Any time you have received a speeding or other traffic ticket in White Plains, Yonkers, Bedford, Harrison or anywhere in New York State, you want to consult an experienced traffic violations attorney, one who will thoroughly examine all aspects of the stop. I will determine whether proper procedures were followed, and identify defenses that may lead to a reduction in the charges or an acquittal. At the law offices of Michael A. Kramer, in White Plains, I have over 30 years experience representing clients throughout Westchester County, Putnam County and the entire New York Metropolitan area. Contact my offices to set up a free initial consultation.

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS - QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q: If issued a traffic ticket, what am I facing?

- Moving violations carry points assessed against your license.
- Your automobile insurance rates can be increased.
- The accumulation of 11 points or 3 speeding tickets in any 18 month period will result in the revocation of your license.
- Accumulating 6 points within any 18 month period leads to a driver assessment of $300.00 from the DMV (see DMV assessment page.

Q: Once issued a traffic ticket, what are my choices?

- You have only 2 choices.
- Ask for and participate in a trial if you have a credible defense.
- Strike a plea bargain with the prosecuting authority.

Q: Do I need an attorney?

- It depends on how important it is to obtain a favorable resolution of your ticket.
- You are not expected to be familiar with traffic court procedures.
- Experience is what I offer, having handled thousands of traffic tickets over 30 years of legal practice, in every traffic court in Westchester and Putnam counties including White Plains, Yonkers, Harrison, Bedford and New Rochelle.
- Although you can achieve a plea bargain on your own ticket, an experienced traffic attorney who regularly appears in the same court and who more often deals with the same prosecutor, can, no doubt, achieve a better result.

Q: What can you expect me to achieve?

- My goal is to obtain a dismissal or reduction of your ticket or tickets to one that will have the least impact on your driver's license.
- If a traffic trial is necessary, I will prepare and conduct a trial in a manner that will give you the best chance of success.

Q: What if I already pled guilty and have a change of mind?

- Under those circumstances it is possible to file a motion with the court to vacate your guilty plea and reinstate your not guilty plea.
- Once this is accomplished, we will go to court and dispose of your ticket as we would have if you had never pled guilty.

Q: What is a DMV Assessment?

- On November 18, 2004, New York State instituted a mandatory driver responsibility assessment program. The "assessment" is an annual amount that a driver must pay to New York State for three years.
- To avoid license suspension for non-alcohol related traffic infraction such as speeding, the driver must pay a minimum annual fee of $100 for three years ($300 total) if the driver accumulates six point in an 18 month period. This also applies to out-of-state drivers. For each additional point beyond six, the driver must pay an annual fee of $25 ($75 total).
- By way of example: suppose a driver is issued a ticket for traveling 90 m.p.h. in a 55 m.p.h. zone. After receiving the ticket, the driver pleads guilty. The Court imposes its fine which the driver pays. Shortly thereafter, the driver receives in the mail notification from the DMV indicating that he/she owes the DMV an additional $450.
- This was determined as follows: The driver pled guilty to an 8 point speed. The total assessment for the first 6 points is $300. For each additional point, the assessment is $75.00. Therefore, in this example, the total assessment amount is $450.00. In addition to paying the fine to the court for the original ticket, a driver must also pay the New York State DMV $450.00. If he/she fails to pay, he/she faces a license suspension. In addition, he/she faces increased insurance premiums because of the plea to the high speed.
- These increased penalties make it all the more important that you hire an experienced Traffic Attorney. If you have been issued a Traffic Ticket, contact Michael Kramer to discuss it. If you have already pled guilty to a traffic ticket and did not understand the consequences of this assessment fee contact Michael Kramer to discuss whether I can help. I may be able to have your guilty plea vacated and save you from paying this fee to the DMV.
- Hiring an attorney who specializes in Traffic and Speeding Tickets can save you thousands by lowering points, fees, and automobile insurance rates.