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NY Traffic Ticket Defense Articles

Legal insights, guides, and tips for handling traffic tickets in New York.

It is Driving with a Suspended Licence 

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation or “AUO” is based on driving with a suspended license. It a misdemeanor, and therefore a crime under New York law. 

A person is guilty of aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree when a person operates a motor vehicle upon a public highway while knowing or having reason to know that their license or privilege of driving has been suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by the DMV.

AUO Charges May Come as a Surprise 

AUO charges sometimes come as a surprise to you. An unresolved ticket from years ago may have caused a suspension without you knowing about it. Sometimes people move, forget to update their address with the  DMV or otherwise do not receive a mailed suspension notice. Unfortunately not receiving the notice is not a defense. The law requires only that the DMV mail a notice to your address on file. This deemed to have given reason to know that they have suspended. 

Whether you were actually aware of the suspension or not, being charged with AUO means that you will personally have to appear in court for an arraignment before a judge. And because the charge is a misdemeanor crime, you will need a lawyer to represent you. Judges will often advise defendants attending that initial court appearance without a lawyer to find a lawyer or will assign a lawyer if the defendant cannot afford a lawyer.

Penalties for AUO in New York

AUO in the 3rd Degree conviction: 

  • a fine of $200-$500, 
  • imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.  

Multiple AUO offenses or numerous suspensions pending can result in a:

AUO Second Degree, which is punishable by:

  •  a fine of not less than $500,
  • prison of up to 180 days, or probation. 

An AUO related to alcohol can be elevated to the first degree, which is a class-E felony.

For more on the degrees of AUO.

Defense Lawyers: Experienced, Efficient, and Knowledgeable

An A&B lawyer will appear with you in court, help you identify and resolve the suspensions on your license, and negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor. Our goals in AUO cases is to first to eliminate a criminal conviction and ensure that the client's license is clear to drive. 

If you have been charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation please call us at (315) 364-1155 for a free evaluation of your charges and driving record. 

Best attorney in Upstate NY

Making this short and simple: I had over 15 traffic infractions/violations for driving without a license, speeding and among other serious infractions. Needless to say , Ralph took care of this all for me and I ended up just paying fines for the traffic tickets - Also , I'm a licensed driver now! 

Thanks a lot Ralph for your service , I would recommend anyone who gets in trouble with the law to first contact Ralph Habib.

Robert posted to Avvo
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I highly recommend Seth Azria and his team to anyone needing a traffic attorney in Upstate New York, especially if you are a Canadian or out-of-state driver.

I received a traffic ticket while passing through the area and was incredibly stressed about how to handle it. Seth was professional, transparent, and highly effective from day one. He clearly explained the process, answered all my questions promptly, and handled the entire process smoothly.

Best of all, he delivered exactly what he promised. If you are looking for an attorney who provides exceptional communication, true peace of mind, and outstanding results, hire Seth!"

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I got a ticket upstate, hours from home and my boyfriend got in touch with Seth. He told us about the diversion program used in that county and that it’d not be necessary to get a lawyer. There was no benefit for him in helping but he did it anyway. He returned our call promptly, explained the process and texted us links. He was so helpful and resourceful. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for help with tickets upstate!

Professional and reliable, highly recommended

After receiving a ticket upstate NY, I contacted Seth's firm based on the great reviews on this board and was really happy that I made this choice.

Seth explained the possible outcome in my case when I first called him and managed to achieve exactly what he told me, which shows that he is experienced and knowledgeable in his area of practice. He successfully negotiated with a DA a reduction of charges from a 6 point speeding to a non-speeding violation without me having to appear in court in person.

Monica, Seth's paralegal, kept me informed of all necessary details throughout the whole two month process and I received a response to every email that I sent to the firm.

I would highly recommend Seth's firm for anyone looking for reliable and professional attorney services.

anonymous posted to Avvo