No matter how minor you might think your traffic violation is, it can have dramatic unforeseen consequences for both your finances and your future. Find out how to beat your ticket by working with a Harlem traffic ticket lawyer.
The penalties caused by traffic tickets can add up fast, and if you are caught by surprise, you could even lose your drivers license. The fines are substantial, and the insurance rate hikes can be even worse, so fighting every ticket is important.
If you have been charged with a moving violation, you should discuss your case with a Harlem traffic ticket lawyer from the Law Office of James Medows.
New York, like most other states, uses a point-schedule system that is monitored and enforced by the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). The more serious the infraction, the higher the fine and number of points charged.
If you reach six points or more within an eighteen-month period, you will have to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $100 for three years. If, within those eighteen months, you accrue eleven points, your license will be suspended. A suspended license can be a much heavier burden than the fees and fines. Your ability to get to work, get your kids to school, and run daily errands will be greatly reduced.
Below are a few common driving infractions in Harlem and the points that could be added to your New York driving record if you are convicted:
Traffic Infraction | Points |
Speeding
1 to 10 miles over posted limit 11 to 20 miles over posted limit 21 to 30 miles over posted limit 31 to 40 miles over posted limit Over 40 miles over posted limit |
3
4 6 8 11 |
Reckless driving | 5 |
Failure to yield the right-of-way | 3 |
Following too closely | 4 |
Failure to stop for a school bus | 5 |
Improper cell phone use | 5 |
Unsafe lane changing | 3 |
Points are also used by insurers in determining how likely you are to get into a crash and cause them to have to pay out on a claim. They have their own point schedule, and with nearly every point, your rates will rise until you are such a high-risk driver that they do not renew your policy. At that point, you would have to seek out insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers. Their premiums make driving a car a very expensive practice.
Some of the more common traffic violations include fines, which will increase with the number of violations you have received in your current eighteen-month window. Most citations will include court costs, such as the $93 surcharge that will be added to each case.
Traffic violations of any sort are always serious charges with hefty penalties. This is especially true of reckless driving because these offenses will stick with you for the rest of your life.
We will work hard to get the charges dismissed or reduced, and the faster we get involved, the better your chances for a successful outcome. Your Harlem traffic ticket lawyer will need to be quick to gather fresh, untainted evidence and all potential witness testimony.
Now you understand some of the penalties associated with Harlem traffic convictions: points, fines, and insurance rate hikes. But did you know there are other effects?
The fines could create financial problems that place strain on the rest of your life. Your lost license could impact your job prospects, and in some instances, you could even lose your job. In addition, your family life could go up in smoke, and you could even go to jail. Yes, it’s true. Jail is an option for some traffic violations.
Why risk all these negative consequences when you could avoid them entirely? By fighting your ticket, you could make your future brighter. You can fight your ticket by hiring a Harlem traffic offense lawyer. Your attorney will help you put together a defense based on all the available evidence, and we can argue your case in court.
Some of the strategies we could utilize to get your ticket dismissed include the following:
When you decide to fight your ticket, you should be prepared to attend court. When you have an attorney by your side, the whole court process will be a lot less intimidating. We will walk you through every step. Here are a few of the ways you can prepare in order to make things go a lot more smoothly for you:
If you are facing the daunting prospect of fighting a traffic violation, you should make sure to consult with a Harlem traffic ticket lawyer from the Law Office of James Medows before proceeding. Our firm might be able to keep your charges and points from becoming a part of your driving history. Call us at 917-856-1247 or fill out the form below for a free, confidential consultation.