Syracuse Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Do Not Plead Guilty to Traffic Tickets
The worst way to handle a traffic ticket in New York is to plead guilty by mail. Pleading guilty cuts off your chance for a reduction and locks in the consequences for the original charge. Most of the ticket issued in New York state will be subject to reduction or dismissal and you should take advantage of that fact.
Pleading guilty with an "explanation" on the ticket will not cause the ticket to be changed or reduced. The only effect might be on the amount of the fine the judge imposes within a range required by law.
Consequences Accumulate Quickly
New York traffic tickets do not include much information . As a result, court fines and surcharges, points, and other consequences come as a surprise to many. An experienced traffic lawyer can walk you through the consequences.
Have Impact in Home State or Province
Due to information sharing between motor vehicle agencies in U.S. and Canada, consequences for New York traffic tickets are often felt at home for out-of-state drivers.
Some states treat out-of-state convictions as if they happened in driver's home state, others transfer a set number of points, and still others don't include points or convictions at all. Learn more about the rules for out-of-state and Canadian drivers.
But no matter how the government treats a ticket, there is always the concern about insurance rates increases.
Insurance Premiums Increase
No matter where you are licensed and where you receive a ticket, you should assume that your insurance company will learn of the conviction. Once they know, your insurance company may increase your premiums or even drop your coverage.
For example, according to the insurance comparison site Zebra, a person insured by Allstate who paid $1,888 per year with a clean record, after being convicted of speeding 11-15 mph over the limit would pay:
- $2,280 in year one,
- $2,673 in year two, and,
- $3,065 in year three.
That amounts to a roughly $2,300 increase for just one speeding ticket. The cost of a slower speed ticket, e.g. 6-10 mph, is similar at $2,250, $2,612, and $2,983. Visit Zebra post.
DMV May Impose Additional Penalty
For multiple or certain traffic ticket convictions, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will impose additional fines.
For example, any driver convicted of tickets totaling 6 points, or more, in any 18-month period will receive a bill for $300 for the first 6 points and $75 per point after that. This penalty applies to all drivers regardless of their home state. We see failure to pay these assessments as a common cause of suspensions, both in New York and other states. Read more about NYS Driver responsibility assessments.
This law means pleading guilty to speeding 86 in a 65 mph zone will cost the driver $300 from the NY DMV, up to $393 from the court, and then there is the most expensive consequence of the conviction; insurance premium increases.
It is costly to be convicted. Given that the legal fee for most speeding tickets is a few hundreds dollars, hiring a traffic lawyer to limit the impact of the ticket is sensible.
Ask an Experienced Syracuse Traffic Lawyer
The best way to handle tickets in New York is to consult an experienced traffic lawyer. While some tickets are not worth fighting, the vast majority can be reduced to a lesser charge or dismissed. You should never plead guilty to any traffic ticket without first knowing:
- What are the consequences of my current ticket?
- What might be the outcome of my ticket if I seek reduction (i.e.“fight it”) ?
- Will I have to attend court?
We are highly rated lawyers who have handled thousands of traffic tickets all over New York State. We are knowledgeable, accessible, professional, and happy to answer your questions free of charge.
Call A&B for a Complimentary Case Evaluation
- Protect yourself from points, fines, and suspension.
- Eliminate court appearances in most cases.
- Save time and eliminate anxiety.
From our main office in Syracuse, New York we handle tickets in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and all over New York State.