The majority of traffic offenses are classified as minor misdemeanors (MM) which do not carry any jail time, but are subject to fines and court costs. Some example of these offenses include equipment violations, failure to control vehicle, assured clear distance ahead, traffic light violations, stop sign violations, and other minor traffic violations.

However, there are other traffic offenses which are classified as misdemeanors (M) and carry the possibility of jail time or probation, as well as, a license suspension and points on your license. Some examples of these offenses include OVI/ DUI, driving with a suspended license or violation of license restriction, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, driving under OVI suspension, driving under FRA suspension, failure to reinstate license. A person charged with violating any of these more serious traffic offenses is entitled to all criminal procedures, including the right to a jury trial.

POINT VIOLATIONS
In Ohio, the BMV assess points on your driver’s license when you are convicted of a moving violation. A driver who accumulates twelve (12) or more points on their license, within a two year period, faces a mandatory six-month suspension. Upon completion of the six-month suspension, the driver must then complete a remedial drivers course, show proof of insurance and retake the written and driving tests before he/she can get their license reinstated.

“Two Point Credit” A driver with at least 2 but less than 12 points may complete an approved remedial driving course and apply for a 2 point credit. A driver can obtain one credit in any three year period and up to five in a lifetime. However, no credit is given for course required by the court for a driver to regain license after suspension.

The points for specific moving violations follow:

Speeding 2 Points

• Exceeding speed limit of 55 or higher by > 10 mph but < 30 mph
• Exceeding speed limit of less than 55 mph > 5 mph but < 30 mph

Speeding 4 Points

• Exceeding speed limit by > 30 mph

6 Point Violations

• Homicide with your car
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug abuse
• Failing to stop and give necessary information at the scene of a crash
• Purposely fleeing or eluding a police officer
• Drag Racing on public roads
• Driving a vehicle without the owner's permission
• Driving with a suspended (DUS) or revoked license
• Committing a felony with your car

4 Point Violations

• Driving with wanton disregard of the safety of pedestrians, other drivers, or property
• Driving under the influence as a minor

2 Point Violations

• All other moving violations (excluding issues regarding load limits)
• Driving a vehicle despite a BMV restriction

The Meranda Law Firm handles Traffic Offenses for clients in the following counties/cities throughout central Ohio, Licking County, Perry County, Franklin County, Fairfield County, Delaware County, Pickaway County, Madison County, Union County, Marion County, Knox County, Muskingum County, Coshocton County, Morrow County, Clark County, Newark, Columbus, Heath, Granville, Johnstown, Pataskala, Mount Vernon, Lancaster, New Lexington, Zanesville, Reynoldsburg, New Albany, Westerville, Hebron, Circleville, Kirkersville, and Alexandria.