If you receive a traffic ticket in New York, paying the fine may seem less expensive than hiring an attorney. But the cost of a traffic conviction can extend beyond the initial fine. Depending on the violation, you could also face points on your driving record, higher insurance premiums, additional fees, or even consequences for your driver’s license.
A New York traffic ticket attorney can review the charge, identify possible defenses, and help you pursue an outcome that may reduce the long-term financial impact of the ticket.
If you received a speeding or other traffic ticket in New York, you have a choice. You can fight the ticket and try to avoid paying the fine or open up your pocketbook and pay the ticket. You may assume that compared to paying for speeding tickets, the lawyers’ fees you would need to pay to fight your case would be more expensive.
Rather than being a drain on your finances to fight speeding tickets, lawyers with experience in traffic violation law can end up saving you money when you use their services.
There are at least three ways that you could partner with an attorney and walk away from your traffic ticket paying less than you would if you just paid the ticket outright:
How Can a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Help Reduce the Cost of a Ticket?
Even minor traffic tickets can be expensive, and you may not be able to afford the fines and costs of the ticket itself. An attorney can assist you in defending yourself against the ticket, and if you are successful, you could end up not owing any fines or other costs to the court for your ticket. If you do not pay these promptly, additional penalties or collection costs could be assessed.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be defenses available based on the traffic stop, the evidence, or how the alleged violation was documented. In reality, there may be various flaws with how the officer conducted the traffic stop or with the officer’s equipment. You lose these potential defenses by just paying the ticket or fighting it yourself and losing.
If you and your attorney prevail in your case, you could save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in fines and costs. Such savings could offset the cost of your representation.
Can a New York Traffic Ticket Increase Your Insurance Rates?
There are more consequences to a speeding traffic ticket than the fines and court costs. If you pay the ticket or are found guilty in court, a conviction will go onto your driving record.
Your insurance company may pull a copy of your driving record, or you might be contractually obligated to disclose the ticket to them. In either case, your insurance company will likely know about the conviction.
While every insurance company is different, most respond to a speeding ticket or moving violation conviction by raising your insurance premiums or canceling your coverage altogether. Even after paying the fines and costs of the ticket, you could face recurring costs from your insurer as a result of your conviction.
Can a Traffic Ticket Affect Your Job?
If your work requires you to have a valid driver’s license as a condition of your employment, a traffic ticket presents a significant risk to you. A conviction could result in the suspension or revocation of your license if the offense is serious enough or if you have accumulated multiple violations in a short period of time.
Losing your job as a professional driver would create financial havoc for you and your family. You might have trouble paying your bills and meeting your other obligations until you find alternative employment.
Talk to a New York Traffic Ticket Attorney About Your Options
For these reasons and more, your first call after getting a traffic ticket should be to New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. We will explain your options for addressing your ticket and help you avoid as many of the financial consequences of a conviction as possible. This includes taking your case to trial if necessary to protect your driving record and your wallet.
Contact a skillful attorney from New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers today about your case.
