Receiving a traffic ticket, regardless of the circumstances, is always a stressful situation. There is the very real possibility of having to pay significant court fees and a higher automobile insurance premium. You could have points added to your license and may even face jail time, depending on your circumstances.
Although you may feel the urge to simply plead guilty and accept whatever penalties come with it, doing so could bring significant financial and other repercussions. You deserve to at least know what your legal rights and options are after you’ve received a citation. Count on the Jefferson County team of The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers to serve you.
Experienced Legal Representation
Going to traffic court may not seem too significant, but it’s important to understand that you are still going up against the New York justice system. Law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors have a job to do and it is not to represent your best interests. Even if these parties seem sympathetic to your situation, you need to retain dedicated legal counsel.
Our office understands the consequences of being found guilty of a traffic infraction. Among the penalties are:
- Steep fines and court surcharges
- Higher insurance policy premiums
- Lost or reduced driving principles
- For some drivers, employment problems
- Potential jail time
These are not minor issues, and they could stay with you for several years. That’s why The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers go to work to seek the best possible outcome. We have had years of experience fighting to win our clients lower fines and punishments, more driving privileges, and reduced or dismissed charges.
We know the laws and regulations that govern traffic tickets and we understand how to negotiate effectively with prosecutors. When you retain us, we will get to work immediately to investigate the facts surrounding your ticket and help you determine the best way to address it. Our goal is to save our clients time and money while helping them reach the most favorable resolution to their traffic ticket.
The Types of Tickets We Handle
We can represent you in any New York traffic ticket matter you have. A few of the most common types we handle are:
- Speeding: Although you can be ticketed for going over the legal speed limit, you can also be ticketed for driving at a “speed not reasonable and prudent,” even if it’s under the limit.
- Driving without insurance: You must have a valid insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Providing the officer with a fraudulent insurance card is a misdemeanor.
- Driving without inspection certificate: You may be cited for driving or parking a vehicle that does not have a valid inspection certificate.
- Driving an unregistered vehicle: This concerns driving or parking an unregistered automobile.
- Unlicensed operation: You could get a ticket for driving without a valid driver’s license. You may also be cited for operating a commercial vehicle without the proper license endorsements.
- Aggravated unlicensed operation: An officer may issue this ticket if you knowingly drive with a suspended, revoked, or withdrawn license.
- Unlawful passing of a school bus: This is for the failure to stop for a school bus while it is flashing red lights, on a public or private road.
- Following too closely: A driver may be ticketed for following another vehicle too closely under the circumstances, considering weather, traffic, and speed.
- Driving with inadequate brakes: A vehicle’s brakes must be in proper working order or the driver could receive a citation.
- Failure to yield: Drivers must yield to other vehicles, emergency vehicles, and pedestrians in various circumstances.
- Disobeying signals, lights, and signs: A driver is required to obey traffic control signals, red lights, and stop and yield signs, among others.
- Improper passing: The conditions may not allow a driver to speed up and overtake another vehicle, resulting in a ticket.
- Unsafe lane changes: Similarly, it is illegal to change lanes when the conditions do not allow one to safely do so.
- Leaving a property damage accident scene: In an accident that caused property damage, drivers are expected to stop and exchange vehicle and insurance information with each other.
- Failure to keep right: A driver may be required to keep right while driving and could be ticketed for not doing so.
- Seat belt and child restraint violations: Anyone aged 16 or older, as a driver or passenger, must wear a seat belt. Children under the age of 8 must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint device.
- Cell phone and electronic device violations: Holding a cell phone to make a call, send texts or emails, or browse the internet while the vehicle is in motion may result in a ticket. The same applies to the use of electronic devices like laptops and games.
Possible New York Ticket Penalties We Can Help You Avoid
A traffic ticket may result in one or more penalties that could seriously jeopardize your finances, your freedom, and your ability to drive. Examples include:
- Fines: Most traffic tickets in Jefferson County result in a fine, which will vary according to the nature and severity of the underlying offense. Speeding, for instance, will usually net a higher fine than driving with a broken taillight.
- Increased automobile insurance rates: Automobile insurance companies view traffic tickets as a sign of a risky driver and increase rates accordingly. These increases may last several years.
- Points on your driving record: New York uses a system which assigns various points to driver’s records depending on the offense in question. If you receive 11 points in an 18-month period, your license may be suspended.
- License suspension or revocation: Serious offenses, or accumulating too many points on your driving record, could lead to suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. While suspension is temporary, with a revocation your license is taken away for a certain period and you must later apply for a new one.
- Jail time: Some of the most serious moving violations like reckless driving or driving while intoxicated can result in jail time. Speeding, for instance, can lead to 15 to 30 days in jail.
How Our Firm Represents Drivers
When you retain The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers, we get to work by:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding your ticket and acquiring evidence related to it
- Identifying errors and other problems on the part of law enforcement or the prosecution
- Filing motions, where possible, to have tickets dismissed
- Challenging speed detection equipment for accuracy and proper calibration
- Analyzing surveillance camera and dashcam footage
- Handling all legal paperwork and court appearances
- Advising you of the possible legal consequences of your ticket
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges, lowered penalties, and plea bargain options
- Seeking alternatives to points, including defensive driving courses
- Working to restore your license after suspension or revocation
Contact Our Jefferson County Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Throughout our representation, we provide comprehensive legal counsel and support to seek the most optimal results. We know that a traffic ticket can be stressful, which is why we alleviate the burden by leveraging our experience on your behalf. Get started with The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers today by contacting us to schedule your free consultation.
