How Do I Fight My Upstate NY Speeding Ticket?

If you get a speeding ticket in upstate New York, there are certain potential penalties and fines that could impact you. Law enforcement in upstate New York is known for being particularly strict regarding speeding and reckless driving (even during the pandemic).

Two venues are responsible for handling speeding tickets in the state of New York. While the Traffic Violation Bureau (TVB) handles non-criminal traffic violations in New York City, the local court system oversees citations throughout the rest of the state (including in upstate New York). If you want to fight a speeding ticket in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Ithaca, or other areas of upstate New York, an experienced traffic ticket attorney may be able to help navigate the legal court system.

The Potential Impact of a Speeding Ticket in Upstate New York

The DMV has a Points System in place that is intended to track drivers who pose a high risk. Drivers who accumulate 11+ points within 18 months may have their license suspended or revoked.  Also, three speeding ticket convictions within 18 months results in a mandatory revocation.  Finally, even just one excessive speeding conviction (31+ mph), can result in a suspension.

In addition to suspension or revocation, insurance premiums can also increase as a result of point accumulation. Points are gathered based on the MPH traveled over the posted speed limit, which can range from three points for driving 1-10 MPH above the limit to 11 points for driving over 41+ MPH above the limit. Depending on the number of points accumulated, you could also face a costly Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee and a court surcharge per violation.

With the help of an attorney who understands the process of fighting a speeding ticket in upstate New York, you may be able to increase your chances of having the ticket reduced or dismissed. The following are some tips to help you contest a speeding ticket in upstate New York, Westchester, and Long Island.

Dress Appropriately in Court

When showing up in court, it is not enough to simply appear on time. You should also make sure you leave a good impression by knowing what to wear. While you do not need to dress too formally, you should look as though you are taking the proceedings seriously.  Business casual works.  Of course, if you retain a New York traffic ticket lawyer then you likely will not have to appear in court at all.

Appear in Court on Time

Both the TVB and the local court system in New York collectively handle thousands of cases every year, and they have an efficient computerized system in place for monitoring each case. If you fail to show up to your hearing, the court system will be aware of it, which could lead to a conviction along with additional penalties and fines. To make sure you know when to appear in court and avoid any potential mistakes throughout the process, it is best to speak with an experienced traffic ticket lawyer.

Act Professional

You will hurt your chances of a successful result if you exhibit any rude, disruptive, or angry behavior in court. You may become impatient during the hearing process, particularly if you need to wait for other hearings before yours on your court date, so bringing something to keep you occupied. Often you will not be able to use your mobile phone but printed materials are usually allowed. 

Acting professionally in court can go a long way to obtaining a favorable result which can, in turn, help avoid future headaches. In addition to being respectful in court, also avoid accusing law enforcement officers of lying.  Such tactics usually are counterproductive. If the facts you present conflict with those of the officers, you or your attorney may try to prove that the officer made a mistake or forgot the facts.

Prepare for a Longer Process if You Don’t Have an Attorney

When you have a date in place for a hearing, keep in mind that it is not an actual timed appointment. After showing up and signing in, you will have to wait for other cases ahead of yours, which can draw out the process to the point where you grow tired and annoyed. In the process, waiting too long could lead to unclear thinking, which may affect your case during the hearing. If you hire an upstate New York traffic ticket lawyer, you usually do not have to even appear in court.

Make Sure All Facts Are Ready for Presentation

During your hearing, you will not have much time to present your case in front of the judge. This makes it necessary to keep your presentation concise and succinct, which your attorney will be able to ensure. Make sure your attorney knows every detail pertaining to your case and that you have a good understanding of the facts. Your attorney will then be able to help you prepare your presentation to avoid any potential confusion.

Negotiate the Ticket if You Can

If you want to fight your upstate New York traffic ticket in the easiest way possible, you may be able to negotiate it with the prosecutor before the hearing takes place. The prosecutor will understand what range of offers will be accepted by the judge. An attorney who has experience in these cases will also be able to assist with the negotiation process to possibly make it even smoother (and possibly could get a better result).

Why You Are Better Off Hiring a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Upstate New York

There are potentially serious penalties and fines that speeding violations can lead to if convicted. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable upstate New York traffic ticket attorney may help you save more money in the long term while reducing your chances of having your license revoked or suspended. The process of contesting a speeding ticket can be confusing and daunting, but a lawyer with experience in these cases will be able to provide the guidance you need. As a result, you may be able to lower the points on your license and avoid expensive fines. You may also be able to avoid increased insurance premiums and ongoing penalty fees.

Here at Weiss & Associates, PC, we can review the details of each traffic ticket case and determine the best path to take. We will provide a free consultation, during which we will be honest with your prospects. To discuss your case, contact us online or give us a call today.