If you have found yourself on this page, it’s likely because you’ve recently been given a traffic ticket in New York. You may be feeling worried or unsure about what comes next. That’s normal. Many people are in your shoes. You may be asking yourself whether you should just pay the fine and move on or if there’s a better way forward. Let us be clear. There is a better way forward, and you have the right to challenge the ticket in court.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
At our firm, we understand the stress that can come with getting a traffic ticket. Whether it’s your first ticket or not, facing any type of legal issue can feel overwhelming. That’s why we are here. Our goal is to make things easier for you and to guide you through each step of the process in a simple and clear way. We help people like you every day fight traffic tickets and come out with results that can save them time, money, and trouble.
Understanding the Traffic Ticket You Received
The first step is to know exactly what the traffic ticket says. Every ticket in New York includes important details about the charge. You will see the type of violation listed, such as speeding, running a red light, using your phone while driving, or not stopping for a stop sign. You’ll also see the date of the violation, the location, and the name of the officer who gave you the ticket.
The back of the ticket will tell you what your choices are. You can either plead guilty and pay the fine, or plead not guilty and go to court. Most people don’t realize that they are allowed to fight the ticket and they might be able to win. Choosing to fight the ticket could keep points off your license, lower or avoid fines, and even protect your insurance rates from going up.
Why It Matters to Fight a Traffic Ticket
Many people think paying the ticket is the easy way out. But that can come with hidden costs. In New York, traffic tickets often come with points on your license. If you get too many points, you could lose your driving privileges. Even one ticket can affect your car insurance and raise your premiums for years. Some violations are even considered criminal charges, and these can stay on your record.
Highly recommended Arthur pressman. I don’t live in Buffalo New York but while visiting my family there from Florida. I got pulled over while driving on a, suspended license in Florida. They arrested me and gave me a court date to appear in court and due to me living out of state I just could not afford to go back and forth to buffalo from Florida so that’s when I hired Arthur Pressman. He made sure to handle everything for me and kept me informed with what was going on. I received no points no penalties and the case was dropped. Thank you Arthur pressman your the best. Would definitely recommend you to family and friends.
Crystal B.
By fighting the ticket, you are standing up for your rights. You are also giving yourself a chance to avoid penalties that could hurt you in the long run. And if the officer who gave you the ticket made a mistake, you have every right to bring that to light.
How to Start the Process of Contesting a Ticket
Once you decide to fight your ticket, the first thing to do is plead not guilty. You can do this by mail, online, or in person, depending on the court listed on your ticket. You’ll receive a notice with your court date and instructions about what to do next.
The court where your case will be heard depends on where the ticket was issued. In New York City, the case will go to the Traffic Violations Bureau. In other parts of the state, the case will go to a local town or village court. Each court handles things differently, so it’s important to know where your case is going.
Getting Ready for Court
When you fight a traffic ticket, you are going to court to tell your side of the story. It’s not like a trial you see on TV. It’s often a short hearing where the judge listens to you and the officer, then makes a decision. To prepare, you need to gather all the facts. Think about where you were, what time it was, and what happened. Was there anything unusual? Was the sign unclear? Was the traffic light malfunctioning? Were you trying to avoid danger?
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If you have pictures, videos, or documents that help explain what happened, bring them to court. If someone was with you in the car, they might be able to speak on your behalf. The goal is to show the judge why the ticket should not stand. You must be calm, respectful, and ready to explain what happened clearly.
What Happens at the Hearing
At your hearing, the judge will call your name and ask you some questions. The officer who gave you the ticket will also be there. The judge will listen to both of you. You’ll have a chance to speak and show any evidence you have. Sometimes, the officer does not show up. If that happens, your ticket may be dismissed.
Even if the officer is present, you still have a chance to win. If you can show that the officer’s report was wrong, unclear, or does not match the facts, the judge may decide in your favor. Sometimes the judge will reduce the fine or the points, even if they don’t throw out the ticket completely.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
One of the biggest mistakes people make is going into court unprepared. Showing up without a plan, without evidence, or not knowing how to talk to the judge can lead to a bad result. Another mistake is saying things that make the case worse. Always be honest, but don’t admit guilt unless you are ready to accept the penalty. Also, missing your court date can result in even more serious consequences, including extra fines or license suspension.
Trying to do it all on your own can also be risky. Traffic law in New York can be tricky. Every case is different. The judge sees hundreds of cases like yours and may not take the time to understand your situation unless you explain it well.
Case Results
How a Lawyer Can Help You Win
Having a lawyer on your side gives you a big advantage. A lawyer knows what the judge needs to hear. A lawyer can look at the ticket and find ways to fight it that you might not think of. A lawyer can also speak with the prosecutor or judge before your case and try to work out a better deal. Sometimes, your lawyer can even go to court for you so you don’t have to miss work or other responsibilities.
If you are nervous about speaking in court, or if the case is complicated, working with a lawyer can make all the difference. A lawyer gives you confidence, guidance, and peace of mind. They can help you avoid points, fines, and damage to your record.
Choosing the Right Help for Your Case
Not every traffic ticket is the same. Some are minor. Others are serious. Some involve speeding or red lights. Others may involve reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or driving without a valid license. The way you fight the ticket should match the seriousness of the charge.
That’s why it helps to work with someone who has handled many different types of tickets before. Someone who can look at the details and know what strategy gives you the best chance to win. Whether the goal is to get the ticket thrown out completely or to reduce the fine and points, the right help can change the outcome.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
Time matters. The sooner you respond to the ticket, the better your chances. Waiting too long can cause problems. You may miss deadlines. The case may get harder to fight. If you have a ticket sitting in your car or stuffed in a drawer, don’t ignore it. Open it, read it, and take the first step now.
We know how stressful it is to deal with a traffic ticket. We also know how much is at stake. Your license, your insurance, your peace of mind — they’re all on the line. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you take control of the situation and put this behind you.
If you are ready to fight your ticket and protect your record, now is the time to act. The law office of Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, is here to guide you. Reach out to us today to discuss your case. We’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions, and build a plan that gives you the best chance to win.