Future
The penalties for traffic violations in Minneapolis vary depending on the nature of the offense, your driving history, and whether the violation is classified as a civil infraction or a criminal offense. Most traffic violations come with significant fines, which can increase if you have multiple violations or if your offense involves aggravating factors, such as excessive speed or endangerment. Additionally, traffic violations often lead to higher car insurance rates, as insurers view drivers with violations as higher risk. The more serious the violation, the more likely your insurance premiums will increase.
Serious traffic violations, or the accumulation of multiple minor violations, can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Losing your driving privileges can significantly impact your ability to work, attend school, or care for your family. Certain traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or hit-and-run, are even considered criminal offenses in Minnesota and can lead to jail or prison time. These offenses carry severe consequences, and the penalties increase for repeat offenders.
Why You Need a Traffic Violation Attorney
While it may be tempting to pay the fine and move on after receiving a traffic ticket, doing so can have long-term consequences that go beyond the immediate penalty. By accepting the ticket, you are essentially admitting guilt, which can lead to points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and the potential for license suspension if you accumulate too many points.
An experienced traffic violation attorney can help you understand your options and potentially avoid the negative consequences of a conviction. A traffic attorney can help you contest the ticket or negotiate a reduced penalty to avoid adding points to your driving record, which can help you maintain your driving privileges and keep your insurance rates low.
Traffic tickets are often based on the testimony of law enforcement officers or evidence from radar guns or cameras. An experienced attorney can challenge the accuracy of this evidence and identify any procedural errors. In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the fines associated with your traffic violation or even have the charges dismissed entirely.
If you are facing a potential license suspension due to a traffic violation, an attorney can work to reduce the charges or explore alternative penalties that allow you to keep your driving privileges intact.
How Sieben Edmunds Miller Can Help
At Sieben Edmunds Miller, we understand how traffic violations can disrupt your life and lead to significant financial and legal consequences. Our experienced traffic violation attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized legal representation to help you resolve your case efficiently and effectively.
We will thoroughly review the details of your traffic violation, examine the evidence against you, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. Whether you are facing a simple speeding ticket or a more serious offense like DUI/DWI or reckless driving, we are committed to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Violations in Minneapolis
Sieben Edmunds Miller
Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket in Minneapolis?
It depends on the severity of the ticket and your driving history. For simple infractions, you may choose to handle the case yourself. However, a traffic lawyer can help minimize penalties, keep points off your record, and possibly have the ticket dismissed — especially if you have multiple violations or commercial driving obligations.
What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket in Minneapolis?
Ignoring a ticket can lead to serious consequences, including a default judgment against you, increased fines, a suspended driver’s license, and even a bench warrant. It’s important to act quickly and consult with a Minneapolis traffic attorney to preserve your options.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Minneapolis?
Reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor offense in Minnesota. Penalties may include up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, increased insurance premiums, and possible license suspension — especially for repeat offenders.
Can a Minneapolis traffic lawyer help me keep my driver’s license?
Yes. A lawyer can help contest the violation, reduce the severity of the charge, or negotiate alternative penalties to protect your license from suspension or revocation.
How can a lawyer help with a DUI-related traffic offense in Minneapolis?
DUI/DWI offenses carry significant penalties. An experienced traffic and DUI attorney can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests, question probable cause for the stop, dispute chemical test results, and negotiate to reduce or dismiss charges.
Can a Minneapolis traffic attorney help reduce fines or points on my license?
Yes. In many cases, attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to lower fines, reduce moving violations to non-moving violations (which carry no points), or help you qualify for driving school or diversion programs to keep your record clean.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a minor traffic violation in Minneapolis?
Often, yes, especially if your driving record is important for work or insurance purposes. A lawyer may be able to save you money in the long term by preventing increased premiums or preserving your license status.
How do traffic violations affect my insurance in Minneapolis?
Most moving violations will cause your insurance rates to increase, especially speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving. The impact varies by insurer but can last for three years or more. A lawyer can help avoid a conviction that could trigger these rate hikes.
Do I have to appear in court for my traffic ticket in Minneapolis?
Not always. For petty misdemeanors, you may be able to resolve the matter without appearing. However, for misdemeanors or if you’re contesting the charge, court may be required. In many cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf.
Can a traffic lawyer help commercial drivers (CDL holders)?
Absolutely. CDL holders face stricter standards, and even a minor violation can threaten their careers. Our attorneys understand the CDL implications and work to protect your livelihood by minimizing or eliminating citations on your driving record.
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