Traffic Tickets

Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Lawyer: Your Traffic Ticket Attorney Long Island

Understanding Your Traffic Ticket and the Need for a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Long Island, New York

A traffic ticket is a written notice issued by law enforcement to a road user indicating that the individual has violated a traffic law. These tickets are typically issued for traffic infractions or offenses such as speeding, running red lights, and stop sign violations.

If you drive a motor vehicle every day, as many New Yorkers do, there’s every chance you could get a traffic ticket sooner or later. Receiving a traffic ticket can lead to serious consequences and could affect your driving privileges.

Many people believe the best thing to do when they get a traffic ticket in NY is to admit their guilt and pay the fine. Pleading guilty to a traffic ticket may seem like the easiest option, but it can have lasting repercussions.

Other times, people are simply not guilty of what they’ve been accused of and wish to fight their traffic ticket/charges in court.

In such circumstances, when you’re unsure what steps to take, the legal counsel of an experienced Long Island traffic ticket attorney becomes paramount.

At Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Law Attorney, we have years of experience helping clients in NY fight to have their traffic ticket charges dropped or penalties reduced. With our knowledge of New York’s traffic laws, we can help you understand your position, provide quality legal counsel, and leverage our legal skills to steer your case toward a positive outcome.

What Happens When You Get a Traffic Ticket in Long Island?

Different agencies handle traffic violation cases in Long Island depending on the county where the violation occurred( For example, tickets issued in Nassau County are typically resolved by the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (NTPVA), while those issued in Suffolk County are handled by the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency).

When you get a ticket, you may be given the option of paying the fine on the ticket or attending a court hearing, depending on the severity of the alleged violation.

As stated earlier, paying the fine where permitted means admitting guilt. This might seem like an easy way to resolve the ticket, but it might not be the best option in all cases. Pleading guilty, especially for a moving violation, could add points to your driving record following the New York State Driver Point System. If you get up to 11 points within 18 months, your driver’s license could be suspended. Considering the legal implications, it might be better to challenge your ticket and take your chances with the relevant government agency instead of implicating yourself.

If your ticket requires court attendance to resolve, attending the hearing as scheduled is important. Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutor may offer you the option of settlement (which usually means a guilty plea in exchange for reduced charges/fines. If a settlement is not reached, the case will proceed to trial, and you’ll have the chance to tell your story and present evidence to support your case. After reviewing the evidence from both sides, the judicial hearing officer will either find you guilty and assess the fines/fees you need to pay or find you not guilty, which means you’re free to go.

The outcome of a traffic trial largely depends on your ability to present a solid defense and counter the prosecution’s evidence against you. This could be difficult to achieve on your own without a legal background. That’s why it is important to have a traffic ticket attorney represent you and fight your ticket on your behalf.

What Should I Do Immediately After Receiving a Traffic Ticket?

Immediately after receiving a traffic ticket, it’s crucial to take specific steps to manage the situation effectively:

• First, review the ticket carefully to understand the specific violation, whether it’s a speeding ticket, unsafe lane change, or other moving violations. Note any court appearance dates and the agency issuing the ticket, such as the Nassau County Police Department or another traffic authority.
• Next, decide whether to plead guilty or contest the charge. Pleading guilty may seem simple but can lead to fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and potential driving privileges suspension. Alternatively, contesting the ticket allows you to potentially dismiss the ticket or reduce the penalties. If, like most people, you’re unsure what option is right for you, consider moving to the next step below.
• While attorney representation is not mandatory in traffic ticket cases, consulting a traffic ticket attorney immediately would be wise. They can help you understand the next step to take, depending on the nature of your case.
• Gathering evidence is also crucial. Document the scene, if possible, noting traffic signals, road conditions, and any inconsistencies in the ticketing process. This information can be vital if you go to court.

The one thing you should not do if you’re facing a traffic ticket is ignore it. Ignoring a traffic ticket without taking any steps could lead to

• A suspension or revocation of your driving privileges
• Referral of the outstanding fine to a debt collection agency. In such cases, you’ll be responsible for any fees associated with the agency’s collection efforts in addition to the primary traffic violation fine.
• Possible arrest and criminal charges.

If you’re unsure what step to take after receiving a ticket, our traffic ticket attorney can guide you and help you make informed decisions.

Why Choose Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Lawyer

Choosing the right traffic ticket lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

At Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Lawyer, we bring our extensive knowledge of New York’s traffic law, experience in legal procedure and criminal defense and can help you challenge your traffic tickets, represent you in court, and work to minimize the impact of your tickets on your driving record.

Here’s why you need to consider hiring us:

• Contesting traffic tickets involves complex legal procedures and paperwork. Our traffic ticket lawyer can ensure that all the necessary documents are filed correctly and deadlines met, preventing procedural errors that could harm your case.
• Like every other court case, you need evidence to succeed with your traffic ticket case. We can gather and analyze evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports on your behalf and use them to strengthen your defense and weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Depending on your case, it might be better to enter into a plea bargain with the prosecution. We can help negotiate with them on your behalf for reduced charges or alternative penalties, such as traffic school, to prevent further damage to your driving record.
• If your case goes to trial, our experienced traffic ticket attorney can represent you, presenting your defense persuasively and professionally. This can be particularly advantageous if you are unfamiliar with court protocols and procedures.
• When dealing with traffic violations, we employ a range of strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. We believe that every client’s case is unique. We can offer a personalized strategy that is tailored to your specific situation, considering your driving history, the nature of the violation, and the local traffic laws instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Our highly rated traffic ticket attorney, Mr. Richard Hochauser, is a former prosecutor who understands how the prosecution builds its cases, the types of evidence they prioritize, and their strategies. This wealth of knowledge allows us to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case from the prosecution’s perspective and develop robust defense strategies.

We offer a free consultation, allowing you to understand the potential outcomes of your case without any initial cost. This initial meeting helps us assess your situation and provides you with clarity.

Dealing with a traffic ticket on your own can be challenging and time-consuming. By choosing us, we can share the load and leverage our extensive experience, skills, and legal resources to fight for a favorable outcome.

Contact Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Law Attorney

Dealing with a traffic ticket in Long Island, NY, can be stressful. Your choices in such a situation could have long-term implications. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.

We at Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Law Attorney, are dedicated to providing robust and empathetic legal support in such cases. Whether it’s a minor traffic violation or a more serious charge, our team is well-versed in all legal options and can provide you with the quality legal counsel and representation you need to overcome this trying period.

Don’t hesitate. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get started on exploring possible legal strategies and resolving your traffic ticket concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions