FIGHT YOUR NEW YORK CITY TRAFFIC TICKET

Callahan & Robinson, P.C.

New York City Traffic & Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been issued a yellow summons in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Buffalo or Rochester then you are probably facing charges in the New York Traffic Violations Bureau, the T.V.B.

Driving is a necessary element of many people’s livelihoods and an important aspect of personal freedom. When you get behind the wheel you assume responsibilities as governed by the strict New York City traffic rules. If you are convicted of violating a motor vehicle statute, you may receive penalties that can include fines, points on your license, loss of driving privileges or even jail time.

However, it is possible to save time and money by contacting a competent New York City traffic ticket lawyer. Please contact our office if you wish to talk about your New York City traffic ticket options. We can provide legal guidance and effective representation with the aim of achieving a favorable outcome.

If you are issued a ticket…

Do not delay! Follow the instructions on the traffic ticket for the plea you wish to make.

It is important to answer your NY traffic ticket in the timeframe allowed because your driver’s license will be suspended if you do not. Also, later on, you could be found guilty of the charge because you failed to respond to the ticket. (known as a default conviction) If that happens, your license would be suspended for failure to pay the fine as well as have a judgement entered against you.

If you are driving with a suspended license, it is a crime. A felony conviction could land you fines up to $5,000, jail time, probation or even a confiscation of your vehicle. Remember that as the number of suspensions you have increases, penalties increase too. A driver is suspended for each ticket that was not answered and each fine that was not paid.

How To Plead
To Plead Not Guilty – The first step is to read the “not guilty” instructions on the ticket and check the “not guilty” box on the back of the ticket. Next, make sure to fill out all the required information, sign it, and mail it to the Albany address listed on the ticket within 15 days from the recorded violation date. Once the DMV receives your ticket, they will send you a notice stating when and where you need to go for your hearing.
Hearings are open to the public. You may want to go to any TVB office to watch hearings so you know what to expect.

To Plead Guilty – The first step is to read the “guilty” instructions on the ticket and check the “guilty” box on the back of the ticket. Next, make sure to fill out all the required information, sign it, and mail it, with your payment to the Albany address listed on the ticket within 15 days from the recorded violation date. You may also bring the ticket and payment to your local TVB office. You can pay the fine and surcharge by Visa or Mastercard, or a money order/check made payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” Make sure to include the total fines and surcharges listed on the ticket.

NOTE: You may not please guilty by mail if the charge(s) against you will ultimately result in license/registration suspension or revocation upon conviction (such as driving without insurance or a third speeding violation within 18 months). If you do plead guilty by mail to these charges, you will be notified that you must go to a TVB office in person to answer the charges.

How To Postpone Your Hearing
The DMV does allow you to postpone or reschedule your hearing to a different date/time. To postpone your hearing the first time, the TVB must receive your request by mail at least 10 days before the date of the hearing. You can also make the request in person at the TVB office or by telephone 1 day before the hearing date. If you need to postpone your hearing a 2nd time, your request must be made in person at the appropriate TVB office at least 1 day before the hearing. If you do postpone for a 2nd time, you must include a “good cause” for why you will not be able to make your hearing — this is subject to approval by the TVB Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

In order to postpone your hearing for a ticket issued within New York City, you must mail your request to the Albany address on your ticket. They must receive your request at least 10 days before the date of your hearing. You can also request a postponement in person at any TVB office in New York City, or telephone the TVB at (718)-488-5710, at least 1 day before the date of your hearing.

What Happens At Your Hearing
Up until a conviction is given, you are considered innocent of the charge against you. You can not be found guilty unless there is “clear and convincing evidence” that you committed the violation
If you do not understand the English language so well, you may bring someone to help you translate. Make sure to tell the Administrative Law Judge before the start of the hearing that someone who speaks your native language and English is there to help interpret.

At the hearing, the ALJ will hear the sworn testimony from the police officer who gave you the ticket — which explains why you were given the ticket. After this you, or your attorney, may ask the officer questions about the ticket. You are also allowed to bring witnesses to the hearing to testify on your behalf as well as written evidence to support your case.

You do not have to testify, but you can if you wish. A guilty verdict cannot be given just because you did not testify.

After all the evidence and testimony has been given/heard, the ALJ will make a decision whether you are guilty or not. The decision will be based solely on the evidence and testimony provided at the hearing and what the law states. If the ALJ decides the charges against you were not proven by clear and convincing evidence, you will be found not guilty. If the charge is proven and you are found guilty, the judge will set a fine. Your license or registration also may be suspended or revoked, depending on the violation and your overall driving record.

Traffic Ticket Appeals
If you feel that the ALJ’s decision was not correct, you may file an appeal within 30 days of the decision. Appeal forms are available at TVB offices. Read the instructions on the form carefully — if you wish to retain an attorney to help you file the appeal, you may do so. Remember to include a check or money order (made payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles) for the appeal fees listed on the form
Send the appeal form and associated fees to:

Appeals Processing Unit – DMV
P.O. Box 2935
Albany, N.Y. 12220-0935

To see more Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the New York Traffic Ticket FAQ

FIGHT YOUR TICKET!

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Can You Beat a Ticket?

If a lawyer tells you or advertises that they can “beat” your traffic ticket, you should think twice about retaining them. It’s true that tickets can be dismissed based on technical flaws. In example, the officer may no show up at court.

In most cases though, if you have received a ticket that is written correctly and the issuing officer does their duties in accordance of the law, a traffic trial will most likely end with a conviction.

NEW YORK TRAFFIC TICKET LAWYERS

Did you receive a New York speeding ticket, cell-phone ticket, or other traffic related ticket? If so, you should be aware that being convicted of a driving-related offense can lead to:

  • Points on your NYS driver’s license
  • Significant fines & surcharges
  • Suspension of driving privilege
  • Jail in certain circumstances

The good news is that you have a right to effective legal representation! Just sit back and relax while we fight your traffic ticket(s). In most cases you do not have to make an appearance to fight your ticket if an attorney goes to court for you. Your fines and points will be eliminated if your attorney prevails at the hearing.

We can help you avoid the hassle of showing up in traffic court and missing work or other important events in your life — all by hiring a skilled, competent and knowledgable traffic ticket lawyer.

Our attorneys have the experience to win your traffic ticket case and our fees are very reasonable. Call us today for a free consultation.

NEW YORK CITY TRAFFIC TICKET FAQS

What If I Get a Traffic Ticket?
Check your NY traffic ticket to find the boxes indicating whether you would like to plead guilty or not guilty. Select the appropriate box and mail it back to the address on the bottom of the ticket(s). When NYS receives your ticket, they will provide you with your traffic court information. Your attorney may do this on your behalf.
Can I Fight a Traffic Ticket on My Own?
Yes you can fight it on your own, but it is not advised. Generally, people who hire attorneys to fight their traffic tickets have more favorable results, less waiting time and leave traffic court happier.

In order to postpone your hearing for a ticket issued within New York City, you must mail your request to the Albany address on your ticket. They must receive your request at least 10 days before the date of your hearing. You can also request a postponement in person at any TVB office in New York City, or telephone the TVB at (718)-488-5710, at least 1 day before the date of your hearing.

Do I Need To Hire An Attorney?

You’ve recently gotten a traffic ticket and now you are asking yourself this very question. The answer is YES!

 

You may think a traffic ticket is a trivial matter that should be paid and forgotten about, but in reality the ticket could cost you thousands of dollars in the long term — even after you paid it. Hiring a New York traffic ticket lawyer will save you time and money.

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