Nassau and Suffolk County Criminal Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Although motorists are issued traffic tickets every day, most traffic violations are considered minor infractions that may not result in criminal charges. Some vehicular citations can be charged as criminal offenses, however, which can result in higher fines and more severe penalties, including potential jail time. With so much at stake, it is crucial to work with the right attorney.
The attorneys at AutotrafficTickets.com have extensive experience handling criminal traffic violations throughout the courts in New York State. When charged with a vehicular misdemeanor or felony you are required to be represented by counsel. You cannot represent yourself. Never let an ordinary attorney handle your criminal traffic offense. You need proper representation. When your driving privileges and freedom are at stake, you can trust our attorneys to provide you with first-rate legal representation. We will help you navigate the legal system and work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome of your case.
What is the difference between a traffic infraction and a criminal traffic offense?
Generally, most traffic tickets are considered infractions — speeding, for example, failure to signal, or an improper lane change — many of which are simple traffic infractions and do not carry penalties of jail time.
Other tickets are considered criminal offenses (i.e. misdemeanor/felonies), where your appearance is required in court, you are required to have an attorney represent you, and any conviction of the criminal offense means that you will have a permanent criminal record. In particular, a traffic offense that causes injury to a person or destruction of property, or that creates a threat of injury or property damage, can be charged as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is a crime.
Generally, misdemeanor traffic convictions are punishable by a fine or up to one year in jail. Examples include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless Driving
- Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license
- Driving with a Suspended Registration
- Failure to maintain insurance coverage
- Driving without a driver’s license
- Driving with expired insurance
Other traffic violations are more serious offenses that can lead to felony charges, such as:
- Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Multiple DUI/DWI
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Vehicular assault
- Vehicular manslaughter
Felony convictions carry more severe penalties, including prison sentences, fines, and probation. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our criminal trial attorneys have a wide range of expertise in the criminal courts. Each attorney knows their way around the courtroom and are fully prepared to litigate your case.
How AutoTrafficTickets.com Can Help
If you have been charged with a criminal ticket in New York, we will take the time to evaluate your case and advise you of all your legal options. We will tailor your defense to the specific charges and the particular court your case will be heard; all the while working to protect your rights.
In a DUI case, for example, we know how to challenge the accuracy of BAC results by raising a series of questions:
- Was the breathalyzer machine properly maintained and calibrated?
- Did the arresting officer pull you over without probable cause?
- Did a medical condition negatively impact your ability to drive?
It is worth noting that a conviction for a first DUI can result in up to 15 days in jail, fines up to $1,000, a 6-month license suspension, and other penalties. Moreover, a conviction for multiple offenses will result in elevated penalties, including longer prison sentences.
Similarly, reckless driving — a charge that is typically filed in conjunction with a speeding ticket — can also lead to misdemeanor charges. A conviction could lead to up to 30 days in jail for a first offense, fines up to $300 and 5 points added to your driver’s license. To gain a conviction, however, prosecutors must be able to show that you were driving in a manner which unreasonably interfered with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangered users of the public highway. We have a proven track record of asserting successful defenses against reckless driving charges.
When it comes to felony charges derived from a traffic stop, the stakes are much higher. As an example, vehicular assault occurs when a motorist causes serious physical injury to another while driving under the influence. This offense is considered a Class E felony, punishable by up to four (4) years in prison, five (5) years probation and fines up to $5,000. The crime may be elevated to a Class D felony if your BAC is .18 or higher or if you have prior convictions, punishable by up to 7 years in prison, probation, and fines up to $10,000.
New York Criminal Traffic Ticket Attorney
The attorneys at AutoTrafficTickets.com are comprised of former prosecutors and skilled criminal defense attorneys with the requisite experience to defend our clients against criminal offenses. While each case is unique, we will work to have the charges dismissed or seek a reduced charge with lower penalties and fines. Above all, we will always put your best interests first and help you make the best decisions for your future. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offense, we can help.
Call us today or complete the convenient contact form to discuss your legal options.