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What are Traffic Infractions as Opposed to Misdemeanors?

by Seth Azria on 6/29/2018
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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My job requires me to have a clean driving record. I recently received a ticket in Hancock township and hired Seth. He was able to get the ticket reduced to a non moving violation so no points on my license. Excellent attorney, very responsive and great staff. I highly recommend him.

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Azria Law Firm handled a traffic infraction on my behalf and I could not be more pleased. They were able to work with the District Attorney's office in a timely manner and they were able to negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation. They kept me informed every step of the way providing complete confidence that the matter was being handle appropriately. They get straight get straight As for Responsiveness, Expertise, Communication, Price/Value, and Results. I do not normally provide recommendations; however, this is an exceptional law firm. I highly recommend them!

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Drivers License Revocation

Recently I lost my drivers license due to receiving multiple tickets in a six month period. Along with that I had a misdemeanor and some other points on my license record. I had received a notice from dmv and was going to have to be without my drivers license for 2 years. I got in contact with Seth Azria at the Azria Law Office to see if there was anything at all I could do about my predicament. Seth Azria worked on my case and within a short amount of time I got a notice in the mail from dmv saying that the revocation order for my license has been rescinded. I would highly recommend the Azria law firm to anyone who is in need of legal assistance. Very easy to work with as well.

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As advertized

They took over the case and took care of my ticket, I got a good reduction in points

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