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NY Traffic Ticket Defense Articles

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

Traffic Law Basics 2 min read

What are Traffic Infractions as Opposed to Misdemeanors?

By Seth M. Azria, Esq.
Traffic Infractions and Traffic Misdemeanors in New York

1. Traffic Infractions are Not Crimes

"Traffic Infraction" is officially defined by the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 155 as non-criminal. If you are charged with a traffic infraction—as opposed to a misdemeanor or a felony—it means that you do not have to appear in court and you may answer the ticket by mail. Your answer may be "guilty" or "not guilty."

Legal Warning:
Even though an infraction is not a crime, we strongly advise against pleading guilty without first seeking a reduction. Pleading guilty can result in heavy fines, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums.

2. A Misdemeanor is a Crime

A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is classified as a crime and generally requires a physical appearance in court for an arraignment. Misdemeanors also carry increased fines, harsher penalties, and the potential for a permanent criminal record.

The most common misdemeanor traffic ticket in New York is Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO). For our clients facing misdemeanor charges, we always try to appear in court on their behalf and otherwise make the legal process as easy as possible.

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Mr. Azria did a great job handled my speeding ticket! All it took was a quick telephone call and he took care of everything. He got my charge (and fine) reduced and I did not have to appear in court. Everything was handled via telephone & email.

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I am an attorney working in the lower Hudson Valley. I had an unfortunate brush with the law on my birthday of all days! which resulted in my receipt of a speeding ticket en-route to a wedding in Buffalo. I'd never had any other infractions on my record and this offense is certainly not an area in which I specialize. I was very upset and worried but immediately upon calling Mr. Azria all of my fears and concerns melted away. Mr. Azria was able to plead my ticket down to a minor violation with no points and a small fee to the Court. Mr. Azria was quick, efficient and responsive. I never had a moment of worry that my case was being neglected. Mr. Azria and his team answered any questions that I had and kept me informed throughout the process. I could not have asked for a better team in my corner and you can't beat the price. You would have thought that I spent a small fortune for the quality of service that I received. Take it from me, Mr. Azria is the attorney you want representing you.

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I was issued a speeding ticket in an area that I was unfamiliar with. We researched the law firms to help with reducing the charge of my ticket, since I had never received a speeding ticket before. The professionals at Azria and Bruffett were efficient, organized, and provided me with a comprehensive plan as to how they would handle my case. I was thrilled with the outcome - they were able to plea my case to a much more reasonable fine.

I can't thank them enough!