Is a Speeding Ticket a Criminal Offense in Minnesota?
Fast Facts: Speeding Tickets
No, most speeding tickets in Minnesota are petty misdemeanors, which are civil offenses handled in traffic court. You won’t face jail time, but there can still be fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates. Exceptions exist:
- Speeding over 100 mph is a gross misdemeanor, a more serious offense with harsher penalties.
- Speeding that causes endangerment could be a misdemeanor when it results in an accident or puts lives at risk.
Understanding Traffic Violations in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
Been clocked by radar on a Minnesota highway? A speeding ticket can damage your day, leaving you wondering about the consequences and next steps. Fortunately, there are various strategies to fight a ticket, and a Minnesota traffic violations attorney can advise you throughout the process.
Still, some background information is useful. This comprehensive guide will break down whether a speeding ticket is a criminal offense in Minnesota and equip you with valuable information about handling traffic violations.
Minnesota Law: Is It an Administrative or Criminal Violation?
Under Minnesota traffic laws, most speeding tickets are classified as petty misdemeanors, which fall under administrative violations. This means they are handled through traffic court rather than the criminal justice system. While not considered a crime like gross misdemeanor offenses, a speeding ticket can still result in:
- Fines
- Points on your driver’s license
- A driver’s license suspension when you accumulate too many points
- Potential insurance rate hikes
There are additional implications for those who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) because speeding tickets that lead to a driver’s license suspension affect your livelihood. You could be unable to work and support yourself.
Understanding Criminal Offense Levels in Minnesota
Minnesota categorizes offenses based on severity.
Misdemeanors
- Petty Misdemeanor: This is the least serious category, encompassing most speeding tickets and minor traffic violations. Penalties for petty misdemeanors typically involve fines of up to $300. With petty misdemeanor theft, a person convicted may also need to pay restitution.
- Misdemeanor: More serious offenses like driving without a license or reckless driving fall under this category. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to jail time (up to 90 days), higher fines, and license suspension. Prostitution offenses are a type of misdemeanor.
- Gross Misdemeanor: Even more serious offenses, such as repeat DUIs, are classified as gross misdemeanors. Penalties can include jail time (up to one year), significant fines, and license revocation.
Felonies
The most severe category is a felony charge, reserved for major crimes. Felony traffic violations are rare but can involve serious accidents or driving under the influence causing injury.
Minor Traffic Offense vs. More Serious Traffic Offenses
The key distinction lies in severity. Speeding tickets are generally considered minor offenses unless:
- Excessive Speed: Speeding over 100 mph can be charged as a gross misdemeanor, carrying harsher penalties.
- Endangerment: If your speeding resulted in an accident or endangered lives, it could be elevated to a misdemeanor or even a gross misdemeanor.
- Repeat Offenses: Multiple speeding tickets within a short timeframe might lead to harsher consequences.
Misdemeanor Penalties in Minnesota
While most speeding tickets are punishable as petty misdemeanors, it’s crucial to understand misdemeanor penalties in case your situation gets bumped up a notch:
- Fines: Misdemeanor traffic violations can result in fines exceeding $1,000.
- Jail Time: You could face up to 90 days in jail, depending on the offense’s severity.
- License Suspension: Your driver’s license might be suspended for a specific period.
- Increased Insurance Rates: A misdemeanor on your record can significantly impact your car insurance premiums.
Should I Pay or Fight a Speeding Ticket in Minnesota?
The decision to pay or fight a speeding ticket depends on several factors:
- Severity of the Ticket: Consider the speed you were clocked at and any potential for a reduced charge.
- Driving Record: A clean record might make fighting the ticket more appealing to avoid points.
- Evidence: If you believe the officer made a mistake or have evidence to support your case, fighting the ticket could be worthwhile.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Weigh the potential cost of hiring an attorney against the fine and potential consequences.
Consulting with an attorney can provide valuable guidance specific to your situation.
Drivers’ License Record: How a Speeding Ticket Can Affect You
Points from a speeding ticket will stay on your driving record for a specific period, typically a few years. Multiple points can lead to:
- Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance companies use driving records to determine rates. More points typically translate to higher premiums.
- License Suspension: Accumulating too many points within a certain timeframe can result in suspension.
Beyond the Ticket: Additional Consequences of Speeding
While a speeding ticket might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have a ripple effect:
- Employment: Some employers conduct background checks that include driving records. A speeding ticket might not be a dealbreaker, but a history of violations could raise concerns.
- Car Rental Restrictions: Some rental car companies have restrictions for drivers with recent speeding tickets.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Minnesota: Your Options
If you decide to contest your speeding ticket, here are some options:
- Request a Trial: You can plead not guilty and argue your case in traffic court.
- Negotiate a Plea Bargain: You might be able to negotiate a lesser charge or reduced points with the prosecutor.
- Driver Improvement Course: Completing a defensive driving course can sometimes reduce your record points.
What to Do After Receiving a Speeding Ticket in Minnesota
Here’s a quick guide on what to do after getting a speeding ticket in Minnesota:
- Review the Ticket: Carefully examine the details on the ticket, including the date, time, location, and cited violation.
- Consider Your Options: Decide whether to pay the fine, request a trial, or seek legal counsel. The deadline to respond to the ticket will be listed.
- Contact a Traffic Defense Attorney: If you decide to fight the ticket, consult with a qualified Minneapolis traffic defense attorney as soon as possible.
Get Clarity, Get Results
Have you been clocked by radar and are unsure of how to proceed? Don’t navigate the complexities of traffic violations alone. Schedule a free consultation online with Gerald Miller, P.A. today! Our experienced traffic defense attorneys can analyze your speeding ticket, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Please contact us today to schedule your free consultation. You can call us directly at 612-440-3864 or go online to speak to a skilled criminal defense attorney. Don’t let a speeding ticket become a bigger issue. Take control and get the legal guidance you deserve.
Answers to FAQs on Speeding Tickets in MN
Is a speeding ticket a petty misdemeanor in Minnesota?
Yes, in Minnesota, most speeding tickets are classified as petty misdemeanors. This means they are handled through traffic court rather than the criminal justice system.
Does a speeding ticket go on your record in MN?
Yes, a speeding ticket will appear on your driving record in Minnesota. The points associated with the ticket will stay on your record for a few years, potentially impacting your insurance rates and license.
Is a speeding ticket a criminal offense in the US?
Traffic violations, including speeding tickets, are generally considered civil offenses in the United States, not criminal offenses. However, speeding tickets can have serious consequences, so it is important to take them seriously.
In rare cases, a person could be arrested for extreme, excessive speed that constitutes a threat to the lives of others. Fifth-degree assaults involve intentional acts to instill fear or threats, which may be the case in a road rage speeding scenario. Still, this offense is a misdemeanor instead of the felony charge.
How much is a $20 over speeding ticket in Minnesota?
The exact cost of a speeding ticket in Minnesota depends on various factors, including the issuing county and any applicable surcharges. However, speeding tickets typically start around $125, thanks to a mandatory $75 surcharge, even for violations as low as 10 mph over the limit.
The fees will be even higher for someone convicted of speeding over 20 mph over the limit.
Fight the Ticket, Not Your Wallet
A speeding ticket can strain your budget and impact your driving record. Gerald Miller, P.A. can help! Our skilled attorneys can fight your speeding ticket and potentially minimize the consequences.
Don’t pay the fine before exploring your options. Call Gerald Miller, P.A. today for a free consultation at 612-440-3864, or visit our website to schedule online. Protect your driving privileges and your finances – contact us now!
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