Have you been cited for a traffic violat ion in Kingston, New York? Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys can help when you call (845) 566-5345. We offer a free consultation with a Kingston traffic ticket lawyer so you can understand your options before moving forward.
A solid defense may help you avoid steep fines, license points, or rising insurance costs. You do not have to deal with the charges or navigate the court on your own. Connect today to speak with a qualified member of our team and get guidance tailored to your situation.
Why Hire Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’re Facing Traffic Tickets?
Choosing Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys gives you access to a dedicated team serving Kingston, NY. Our attorneys draw on decades of experience in New York traffic courts, and our firm understands the lasting impact a single citation can have.
Here’s why you should trust us with your case:
- With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our team knows how to fight speeding tickets, suspended license charges, reckless driving allegations, and other traffic offenses in New York courts.
- Our firm consistently holds a 5-star Avvo rating based on customer satisfaction.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers for outstanding professionalism.
- We know which strategies protect your driving record and how to limit costs as much as possible when dealing with traffic citations.
We understand that one citation can cause bigger problems later. Instead of navigating the system alone, let our team put decades of experience to work for you.
Call Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys now to discuss your options with a qualified criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Traffic Tickets in New York
Understanding how traffic violations are charged and how these cases move through the New York system provides helpful context for anyone facing a citation.
Common Charges
New York issues traffic tickets for a range of violations, and even a single ticket can become an ongoing headache. Common charges include speeding (especially at high speeds), driving with a suspended or revoked license, and driving with no license or insurance.
Police also issue tickets for cell phone usage or texting while operating a vehicle, which carries heavy penalties. Commercial drivers face CDL violations that can put their livelihood in jeopardy. Repeat offenders, drunk or impaired driving, and other moving violations also fall within this system.
How Traffic Cases Work in New York
After being ticketed, many drivers expect nothing but a quick fine, but sometimes you have to go to court and deal with the violation. However, skilled lawyers can usually get involved before the ticket ever reaches trial. Experienced attorneys negotiate with the police officer who wrote your ticket, and, where required, with the prosecutor.
The goal is to:
- Reduce charges to non-moving or no-point violations to minimize long-term consequences
- Combine or merge multiple tickets into one that carries fewer points
- Push for dismissal of the citation whenever possible
This pre-trial approach helps many people avoid harsh sentences, large fines, or points that cause insurance increases. Having a knowledgeable advocate on your side makes the traffic court process easier to handle and can offer real benefits in both the short and long term.
What Are the Penalties for Traffic Tickets in Kingston, New York?
A traffic ticket conviction in New York comes with a range of penalties that often go far beyond just a simple fine. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect if you’re found guilty:
Financial Costs
If the court finds you guilty, you will pay a court fine that changes depending on the specific violation. On top of this standard fine, New York imposes a mandatory state surcharge for nearly every traffic conviction.
Certain violations can trigger even more costs, such as the Driver Responsibility Assessment fee, which adds extra charges if you accumulate six or more points in an 18-month window or are convicted of a DWI or certain other charges.
DMV Point System Consequences
New York has a point-based system meant to track your driving record across all convictions, measured within an 18-month period from the original traffic violation date (not the court date). If you reach 11 points within 18 months, your license can be suspended or revoked.
The state’s Driver Improvement Program also tracks every conviction for up to 25 years for DMV review, and this record is considered in future hearings or if additional violations happen.
License Suspension
Your New York driver’s license is at real risk after certain types of violations. The following leads to automatic suspension:
- You have three speeding convictions or driving-related misdemeanors within 18 months
- You earn 11 points, as described above
Getting your license back is not automatic. The state reviews safety factors through a scoring system to decide if and when you qualify for reinstatement.
Insurance Rate Increases
Having convictions or points on your record can raise your insurance rates for up to 36 months after the violation occurs. Insurers check these records when setting premiums, meaning just one ticket can push your payments up for several years.
Agreeing to simply plead guilty without understanding these penalties puts many drivers at risk for greater financial pressures, inconvenience, long-term record issues, and problems renewing insurance or licenses.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Outstanding Traffic Tickets?
A traffic ticket in New York doesn’t automatically mean fines, points, or a conviction. Several defenses may apply depending on how the stop occurred, how the citation was issued, and the evidence involved. A good attorney will examine the stop, the officer’s conduct, and the reliability of any equipment used.
Common defenses include:
- Procedural mistakes or administrative errors: Typos, incorrect information about the driver or vehicle, wrong charges, or missed filing deadlines can weaken the prosecution’s case or lead to dismissal.
- Faulty or improperly used equipment: Radar guns, lasers, and red-light cameras must be correctly calibrated, maintained, and operated. Service logs and officer training can be challenged.
- Subjective or questionable officer observations: Alleged rolling stops, lane changes, or reckless behavior often rely on personal judgment, which can be disputed through witness statements, photos, or video.
- Insufficient or inconsistent evidence: Officers may rely on brief notes or memory, and discrepancies between their testimony and the record can justify reductions or a not-guilty outcome.
- Necessity or emergency situations: A driver may have reasonably violated a rule to avoid a hazard or respond to an urgent situation.
- Mistaken identity or wrong vehicle: Misread plates, poor lighting, or heavy traffic can cause an officer to confuse one vehicle for another.
Each traffic case deserves careful review from an experienced defense attorney who understands both courtroom procedure and local traffic law. With the right strategy, you could walk away without a violation on your record.
Facing a traffic ticket in Kingston, NY, may seem minor, but the impact on your record and wallet can be a bigger deal than you think. With experience and careful attention to detail, a skilled lawyer can often get charges dismissed or penalties reduced, saving you from stress and costs.
Having legal guidance means you don’t have to handle confusing rules or court dates by yourself. Protect your driving privileges and take steps to avoid points that could threaten your license.
If you need help responding to a citation or want advice on your next move, call Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a Kingston traffic ticket lawyer.