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1. What kind of traffic violations are included?

Misdemeanors handled by the family court include any juvenile under 17 charged with:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
• Reckless driving
• Driving without a license
• Improper plates
• Fleeing and eluding police

2. How am I charged?

At the time of the violation, the police will issue a ticket indicating the charge. It will also indicate that the court will notify you of the date and time of the hearing. This is usually done within 30 to 60 days.

3. Do I have to appear at the hearing?

It depends on the charge. Some violations can be taken care of by mail by you and your parent or guardian signing the waiver of plea section and mailing the ticket back. With certain other violations, your appearance at a hearing is mandatory.

4. Do I need an attorney?

That's up to you. The court does not provide Court-appointed attorneys in traffic matters.

5. What happens at the hearing?

You will either admit or deny the charge. Your case will be heard before a judge or magistrate, who, after hearing the case will either find you have committed the offense or dismiss the case. If the charge is substantiated, you will be responsible for court costs and the court may impose other dispositional measures. Your parent or guardian should accompany you to all hearings.

6. How will this affect my driving record?

The Secretary of State's office will be notified of the charge and points will be assessed against your driving record.

7. What if I fail to appear at the hearing?

If you do not appear for the hearing, an order to show cause will be scheduled. If you appear for the hearing but fail to pay necessary court costs/fines, you will receive a warning letter from the court. You have 14 days to respond. If after 14 days you have not responded, the Secretary of State's office will be notified and your license will be suspended. Your failure to appear will show on your record as an outstanding ticket.

8. What if I’m under 16 and don ‘t even have a valid Michigan driver’s license?

The failure to appear will prohibit you from obtaining your license when you do apply

9. What if I commit a felony offense?

Vehicular felony offenses include manslaughter, negligent homicide, carjacking, or use of a car in an armed robbery. If the motor vehicle felony is substantial, you will go through the normal juvenile court petition process. Felony offenses will appear on your driving record.

10. What is a State or Local Law offense?

These offenses are the local city, village, or state laws that make certain behaviors illegal. These can include:

• Bicycle and skateboard violations
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Curfew violation
• Fighting
• Hitchhiking
• Indecent or immoral conduct
• Loitering
• Party crashing
• Possession
• Running away from home
• Sale or use of drugs
• Shoplifting
• Skipping school
• Smoking
• Trespassing
• Underage drinking

11. What happens if I commit an offense?

You will receive a ticket. A court officer then orders one of the following actions :

• Dismissal Letter-A letter will go to your parent or guardian notifying them of the violation and requesting them to discuss the citation with you.
• Official Docket-The court may hold a hearing with the parent or guardian.
• Probation Officer-You may be assigned a probation officer to monitor your behavior.

12. Where are the hearings held?

Otsego County-Family Court
800 Livingston Boulevard
Suite 1-C, Courtroom 101
Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone 989-731-0214