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Don't Plead Guilty To a Traffic Ticket in Orange County, NY
You are driving along the New York Thruway or anywhere else in Orange County, NY and you see the dreaded flashing lights in your rearview mirror. It’s an unmistakable feeling that no one enjoys. Whether you don’t believe you were doing anything wrong or you think you have a good reason for the driving behavior that got you pulled over, police officers in the Mid-Hudson Valley won’t hesitate to ticket you. Depending on the violation, one ticket can mean expensive fines, points on your license, insurance premium hikes and even the possibility of having your driver’s license suspended.
If you have received a traffic ticket for DWI, speeding, running a red light or any other violation in Orange County, NY, don’t just pay the ticket! Did you know that writing a check and paying the ticket is the equivalent of a guilty plea? You still get the points and your insurance company will still be advised of your ticket. Ka-ching!
You owe it to yourself to request a consultation with an experienced traffic ticket lawyer who knows all the towns in Orange County, NY and will fight to get your ticket downgraded or, when possible, dismissed. Whether you were ticketed on the New York I-87, routes 9, 17, 32, 218, 306, 307, 308, or anywhere else in Orange County, NY, call Jonathan D. Katz right away to schedule a consultation about your ticket.
He will explain your rights, suggest a variety of defense strategies depending on your violation and the circumstances and then fight for you in court. He will negotiate skillfully with the prosecutors and isn’t afraid to go to trial to fight your charges, when necessary.
Ignoring the Ticket Won’t WorkSome people think “out of sight, out of mind.” They toss the ticket into the glove compartment and drive away. This is a very bad idea. The judges in Orange County take their municipal traffic laws very seriously. If you don’t respond to the ticket, the judge in the town where you were pulled over will likely issue a warrant for your arrest. Now you aren’t fighting just a traffic ticket; the stakes just got a whole lot higher.
The Ticket Can’t Be Contested After the FactYou get one chance to have your day in court when fighting a traffic ticket. If you pay the ticket and plead guilty, you don’t get a second chance to raise a defense in your case. It’s not unusual to reconsider your guilty plea once you see how even one ticket can impact your insurance premium.
Therefore, take your one opportunity to get your ticket downgraded. Mr. Katz knows the prosecutors and judges throughout Orange County, NY. He will negotiate to get your ticket downgraded to a no-point non-moving violation citation. In some cases, he can bring a defense that will get your charges dismissed completely. If need be, because you can’t get out of work or you don’t live in the area, Mr. Katz can stand in your place in court (in most cases.)
What are the Penalties for a Traffic Violation Conviction in Orange County, NY?Fines: Depending on the charge – DWI, speeding, reckless driving, running a red light or stop sign, improper lane changes, repeat offenses, CDL violations – you will be forced to pay hefty fines. You’ll also be facing court costs, driver assessment fees and more.
Points: If you get convicted of a moving violation , such as speeding, you will have points on your license. You can rack up points fast; a ticket for high-speed tickets can put 11 points on your license. In New York, 11 points in 18 months will result in a license suspension. Other violations will put between two and five points on your license. Texting while driving, a relatively new traffic violation in New York State, comes with five motor vehicle points.
A Record: Make no mistake about it, the NY Department of Motor Vehicles will find out about your ticket and points. The conviction will stay on your record. Also, New York will contact your home state, if you don’t live here. Your conviction will follow you home and impact your driving privileges there, too.
Insurance Premium Hike: Many insurance carriers will place a surcharge on your policy for up to three years if you get convicted of a moving violation. The company even has the right to cancel your policy if you’ve racked up too many points.
Loss of Driving Privileges: If you accumulate too many points, your license could be suspended or even revoked. Not being able to drive has serious implications on your quality of life. How will you get to work or school? How will you go food shopping or be involved in other activities. Protecting your license is important!
Call a Knowledgeable Orange County, NY Traffic Ticket Lawyer About Your Speeding Ticket TodayGetting a traffic ticket is a hassle. Having to pay the penalties is even worse. Don’t go it alone. Talk to a savvy New York traffic ticket lawyer today to schedule a consultation. Mr. Katz will explain your rights and fight for you in court. He knows many defense strategies he may be able to employ to get your ticket reduced or dismissed completely.
Before you pay the ticket and plead guilty, contact Jonathan D. Katz, Esq. He has been helping drivers, like you, for many years fight their traffic tickets in courtrooms throughout Orange County, NY.
If you are from out of the area or just can’t take off work to come to court, Mr. Katz may be able to stand in for you – saving you time and money, as well. Call him today to request a consultation.
