Traffic Law in Putnam County

Putnam County, Indiana, is a largely rural community centered around Greencastle and home to DePauw University, with US-40 and Interstate 70 serving as major travel corridors through the county. The mix of local commuters, college traffic, and long-haul travelers on these routes means traffic violations are a regular occurrence. Whether you have received a speeding ticket, are facing a license suspension, or are dealing with more serious charges like reckless driving, understanding your rights under Indiana law is essential. A qualified Traffic Law attorney can help you navigate the Putnam County court system and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.

Courts Handling Traffic Law Cases in Putnam County

Traffic Law matters in Putnam County are primarily handled by the Putnam Circuit Court, located in the Putnam County Courthouse in Greencastle, which serves as the main trial court for the county. The Putnam Superior Court also handles a significant portion of traffic-related infractions, misdemeanors, and related civil matters. For minor infractions, cases may be resolved administratively, but any contested matter or criminal traffic offense will proceed through one of these two courts.

Common Traffic Law Situations in Putnam County

Some of the most frequent reasons residents and visitors seek Traffic Law attorneys in Putnam County include speeding violations on Interstate 70 or US-40, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Reckless driving charges, failure to stop at accident scenes, and accumulation of points leading to license suspension are also common concerns. College students associated with DePauw University are occasionally involved in traffic stops that result in charges requiring legal assistance.

Penalties and Outcomes in Indiana

Under Indiana law, traffic infractions can result in fines, court costs, and points added to your driving record, with serious accumulations potentially triggering an automatic license suspension by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Misdemeanor traffic offenses such as reckless driving or a first-offense OWI can carry penalties including up to one year in jail, fines up to $5,000, and mandatory license suspension. Felony traffic offenses, such as OWI causing serious bodily injury or leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, carry significantly harsher penalties including multi-year prison sentences under Indiana Code Title 9.

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Why Go To Court for Traffic Law in Putnam County

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I just pay my traffic ticket in Putnam County without fighting it?

Paying a traffic ticket in Indiana is treated as an admission of the infraction, which means points will be added to your driving record with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Accumulating too many points within a two-year period can lead to a license suspension, and the ticket may also cause your auto insurance premiums to increase. Consulting a Traffic Law attorney before paying can help you understand whether contesting the ticket or seeking a deferral program is a better option for your situation.

How does Indiana's points system work for traffic violations?

Indiana uses a points system administered by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, where different traffic violations carry different point values — for example, speeding 16 to 25 mph over the limit carries 4 points, while reckless driving carries 8 points. If a driver accumulates 18 or more points within a two-year period, their license may be suspended by the BMV. Attending a certified defensive driving course can reduce your point total by up to 4 points once every three years under Indiana law.

Can a Traffic Law attorney help me keep my license after an OWI charge in Indiana?

Yes, a Traffic Law attorney can be critical in protecting your driving privileges after an OWI charge in Indiana. Upon arrest for OWI, Indiana law allows for an administrative license suspension separate from any criminal court penalties, but you have the right to request a specialized driving privileges hearing. An attorney can petition the court for specialized driving privileges that allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments even during a suspension period.

What is the difference between a traffic infraction and a traffic misdemeanor in Indiana?

In Indiana, a traffic infraction is a civil violation — not a criminal offense — and penalties are limited to fines and points on your driving record, with no possibility of jail time. A traffic misdemeanor, such as reckless driving or a first-offense OWI, is a criminal charge that can result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Because misdemeanor convictions can have lasting consequences on employment and insurance, it is strongly advisable to seek legal representation if you are facing misdemeanor traffic charges in Putnam County.

Do I need to appear in court for a traffic ticket in Putnam County, Indiana?

For most minor traffic infractions in Putnam County, you have the option to pay the fine without appearing in court, which is treated as an admission of the violation. However, if you wish to contest the ticket, you must appear before the Putnam Circuit Court or Putnam Superior Court on the scheduled hearing date. If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony traffic charge, your appearance in court is mandatory, and failing to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.