If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket in New York, you may be feeling confused, frustrated, or even worried about what to do next. It’s common to feel overwhelmed when faced with the prospect of paying a fine, attending a court date, or facing possible consequences on your driving record. At times like these, it’s easy to think that paying the ticket and moving on with your life is the simplest option. However, doing so may not be in your best interest.
Before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand that paying the ticket isn’t the only option, nor is it always the best one. There are potential consequences that could affect your driving record, insurance rates, and even your ability to drive in the future. In this blog, we’ll explore why paying your New York traffic ticket may not be the right choice and how you could benefit from seeking legal assistance to handle your case.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
The Risks of Paying Your Ticket
When you pay a traffic ticket, you are essentially admitting guilt. While this might seem like an easy way to put the situation behind you, it can have long-lasting consequences. Paying the ticket may result in points being added to your driving record, which can cause your insurance rates to increase. More points on your record could lead to higher premiums, making your car insurance more expensive over time.
In some cases, accumulating too many points can result in your driver’s license being suspended. New York State has a point system, and accumulating 11 or more points within 18 months could lead to a suspension of your driving privileges. This could leave you without the ability to drive to work, take care of family responsibilities, or carry out other essential activities.
Another risk to consider is the impact that a conviction could have on your future. While paying the ticket might seem like a quick fix, having a conviction on your record could affect your job opportunities, especially if you rely on your driver’s license for work purposes. Some employers conduct background checks that include driving records, and a violation could raise concerns, even if it was just a minor offense.
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.
There Are Defenses That Could Help Your Case
The truth is that not every traffic ticket needs to result in a conviction. Many times, a violation can be fought in court, and there may be defenses available to you that could result in a favorable outcome. For example, there may be errors or inconsistencies in how the ticket was issued, or you might be able to prove that the officer made a mistake in issuing the citation.
Another defense may involve the specific circumstances surrounding the violation. For instance, you could argue that you were not at fault for the violation, or that you had a valid reason for what you did. Maybe you were in an emergency situation or trying to avoid a more dangerous situation, and these facts might be relevant to your case.
In some situations, you might even be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have the charges reduced or dismissed. An experienced attorney can help you explore these options and guide you through the legal process to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
Will an Attorney Save Me Money? Do I Need to Go to Court?Related Videos
Fighting a Ticket Can Save You Money
It might seem like paying your ticket and avoiding the hassle of going to court is the easiest way out. However, paying the fine without fighting the ticket could end up costing you more in the long run. As mentioned earlier, points on your driving record can result in higher insurance premiums. This means that even though you might pay the ticket and think you’ve settled the matter, you’re likely to end up spending more money on your car insurance in the future.
In some cases, fighting the ticket could allow you to avoid the points altogether or at least reduce the number of points added to your record. This could save you money in the form of lower insurance rates and prevent you from facing potential suspension of your license. Additionally, if your case is successfully dismissed or reduced, you won’t have to pay the full fine associated with the ticket.
Hiring an attorney to handle your New York traffic ticket case can provide you with several benefits. First, an attorney will have knowledge of the laws and rules governing traffic violations, giving them the expertise needed to navigate the court system effectively. This could increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.
An attorney can also help you understand your rights and options. They can review the details of your case, identify potential defenses, and assess the likelihood of success in court. Having an attorney on your side can give you peace of mind knowing that your case is being handled professionally and that someone is advocating for your best interests.
Case Results
Moreover, an attorney can communicate with the prosecutor and negotiate on your behalf. In some cases, they may be able to secure a plea bargain that reduces the charges or the penalty, saving you time and money. They can also represent you in court, giving you the best chance of getting the charges dismissed or reduced.
It’s easy to feel like paying your traffic ticket is the quickest way to move on with your life, but it may not be the best choice for your future. Paying the ticket could result in points on your record, higher insurance premiums, and even the suspension of your driver’s license. Instead of simply paying the fine, take the time to explore your options and see if there are defenses available to you.
An experienced attorney can help you fight your ticket, negotiate a reduced charge, or even have the case dismissed altogether. Having legal representation can give you a better chance of avoiding the negative consequences that come with a conviction.
If you’re facing a traffic ticket in New York, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, we understand the stress and confusion that comes with facing a traffic violation, and we’re here to help you get the best possible result for your case. Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step toward resolving your ticket with confidence.