Getting a traffic ticket can ruin your day. Even worse, traffic tickets can negatively affect your license. A traffic ticket in Middletown, New York, can result in significant penalties like increased premiums, license suspension, or even revocation. This could affect your ability to drive to work or other places that you need to go.
Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that they can fight a traffic ticket. They believe that once the officer writes the ticket, they must pay the fine. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you have a traffic ticket in Middletown, NY, a Middletown traffic tickets lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys can help. You could have a strong case for dismissal or reduction in fines. For 36 years, we have defended clients against everything from criminal charges to traffic infractions. Contact our office today or call (845) 566-5345 to schedule a time to talk with a Middletown traffic tickets attorney.
How Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, Can Help if You Get a Traffic Ticket In Middletown, NY
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys may be your best resource if you get a traffic ticket in Middletown. We help our clients understand traffic infraction law and represent them in traffic court. Our Middletown traffic tickets lawyers help our clients avoid hefty fines and the consequences of a traffic violation.
You should make sure that you hire an experienced lawyer to handle your traffic ticket case. An inexperienced attorney could lose your case, which could result in increased fines and penalties.
Our team is prepared to handle your case. We have many recognitions, including being listed as:
- Super Lawyers
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- America’s Top 100 Lawyers
Every day, we help our clients challenge their traffic tickets by:
- Explaining the law
- Discussing the consequences of a violation
- Investigating the case
- Reviewing the police officer’s deposition and other evidence
- Representing you in traffic court
- Negotiating for a reduction in penalty or complete dismissal
- Appealing an unfair guilty finding
A traffic ticket may seem like a small infraction, but it can have big consequences. Don’t risk getting slammed in traffic court. Call Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Middletown traffic tickets attorney today.
Overview of Traffic Ticket Laws In New York
Middletown drivers can get traffic tickets for several violations codified in the city code. Additionally, there are statewide traffic laws that Middletown drivers also need to follow.
If you get a traffic ticket, you have the right to either pay the ticket or dispute the ticket in traffic court. If you are disputing the ticket, you need to plead not guilty, usually by the deadline on the back of the ticket.
At the same time, you can request a supporting deposition from the officer who pulled you over. The officer will send you the deposition within 30 days. The deposition will state the officer’s observations and what you can expect them to testify to in court.
You will receive notice of a trial date for your case to be heard by a judge after you plead not guilty. At trial, the prosecution will provide evidence of the infraction. Evidence usually includes calling the police officer to the stand to testify. There might be other evidence as well, including video footage or photographs.
You have the right to cross-examine the witnesses and present your evidence. You aren’t obligated to do so, but it can be helpful in many cases.
At the end of the trial, the judge will render a verdict, finding you either guilty or not guilty. The judge may find that you are guilty of some but not all of the violations. The judge will impose a penalty for the traffic tickets. If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal the verdict.
Types of Traffic Tickets In New York
The rules of the road are abundant. There are many different types of traffic tickets in New York. Licensed drivers are expected to be aware of and follow all traffic laws. It is not a defense to argue that you didn’t know the rules.
Some of the most common types of tickets in Middletown, NY are:
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving an unregistered car
- Driving an uninspected car
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Seatbelt violations
- Following too closely
- Improper U-turn
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Equipment violations (such as broken tail light or headlight)
These are traffic infractions that don’t carry jail time. However, some traffic offenses are crimes rather than infractions. This includes DUI offenses, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license. The court process for these types of cases is much different than for traffic tickets. If you are facing a jailable traffic offense, you should always speak with an attorney to avoid a criminal conviction.
What Are the Penalties for a Traffic Ticket In Middletown?
The penalty for your traffic ticket in Middletown, NY, often depends on the ticket type and your driving record. People with more serious tickets and a poor driving record can expect harsher penalties.
Some of the potential penalties for a traffic ticket include:
- Fines
- Added points to your license
- License suspension or revocation
- Increased insurance premiums
An attorney can help you minimize the consequences of a traffic infraction if you are found guilty. Furthermore, they can help you navigate the aftermath with the DMV.
New York License Points System
Many people are worried about the fines associated with a traffic ticket, but the license points are often a bigger deal.
The New York point system is a way for the DMV to identify dangerous drivers. Each traffic violation has a certain number of points associated with it, depending on the severity of the infraction. If you get too many points too quickly, then your license can be suspended.
Points can stay on your record for 18 months (it will soon be 24 months because of changing DMV regulations) and then drop off, except for insurance purposes. Some traffic tickets don’t carry any points, such as for faulty equipment. For speeding, points increase depending on how far above the speed limit you went. For over 40, you could have a whopping 11 points added to your license.
If you have 11 or more points on your license you can lose your license. However, the DMV offers a point reduction program as an opportunity to reduce the number of points on your license by taking an approved class.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Get a Traffic Ticket In Middletown, NY?
You can raise any number of defenses to a traffic ticket. The best defense depends on the type of infraction.
Some of the most common defenses include:
- Disputing the police officer’s testimony
- Improper use of the speed radar
- Miscalibrated speed radar
- Necessity or emergency situation
- Defective speedometer in the car
The prosecution has the burden of proving that you are guilty of the traffic infraction. You aren’t obligated to produce any evidence. However, it may be helpful, depending on your defense. If you have a favorable witness or evidence to admit at trial, it can support your defense and help prove your innocence. You also have the right to testify about what happened.
Additionally, if the police officer or a necessary witness doesn’t show up to court, the prosecutor may not be able to prove your case. If the prosecution fails to prove their case, you may be found not guilty.
An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can help you understand the strongest defense in your case. They can also negotiate for a reduction in the penalty or severity of the ticket. For example, if you are charged with speeding 40 over the speed limit, your lawyer could get the ticket reduced to 20 over the speed limit, which would carry lower fines and points on your license. Sometimes, an attorney can negotiate these types of deals if you agree to take some action, such as attending traffic school.
Contact a Middletown Traffic Ticket Lawyer for a Consultation
You don’t have to roll over and accept responsibility for a traffic ticket. You should exercise your right to contest the ticket and make the prosecutor prove their case against you. You are more likely to get a better outcome if you fight back with the help of an experienced legal team than if you just accept responsibility.
Call a Middletown traffic tickets lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys to help you avoid fines and serious consequences for your license. The first step is to schedule a consultation. This is an opportunity to learn more about your rights, our team, and the traffic court process.