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NY Traffic Ticket Defense Articles

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

Legal Representation 3 min read

5 Benefits of Hiring a Traffic Lawyer to Fight Your Ticket

By Seth M. Azria, Esq.
Benefits of Hiring a Traffic Lawyer in New York - Azria & Bruffett Traffic Lawyers in Syracuse NY
Benefits of Hiring a Traffic Lawyer in New York

1. Protect Your License from Points and Your Insurance from Increases

New York uses a point system to keep track of your driving. Convictions for many traffic violations will cause you to acquire points. If you acquire too many points, 11 points in any 18-month period, the NY DMV will suspend your license.

It is not difficult to acquire 11 points. For example, a single ticket for speeding 86 mph in a 65 mph zone is 6 points on its own.

Car insurance companies also keep tabs on their insured drivers, and tickets will mean increased premiums and even dropped coverage. Parents with careless drivers or children on their insurance policies often get into trouble here.

2. Prevent Suspension and Revocation

While driving is a privilege, it is also a necessity; yet many people forget about or ignore tickets. Ignoring a ticket is a common way to get suspended.

Once suspended—and many people have no idea that they are—a traffic stop for any reason will turn into a misdemeanor Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) charge. An AUO charge means mandatory court appearances and a conviction will incur relatively heavy fines.

When you hire us, we are responsible for you. The court will deal directly with us so you won't miss anything. This is what we do, and we do it well, so you can concentrate on what you do without worrying.

3. Avoid Additional Expenses

New York has enacted a Driver Responsibility Assessment law. This law directs the DMV to assess fines in addition to any fines from the court. For example, let's say you plead guilty to a speeding ticket for 86 mph on the New York Thruway. After sending in the ticket, the court would send a notice that you owed a fine of between $90-$300 and a surcharge of $93.

The Hidden DMV Costs

Once the Court reported the conviction to the DMV, the DMV would record 6 points on your license. The DMV would also make a Driver Responsibility Assessment and send you a bill for $100 each year for 3 years ($300 total). Miss one of these payments and your license will be suspended, and your next traffic stop will include a misdemeanor AUO.

4. Convenience

For nearly all traffic infractions, you will not have to appear in court. We appear for you and handle the rest by mail, email, and fax. After you hire our office, all we ask is that you pay attention to any calls or emails from us.

5. Peace of Mind

Navigating the New York Justice Court system can be confusing and aggravating. New York has over 60 counties and over 1,200 justice courts. Each of these counties and courts has different policies and procedures to work out a ticket.

With our statewide practice, we have worked with judges, prosecutors, and court clerks and will guide you through the process. With experienced legal representation, you do not have to be concerned about the unknown because we are always available to answer your questions.

Ready to Fight Your Traffic Ticket?

Let our experienced attorneys handle the courts, prosecutors, and paperwork so you can have peace of mind. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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