Protect Your License With The Help Of A Traffic Violations Defense Attorney
Traffic violations are often seen as a “slap on the wrist” that, while expensive, are not worth contesting. Before you decide to pay, however, consider the hidden costs and consequences: points on your license, higher insurance premiums and a greater risk of losing your driving privileges.
Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty, which means you could face these penalties and more. The good news, however, is that working with a defense attorney is more convenient and affordable than you might expect. In Nassau and Suffolk counties, the firm to contact is Powers Law, P.C. With 50 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are ready to help you seek solutions to your legal issues and keep you confidently behind the wheel.
When It Comes To Your Driving Record, Earning Points Is Not What You Want
Like many states, New York imposes penalties for drivers who accumulate too many points for driving-related offenses. It is known as the Driver Violation Point System. Your license can be suspended if you are assessed 11 points or more over a period of 18 months.
Here are some examples of driving offense and the points associated with them:
- Texting or otherwise improperly using a cellphone: 5 points
- Disobeying a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal: 3 points
- Failing to stop for a school bus: 5 points
- Making an unsafe lane change or improper passing: 3 points
- Failing to yield right of way: 3 points
- Making an improper turn or failing to signal: 2 points
- Violating regulations on proper use of child safety restraints: 3 points
The points only go on your record if you are convicted of the offense or if you plead guilty by paying the ticket. If you can successfully contest the violation, however, you can keep your driving record clean.
A Speeding Ticket Can Be Much More Serious Than You Might Think
Speeding is something many people do – at least a little – when they think they can get away with it. In recent years, however, excessive speeding has become a major issue. And those who drive with a lead foot can face serious consequences if caught.
In New York, the number of points assessed depends on the driver’s speed above the posted limit. Here’s a breakdown:
- Driving 1-10 mph over the limit: 3 points
- Driving 11-20 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Driving 21-30 over the limit: 6 points
- Driving 31-40 over the limit: 8 points
- Driving more than 40 mph over the limit: 11 points
Just two speeding tickets for driving 21 mph over the limit could result in the suspension of your license.
Reckless Driving Is Considered A Crime
Reckless driving is defined as driving in a manner that shows disregard for safety and places other road users in unreasonable danger or unreasonably interferes with others’ use of the road. A conviction will add five points to your license, but that’s likely the least of your concerns.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense. If convicted of a first offense, you could face up to 30 days in jail, fines and fees of up to $393 and revocation of your driving privileges. Needless to say, you cannot afford to let this charge go unchallenged with the help of an attorney.
Find Out How We Can Help You During A Free Consultation
Based in West Islip, Powers Law, P.C., serves clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as New York City’s five boroughs. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us at 631-215-3442 or reach out online.