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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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I contacted the office after receiving a speeding ticket. I was informed of my options and the likelihood of various outcomes and retained the services of the Azria office. The entire process was seamless and I was informed of the progress of the proceedings every step of the way. In the end, the case was reduced to a non moving violation. I would highly recommend the firm.

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Fantastic firm! I was traveling 3 hours away when I got a ticket and Azria & Bruffett took care of everything! I only had to answer a few emails! They were in constant contact with me throughout the entire process and got my ticket reduced to no points. I give them the highest recommendation!

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Great Law firm for Traffic tickets. I would definitely recommend to everyone! Im from out of town, they made this process so easy. Cant thank them enough

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As mentioned in many of the other reviews. Seth and Monica spelled out what should happen and it did. Ticket for my daughter from our of state was reduced to nonmoving violation. She was visiting colleges in NY, as she only has her permit a moving violation would have resulted in, a loss of her license for 3 months, driving school, and fines etc... 
I had no referral, just read the reviews and crossed my fingers. The price was affordable, they were very responsive, I could not be happier. Wished I had used him a couple of years ago when I got a ticket in NYC that I made the very expensive mistake of trying to defend myself...