If you’ve lost your New York traffic ticket, don’t panic. You’re not alone. Many people lose their tickets every year. But this doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Ignoring a lost ticket may lead to serious fines and other consequences.
So if you’re looking for information on what to do if you lose your New York traffic ticket, keep reading. This post will discuss four steps to take if you lose your ticket.
1. Call the Traffic Court
The first step is to call the town or village city court in the location where you received the ticket. This local court can tell you whether they have a record of your ticket.
If the traffic court doesn’t have a record of your ticket, you will need to contact the police department that issued the ticket. The police department will provide you with information on how to proceed.
2. Pay the Ticket
Once you have the duplicate ticket, you’ll need to pay the associated fine. You can do this in person, or by mail.
If you choose to pay the fine online, you will need to visit the court website in the location where you received the ticket. Once you’re on the website, you may be able to find a link that says “Pay Traffic Ticket.” However, most courts do not offer this service online.
Should you decide to pay by mail, you will need to send a check or money order to the traffic court in the county where you received the ticket. Include your name, address, and phone number on the check or money order. Many courts will not allow you to pay by personal check, however.
If you’re paying in person, you’ll need to go to the local court in the town, village, or city where you received the ticket. Once you’re there, you should ask for a payment form, then fill it out and submit it to the court clerk.
3. Attend Traffic School
In some disputes, you may be able to attend traffic school instead of paying the fine. This is usually an option for first-time offenders.
If you’re interested in attending a traffic school, you must contact the traffic court in the county where you received the ticket. The court can tell you whether you’re eligible to attend traffic school.
You will need to sign up for a class if you are eligible — this is commonly done online or in person. Once you’ve completed the course, you can submit proof of completion to the traffic court.
Remember that attending traffic school will not always remove the points from your license. However, it may help to keep your insurance rates from going up.
4. Hire an Attorney
Sometimes, you may want to hire an attorney to help you with your traffic ticket. This is usually a good idea if you have a commercial driver’s license or have been charged with a serious offense like a DUI.
You may also employ a lawyer if you wish to dispute the ticket. If you choose to do this, you must appear in court. Keep in mind that hiring an attorney isn’t a guarantee that your ticket will be dismissed. However, an attorney could help you get a reduced fine or sentence.
Get the Legal Representation You Need
If you’ve lost your traffic ticket in Central New York, don’t panic. An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. At New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers, we specialize in traffic ticket violations and can help you fight your ticket.
Don’t jeopardize your license or your insurance rates. Call us or visit our website today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys.