Did you recently receive a ticket for a traffic violation in Albany County, New York? If so, you might be tempted to just pay the fine and move on with your life. However, you should know that this move could have significant negative consequences. Paying a traffic ticket fine effectively means pleading guilty to the violation, which goes on your record and can affect your life for years to come.
At New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers, we can offer the help you need. Our experienced team understands the legal implications of traffic violations and works tirelessly to minimize the potential repercussions. Instead of simply paying the fine and facing consequences like higher insurance rates, license points, or worse, let us help you explore better options. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Why Choose New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers?
At New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers, we take a proactive approach to helping clients who face traffic tickets in Albany County, New York. Many people think the only option is to plead guilty and pay, but this can lead to financial strain, loss of driving privileges, reputational damage, and even jail time. Our team offers a better alternative that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
We know that law enforcement usually has the advantage in traffic ticket cases. That’s why our lawyers work hard to make things fairer for you. We defend clients all over New York, using our deep knowledge of state traffic laws to deliver real results. With our extensive courtroom experience, you can count on us to protect your rights and represent you at trial if necessary.
Traffic tickets are more than just a nuisance. They’re often expensive and can add points to your license that stick around for years. We use proven legal strategies to deal with these tickets, negotiating forcefully with prosecutors for fair and favorable outcomes. Our goal is to achieve the most positive results possible, which might include reducing your charges or having your ticket dismissed altogether. This way, you avoid the worst problems that can accompany traffic tickets.
When you talk to us about your Albany County traffic ticket case, we’ll clarify your legal choices and outline our strategy for obtaining positive results. We offer reasonable rates and free initial consultation sessions, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more details.
Common Types of Traffic Tickets We Handle
At New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are prepared to defend you in cases involving any of the following common types of traffic violations:
- Speeding – Driving at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions.
- Operating a Vehicle Without Valid Insurance – Operating a vehicle without valid insurance coverage is a traffic infraction. Producing a falsified insurance card is a misdemeanor.
- Driving with No Inspection Certificate – Operating or parking a vehicle without a certificate of inspection on public highways in New York.
- Driving an Unregistered Vehicle – Operating or parking an unregistered vehicle on public roads.
- Unlicensed Operation – Driving a motor vehicle on public highways without a valid license or operating a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsements.
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) – Operating a motor vehicle while knowing your driver’s license or privilege is suspended, revoked, or withdrawn.
- Unlawful Passing of a School Bus – Failing to stop for school buses approaching from any direction with flashing red lights on public highways, streets, or private roads.
- Following Too Closely – Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering speed, traffic, and highway conditions.
- Operating with Inadequate Brakes – Driving a vehicle with brakes that are not in working order.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way at an Intersection – Neglecting to yield the right of way to vehicles that have entered the intersection from a different highway.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way to Emergency Vehicles – Neglecting to yield the right of way, immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway and stop when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle with red lights and audible signals.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way to Pedestrians – Neglecting to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the road within a crosswalk, even when traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation.
- Disobeying a Traffic Control Signal or Running a Red Light – Failing to obey traffic signals or signs or other signals at an intersection.
- Disobeying Stop Signs or Yield Signs – Failing to adhere to the mandatory stop or yield requirements at stop signs or yield signs.
- Improper Passing – Passing other vehicles despite the absence of the conditions under which a driver may legally overtake and pass another vehicle on the right.
- Improper or Unsafe Lane Changes – Failing to ensure it’s safe before overtaking and passing another vehicle on the left or unlawfully increasing a vehicle’s speed until a passing vehicle has completely overtaken them.
- Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident – Failing to stop and exchange information with the other party or parties involved in an accident resulting in property damage.
- Failure to Keep Right – Failing to drive only on the right half of the roadway, except under specific circumstances such as overtaking another vehicle or avoiding obstructions.
- Child Safety Restraint Violations – Driving with children under eight who are not restrained in an appropriate child restraint system.
- Adult Seat Belt Violations – Operating a vehicle, riding as a front seat passenger, or riding as a back seat passenger aged 16 or older without a proper safety belt.
- Cell Phone Use Violations – Operating a motor vehicle while holding a mobile telephone to engage in a call when the vehicle is in motion.
- Portable Electronic Device Use Violations – Using portable electronic devices, such as PDAs, laptops, pagers, and electronic games, while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion.
Traffic Ticket Penalties We Can Help You Avoid
If you receive a traffic ticket in Albany County, New York, you could face several penalties depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Here are some common examples of the various penalties you might encounter if you plead guilty to a traffic ticket:
Fines
You’ll likely face a fine for most traffic violations in Albany County. The amount depends on the specific violation and its severity. For example, speeding might result in a higher fine than driving with a broken taillight. These fines can add up, especially if you have multiple violations.
Points on Your License
New York uses a points system for traffic violations. Different offenses carry different point values. For instance, speeding can add anywhere from three to 11 points, depending on how fast you are going over the limit. Accumulating too many points within a certain period can lead to additional penalties.
Increased Insurance Rates
Your auto insurance rates will likely go up after a traffic ticket. Insurance companies view violations as an increased risk and often raise premiums in response. This increase can last several years, making it a long-term financial burden.
License Suspension or Revocation
You might face license suspension or revocation for serious offenses or accumulating too many points. Suspension is temporary, but revocation means your license gets taken away for a certain period, after which you must reapply for another license.
Jail Time
You might face jail time in rare cases, especially for severe offenses like reckless driving or DUI. This is the most serious penalty and reflects the gravity of the offense. It’s less common for minor violations but remains a possibility for severe or repeat infractions.
How We Can Help with Your Traffic Ticket Case
Our experienced defense lawyers can provide valuable assistance in numerous ways if you face a traffic ticket in Albany County. We’ll work hard to minimize the impact of the ticket on your life and, if possible, obtain a dismissal or reduction of charges. Here are just a few of the ways we can help:
- Advising you on the legal implications of your ticket
- Investigating the circumstances of the traffic stop
- Identifying procedural errors or mistakes made by law enforcement
- Filing motions to dismiss charges based on legal technicalities
- Analyzing traffic surveillance or dashcam footage
- Challenging the calibration and accuracy of speed detection equipment
- Preparing and submitting legal documentation on your behalf
- Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties you face
- Exploring plea bargain options with the prosecution
- Seeking alternatives to points, such as defensive driving courses
- Arguing for reduced fines or alternative sentencing
- Representing you in court hearings or trials
- Cross-examining witnesses, including the officer who issued the ticket
- Assisting in license restoration processes if your license is suspended or revoked
- Offering legal counsel and support throughout the entire legal process
Contact an Albany County Traffic Ticket Lawyer Now
Receiving a traffic ticket in Albany County can be daunting, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers are here to guide you through every step and fight for a favorable outcome. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of a positive resolution. Take control of your situation today by contacting us for a free consultation.