A traffic ticket may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience, but in Indiana, traffic violations can carry serious consequences. From fines and points on your license, to license suspension, higher insurance rates, and even criminal charges, what starts as a citation can quickly impact your freedom and your future.
At Hayes Law Office in Indianapolis, we provide skilled legal defense for drivers facing all types of traffic violations. Attorney Philip Hayes has extensive courtroom experience and has helped clients throughout Indianapolis and surrounding counties protect their driving privileges. Whether you’re dealing with a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, or an OWI arrest, our team is ready to fight for you.
Common Traffic Violations in Indiana
Indiana traffic laws cover a wide range of conduct, from minor infractions to serious misdemeanor and felony charges. Some of the most common violations we defend include:
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Speeding tickets – including excessive speeding more than 15 mph over the limit.
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Reckless driving – aggressive or dangerous driving that puts others at risk.
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Hit and run – leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one.
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Operating while intoxicated (OWI) – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Driving without a valid license – including suspended or expired licenses.
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Commercial driver violations (CDL) – traffic offenses that put your career at risk.
Even a single violation can have long-term consequences, which is why it’s important to understand your options before simply paying a ticket.
Speeding Tickets and License Points
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Indiana, but repeated tickets can add up quickly. Points on your license not only raise your insurance rates but can also lead to suspension of your driving privileges. For CDL holders, a speeding ticket may even cost you your job. Our defense team reviews radar or pacing evidence, challenges ticketing procedures, and negotiates for reduced penalties when possible. Fighting a speeding ticket now may save you from bigger problems down the road.
Reckless Driving Charges
Reckless driving is more serious than a typical traffic ticket—it is a criminal misdemeanor in Indiana. This charge may involve excessive speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or causing danger to others on the road. A conviction can mean:
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Heavy fines and court costs
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Jail time (up to 180 days for a Class B misdemeanor)
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Suspension of your driver’s license
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A permanent mark on your criminal record
Because of these penalties, reckless driving should never be taken lightly. Our Indianapolis reckless driving lawyer will carefully review your case and fight for the best possible outcome.
Hit and Run Defense
Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor fender-bender, can result in serious legal consequences. Indiana law requires drivers to stop, provide information, and render aid when necessary. Failure to do so can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances. We defend clients accused of:
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Failing to stop after an accident
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Not reporting an accident with property damage
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Hit and run involving injury or death
These cases often involve misunderstandings, fear, or miscommunication. We work to protect your rights and prevent a single mistake from defining your future.
OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
An OWI in Indiana is one of the most serious traffic-related offenses. Depending on the situation, penalties can include:
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Jail time
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License suspension
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Mandatory alcohol or drug programs
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Installation of an ignition interlock device
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Felony charges if injury or death is involved
At Hayes Law Office, we know how to challenge breath test results, field sobriety tests, and police procedures. Our goal is to minimize the impact of an OWI charge on your life and driving privileges.
Driving Without a License
Driving without a valid license—whether suspended, revoked, or never issued—can lead to criminal charges in Indiana. Penalties vary depending on your driving history, but may include fines, extended suspension, and even jail time. Our firm helps clients facing charges of:
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Driving while suspended
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Driving with an expired license
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Driving without ever being licensed
In many cases, we can negotiate for reduced penalties or explore options for reinstating your driving privileges.
CDL Drivers: Protecting Your Career
For commercial drivers, a traffic violation can cost far more than fines—it can cost a career. A single ticket for speeding, reckless driving, or OWI can disqualify you from driving commercially. Attorney Philip Hayes has defended CDL holders for years and knows what’s at stake. We fight to protect your livelihood and keep you on the road.
Call an Indianapolis Traffic Violation Lawyer Today
If you’ve been ticketed, arrested, or accused of a traffic violation, don’t face the process alone. Paying a ticket may seem easier, but it often means accepting long-term consequences. An experienced Indianapolis traffic violation lawyer can help you fight back and protect your record.
Contact Hayes Law Office today for a free, confidential consultation. We proudly defend drivers in Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Hancock, Boone, Shelby, and Madison counties, as well as throughout Indianapolis. Your license, your freedom, and your future are worth protecting—call us today.
