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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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Azria & Bruffett Law Firm PLLC is a great law firm to handle all your speeding traffic tickets and more! Lawyer Azria is very professional, courteous, and helpful. He is willing to answer all you inquiries and very patient to explain all the details and the process how a case works. I am really satisfied with his service. I got a speeding traffic ticket 🎫 in upstate, 4 points, and he downgraded my points to 0. He has great and affordable prices among other lawyers. I highly recommend him!

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I received a four point ticket and googled attorney's to choose who could handle my case, being that I was not local to the county in which I received the Summons. I found Seth Azria's Law firm and read the testimonials. I liked what I read and reached out to him. After retaining his services, I found the testimonials to be spot on. My ticket was reduced to a non point, non moving violation. Later on my son received the same type ticket with the same outcome. Very pleased with the services that he provided.

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I look at myself as a very successful person in life. But I am nothing if I can't provide for your family. I was heading down that path with two speeding tickets to my name with very high points. My means of providing is driving over 100 miles daily. Many thanks goes out to the office of Azria & Bruffett Law Firm. Mr. David is such a wonderful person even advise you how to get things done. When you talk about communication with clients - Azria & Bruffett does it the best. I love these people.
I highly recommend this Law Firm if you have a traffic violation they are A1.