TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Each type of violation is treated differently depending of the seriousness of the charge.   I will take you through the process, starting from the less serious to the more serious violation.

A Traffic Infraction Is non-criminal with little likelihood of a jail sentence. For example, speeding, red light, stop sign.  There are criminal charges started by the issuance of traffic tickets which will be discussed later.  I will limit this portion of my outline to traffic infractions.

A traffic ticket is issued with a first appearance in court at some future date as indicated on the ticket.  An immediate appearance before a judge is possible, but not likely.

Plea by Mail

You can plead guilty or not guilty by mail by completing the applicable waiver on the traffic ticket.  

A plea of guilty constitutes a waiver of an attorney and trial.  This is not recommended unless the charge is very minor (i.e. equipment) and when the applicable penalty is slight and usually less than an attorney’s fee.  If you plead guilty by mail the court will assess the fine and surcharge and advise you by mail.  Payment of the fine and surcharge will conclude the matter.  Failure to pay the fine can result in your driver’s license being suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after being notified by the court.

A plea of not guilty in person or by mail will result in a trial or hearing being scheduled.  You always retain your right to an attorney.

Appearance in Court:  At the arraignment you will be advised of the charges against you, and notified of your right to an attorney and a supporting deposition.  If you waive an attorney and plead guilty, the court will assess penalties as specified above.  Payment of the penalty is expected at the time of appearance, although some courts will grant additional time for payment.

Fines for most traffic violations have a statutory fine schedule setting minimum and maximum fines.  They can vary depending on the nature of the violation and whether there is a record of any prior conviction. (i.e. A judge is required to set a higher fine for a second or subsequent speeding conviction within 18 months.)  The court is also permitted a range of discretion in setting fines and is permitted to consider the motorist’s overall driving record, age and the nature of the charge in setting the fine as long as it sets a penalty within the statutory range. There is a manual of required traffic fines complied by a judge and used extensively by courts to determine the minimum and maximum fine for traffic violations.  This manual is approximately 64 pages long and updated annually.  Fines are specified in the law with a minimum and maximum. 

A penalty such as a jail sentence is also permitted many cases, and can be imposed at the discretion of the judge.  This drastic penalty is seldom imposed, but the mere fact that jail is a possibility should give the motorist accused of a traffic infraction pause to consider consulting with an attorney.  The issuance of a potential penalty, including jail in some cases, should not be left to chance, and the advice of an attorney experienced in traffic law defense is critical.

Surcharge:  The New York legislature has passed statutes requiring that a surcharge be collected upon conviction of a plea of guilty for almost all violations of law including vehicle and traffic violations.   A surcharge is usually  $85 for moving violations and $55 for equipment violations.  The court has no discretion and must collect the surcharge.

Points:  Driver improvement points are specified in the law.  The court has no option since the points are imposed by the DMV.  A motorist may accumulate no more than 11 points in an 18 month period before DMV will take administrative action against the motorist’s license.  DMV points can only be saved by pleading to a reduced charge which carries fewer points.  An attorney is usually required for a negotiated plea.  Note:  many insurance companies will increase a motorist’s automobile insurance premiums if they accumulate too many points for various violations such as speeding.

Driver Improvement Assessment:  A person who accumulates 6 points in 18 months will be charged an additional $100 fee per year for 3 years by the DMV, plus $25 for each point in excess of 6. Completion of the defensive driving program will remove up to 4 DMV points, but will have no effect on the driver improvement assessment.

Discretionary Sentences:  Courts have wide discretion in setting additional requirements as part of a sentence. Requiring a motorist to enroll in a defensive driver program is common and in some cases the court can require as a condition of the sentence for the motorist to engage in some community based activity.  In extreme cases, where the violation is of a nature as to create a severe hazard to the motoring public, such as extremely high speeds or road racing, the court is authorized under section 510.3 of the vehicle and traffic law to suspend the motorist’s license to drive.

Most Common Ways for a License to be Suspended or Revoked:

·  Failure to appear in court to answer a traffic ticket or pay any assessed fines or penalties 

·  Conviction for any section or section 1192 V&T law (DWI/DWAI) or upon arraignment for  any DWI with a BAC of 08

    or higher

·  Operating a motor vehicle without valid insurance

·  Failure to pay child support

·  Leaving the scene of a fatal or personal injury accident

·  Three speeding violations in 18 months

·  Three violations of passing a school bus w/I 3 years

·  Unauthorized speed contest

·  Persistent violations of V&T law – accumulating more than 11 points in 18 months

Supporting Deposition: If a supporting deposition is requested, either by mail or in person, it must be supplied within 30 days from the date of the request, or 5 days before the trial, whichever is shorter.  If it is not filed, the charges will be dismissed upon the motion of the motorist or their attorney.

Non-jury Trial: The prosecution must prove the motorist guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by presenting testimony and/or exhibits designed to establish the motorist’s guilt.  The motorist is not required to prove their innocence by taking the witness stand, however, if the prosecution has met its’ burden then the motorist may testify and/or present witnesses or exhibits to rebut the prosecution's case.  If the court finds the motorist guilty, fines and penalties will be assessed by the court as specified above.  If the court finds the motorist not guilty, the charge is dismissed and record expunged. The unrepresented motorist is at a disadvantage in going to trial without an experienced attorney.