Card image

Complimentary Traffic Ticket Case Evaluations. Call Now. (315) 396-8006

Traffic Ticket Articles

Plea Bargaining and Fines for Common Reductions

by Seth Azria on 6/15/2018

Plea Bargaining for a Reduction

The overwhelming majority of traffic tickets, that drivers do not plead guilty to, are resolved through plea bargaining. Plea bargaining occurs with the prosecutor whereby the prosecutor makes an offer to the driver to plead guilty to a reduced charge.  The reason the prosecutor makes these offers is to resolve the case. Otherwise the prosecutors would have to have a trial for every ticket. The prosecutor also seeks to serve the interests of justice. The amount of the reduction is a matter for argument. 

For example, a driver is charged with speeding 84 mph in a 65 zone. The prosecutor may offer a plea to a parking violation in satisfaction of the original ticket.

Prosecutors are Empowered to Change one Charge to Another 

Some clients have mentioned that it is odd to plead to parking violation when they were charged with speeding. However, this is commonplace, as prosecutors have the authority to change any traffic ticket issued by the police to any other or dismiss it entirely.

But Judges Have to Approve the Deal

The prosecutor’s power to alter charges is subject to the judge’s approval. While the judge is prohibited from engaging in plea bargaining, he or she may refuse to accept a deal offered by the prosecutor. This happens more often than we wish it would.

Bargaining and presenting a case to the prosecutor in a way calculated to ensure the largest reduction and then convincing a reluctant judge to accept it, is what we, as your lawyers, are obligated to do for you.  

Common Sections Used for Traffic Reductions

a. Reductions to Zero Points

§1200 (d) - Failed to obey a parking sign

§1201(a) - Stopping or standing on pavement

  • for the first conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $150
  • for the second conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $300
  • for the third conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $450
  • Mandatory Surcharge $25

Some prosecutors offer two parking violations in satisfaction of one speeding ticket. Other times, we may ask for two parking violations instead of one point ticket. This allows the judge to impose a larger total fine because both the first and second offense are occurring at the same time. 

Many clients are concerned primarily with avoiding points and would rather pay more than take points. We agree.

1202(b)2 - Stopping or standing on pavement

  • for the first conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $400
  • for the second conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $600
  • for the third conviction in 18 Months $0 - $750
  • Mandatory Surcharge - $25

b. Reductions to Two Points

§1110a - Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device

  • for the first conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $150
  • for the second conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $300
  • for the third conviction in 18 Months - $0 - $450
  • Mandatory Surcharge - $93 for town and village courts, $88 for other courts, e.g. city courts

Failure to obey a traffic control device is by far the most popular section that prosecutors use when they insists on the driver pleading to a charge with points. Section 1102, failed to comply with a lawful order of police/flag person is also used frequently and has the same fine structure as §1110a.

If you have any questions about the fine or reductions we invite your call.  And please, do not plead guilty, always seek a reduction.

Need help with your ticket?

One speeding conviction may cause premiums to increase over $2,000 in three years. The Zebra. 

Don't plead guilty. .

Our experienced traffic defense lawyer is available to talk to you about your case.

Accepting Cases in Onondaga County Only.

Free Consultations. Call Now.
(315) 364-1155




 

Can't talk now?

Schedule a time for a lawyer to call you when it's convenient.

 Schedule a Call for Later

Azria & Bruffett PLLC BBB Business Review

Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Law Firm, Syracuse NY

 
Hire your traffic lawyer online. Start Now
Google Review

I have used their services numerous time and have never been let down. My go to for all traffic court matters.

Google Review

Positive: Professionalism

These lawyers are the best Was up against a judge who hated the company I work for so I know I was not going to get a fair judgment on my behalf So called these guys and they fought for me 5 Star Service Top notch lawyer will be using them again

Google Review

Unfortunately I'm a repeat customer.... Fantastic, great results for me.... I've dealt with other lawyers and it's just night and day.... Hopefully I'll never need them again but if I do I'll definitely call

W Legend
Google+ Review

Azria & Bruffett provided excellent representation for my 89-year old father who was charged with two tickets in Cortland, NY. For a very affordable fee, they were able to obtain dismissal of the moving violation resulting in a very small fine and court costs. I live in another state so this was especially convenient for me to help my dad and they saved me a lot of time. We spoke with an attorney and a paralegal guided my dad and I through the remainder of the process. The firm responded to all of my questions promptly. Highly recommended.