In New York State, a driver who receives a traffic ticket will typically receive a fine and points on their driving record. A NYC traffic attorney can help drivers fight these costs, however, a high percentage of people simply choose to pay their tickets and move on. This can have a negative impact on a driver’s reputation and insurance rates for years.
Despite the fact that there are a number of reasons why a driver might want to fight their ticket, some believe that this is an impossible task without legal counsel. While many traffic attorneys charge a fee to fight a ticket, they often save drivers money in the long run due to reduced fees and insurance rates. It is critical to assess a case with the long view in mind, and consult with an experienced NYC traffic lawyer for guidance on particular circumstances.
New York City Traffic Ticket
Most non-criminal moving traffic violations in NYC traffic ticket are handled by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) TVB. This allows local traffic courts to focus on criminal cases and other more serious violations. If a driver is issued a ticket outside of the five boroughs, they will need to work with the local court or county DMV office to resolve their case.
If a driver chooses to fight a ticket, they will need to plead “not guilty” and appear in court at their scheduled hearing date. The judge will then hear their case and decide whether or not to dismiss the ticket. However, the judge will also consider a variety of factors including an unprepared officer, a small error along the way, or just a bit of luck.
A driver who is fighting a ticket can also try to convince the judge that they should not be punished by the DMV. They can attempt to negotiate down the penalty to a lesser violation or even try to get their entire ticket dismissed. However, the process is complex and requires a skilled New York traffic ticket attorney in your corner.
Some drivers may try to avoid going to court by submitting an affidavit. Unfortunately, this is a bad idea. Not only does this forfeit key rights, but it also increases the chances of a guilty verdict. Moreover, the DMV can suspend or revoke a driver’s license if they accumulate 11 points in an 18-month period.
While the New York DMV will typically not suspend or revoke a driver’s driving privileges for one single offense, many drivers find that having a single speeding ticket on their record can lead to significant insurance rate increases. Even a simple speeding violation can increase a driver’s insurance premium by 30 percent.
It is important to remember that by paying a ticket, you are admitting guilt. This can be a big problem in the future, as a single conviction could result in thousands of dollars in fines and increased insurance rates. Therefore, it is a good idea to work with an experienced New York traffic ticket attorney to explore your options and fight your ticket.
New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers
1 Fordham Plaza
Bronx, NY 10458
(646) 388-4871