In Missaukee County, Judge Melissa J. Ransom presides over Probate and District Court matters, hearing a diverse range of cases from civil disputes to probate matters to criminal offenses such as reckless driving, careless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Reckless Driving in Missaukee County
Reckless driving, as adjudicated under Judge Ransom's jurisdiction, is a serious offense. This involves operating a vehicle in a way that displays a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property. To convict someone of this charge, the prosecution must demonstrate the driver knowingly ignored potential risks.
This misdemeanor can carry a sentence of up to 90 days in jail, hefty fines, and the addition of six points on your license. Possible defenses may include proving an error in judgment, rather than an intentional disregard for safety.
Careless Driving in Missaukee County
Unlike reckless driving, careless driving does not require the prosecution to prove willful disregard for safety. Rather, they must demonstrate that the driver was operating the vehicle in a negligent or imprudent manner.
Careless driving is a less serious offense than reckless driving. While it can result in three points on your license, it is not classified as a misdemeanor and does not carry the potential for jail time. Possible defenses may involve showing that your driving decisions were reasonable given the circumstances, such as avoiding an obstruction or reacting to another driver's behavior.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Missaukee County
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that carries significant consequences. This charge is levied when a driver is involved in an accident and fails to stop and provide necessary information or assistance.
The penalties for this offense vary depending on whether the incident resulted in property damage, personal injury, or death. Leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage is a misdemeanor that can add six points to your driving record and potentially carry hefty fines. If personal injury or death resulted from the accident, the charges can escalate to felony levels. Possible defenses could include proving that you were unaware that an accident occurred, or you returned to the scene shortly after leaving.
Reckless Driving in Missaukee County
Reckless driving, as adjudicated under Judge Ransom's jurisdiction, is a serious offense. This involves operating a vehicle in a way that displays a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property. To convict someone of this charge, the prosecution must demonstrate the driver knowingly ignored potential risks.
This misdemeanor can carry a sentence of up to 90 days in jail, hefty fines, and the addition of six points on your license. Possible defenses may include proving an error in judgment, rather than an intentional disregard for safety.
Careless Driving in Missaukee County
Unlike reckless driving, careless driving does not require the prosecution to prove willful disregard for safety. Rather, they must demonstrate that the driver was operating the vehicle in a negligent or imprudent manner.
Careless driving is a less serious offense than reckless driving. While it can result in three points on your license, it is not classified as a misdemeanor and does not carry the potential for jail time. Possible defenses may involve showing that your driving decisions were reasonable given the circumstances, such as avoiding an obstruction or reacting to another driver's behavior.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Missaukee County
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that carries significant consequences. This charge is levied when a driver is involved in an accident and fails to stop and provide necessary information or assistance.
The penalties for this offense vary depending on whether the incident resulted in property damage, personal injury, or death. Leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage is a misdemeanor that can add six points to your driving record and potentially carry hefty fines. If personal injury or death resulted from the accident, the charges can escalate to felony levels. Possible defenses could include proving that you were unaware that an accident occurred, or you returned to the scene shortly after leaving.