When it comes to speeding ticket attorneys, I am often asked… “Should I hire an Attorney for a Speeding Ticket?” My answer is always the same – “If you have to ask, then yes you should.”
The fact is that hiring a lawyer to represent you in a traffic ticket matter is more cost effective over time than not hiring one. I myself have hired Attorneys for members of my own family to fight their speeding tickets and moving violations when I couldn’t represent them due to scheduling issues.
The reasoning for hiring an attorney is three fold. First, an experienced speeding ticket attorney can tell by simply looking at the uniform traffic ticket if there are any defects worth exploiting in Court. Second, Prosecutors are more likely to dismiss or reduce a speeding ticket if the defendant is represented by an attorney because they know they’ll have a real fight on their hands if they don’t. Finally third, a local traffic ticket attorney knows the players, s/he knows how far certain Prosecutors and Judges will go in either a plea offer or at a trial.
A retired Court Officer once told me that not all but some Prosecutors take advantage of defendants who are not represented by an attorney. It was his estimation that approximately 90% of the defendants ticketed for speeding that do not have legal representation ended up pleading guilty. That is a staggering percentage, especially when you take into consideration all of the negative consequences that come with a speeding conviction.
In New York State, the DMV uses a Violation Point System that spans 18 months. Convictions for moving violations, such as speeding tickets, are graded by points. If a driver gets 6 points or more in an 18 month period they must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee to the DMV for three years. The cost is $100.00 for the first 6 points and an additional $25.00 for each additional point. Failure to timely pay the DRA fee will result in a suspension. If a driver gets 11 points or more in an 18 month period their driver’s license is suspended.
However, the point system is not the only way to loose your driver’s licence when it comes to speeding tickets. If a driver receives 3 or more speeding ticket convictions in an 18 month period their license will be suspended no matter the point total.
As a speeding ticket attorney, I vigorously defend my clients to help them keep their driving privileges. I am able to conveniently represent out of town client’s on their behalf and they need not ever attend Court. If you receive a uniform traffic ticket for speeding, you need legal representation to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Remember, if you have to ask whether to hire a speeding ticket attorney then you probably should. Don’t go it alone. Call my office for a free confidential consultation. (845) 867-2812