Queens Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you’ve been slapped with a traffic ticket, you might be tempted to just pay the fine and move on with your life. But that could be a huge mistake. A traffic ticket can have serious consequences for your driving record, your insurance rates, and even your freedom. You need an experienced and aggressive Queens traffic ticket lawyer to fight for your rights and protect your future. Here at Vasiliou Law, we have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively handle any type of traffic offense, from speeding and red light violations to reckless driving and DUI. We know how to challenge the evidence against you, negotiate with the prosecutors, and present a strong defense on your behalf. We will work tirelessly to get your ticket dismissed, or, at the very least, to minimize the penalties you may face. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.

Traffic Ticket Lawyer | Here for Clients in Queens & all of NYC

Receiving a traffic ticket is not something to simply shrug off. Often, the ramifications of a traffic ticket extend far beyond paying a fine. For this reason, whether you’re accused of speeding, running a stop sign, or texting while driving, you need a competent Astoria criminal defense lawyer in your corner who can fight your ticket at every turn. An attorney can help keep your insurance premiums down, and, in some cases, even keep you out of jail.

Traffic Offenses and Penalties in New York State

New York State has a complex system of traffic laws and regulations that govern the behavior of drivers on the road. Depending on the nature and severity of your offense, you could face different penalties, such as:

• Fines: Traffic ticket fines vary depending on the offense and the number of points on your license. For example, speeding can cost you anywhere from $45 to $600, plus a mandatory surcharge of $88 to $93. Some offenses also carry additional fees, such as the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee of $100 per year for three years if you accumulate six or more points on your license.
• Points: New York State uses a point system to keep track of your driving record. Different offenses carry different point values, ranging from two to 11 points. If you accumulate 11 or more points in an 18-month period, your license will be suspended. Points also affect your insurance rates, as insurers may charge you more or cancel your policy if you have too many points.
• Suspension or Revocation: Your license can be suspended or revoked for certain traffic offenses, such as driving without insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, or refusing a breathalyzer test. A suspension means that you cannot drive for a certain period of time, while a revocation means that your license is canceled and you have to apply for a new one after the revocation period ends.
• Jail Time: Some traffic offenses are considered misdemeanors or felonies, which can result in jail time. For example, reckless driving is a misdemeanor that can land you in jail for up to 30 days, while driving under the influence, in some instances, is a felony, which can put you behind bars for up to seven years.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket

If you’ve been issued a traffic ticket in New York State, you have two options: plead guilty and pay the fine, or plead not guilty and request a hearing. Pleading guilty means that you admit to the offense and accept the penalties. Pleading not guilty means that you challenge the ticket and ask for a chance to defend yourself. It is almost always advisable to plead not guilty and fight your ticket with the help of a qualified traffic ticket lawyer. Of course, the defense we use will largely depend upon the circumstances surrounding your case, but some of the most common defenses against traffic violations are as follows:

• Lack of probable cause: The officer who stopped you must have had a valid reason to do so, such as observing a traffic violation or having reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. If the officer did not have probable cause, your ticket may be dismissed.
• Lack of evidence: The officer who issued your ticket must have sufficient evidence to prove that you committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This may include eyewitness testimony, radar readings, video footage, or physical evidence. If the evidence is weak, unreliable, or missing, your ticket may be dismissed.
• Necessity: You may have violated a traffic law out of necessity, such as driving on the shoulder to avoid debris on the road, running a red light to let an ambulance pass, swerving to avoid a collision with another vehicle, or speeding to get to a hospital. As long as you and your attorney can prove that you had no other choice but to break the law in your situation, your ticket may be dismissed.

Contact an Astoria Traffic Ticket Lawyer Today

Don’t make the mistake of pleading guilty and getting points added to your driving record. Hire a competent attorney who can efficaciously fight your ticket and your future. Contact Vasiliou Law today so we can get started working on your case.