Receiving one traffic ticket can be stressful. Receiving multiple tickets totaling approximately 20 points can put your driver’s license—and your future—at serious risk.
Recently, The Law Office of Siara Ossa, PLLC successfully represented a young driver in Suffolk County District Court who was facing numerous traffic charges carrying 20 points in total. Through negotiations, we secured an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) pursuant to CPL § 170.55, allowing our client to avoid criminal convictions, avoid points, avoid fines, and ultimately have every charge dismissed after six months.
The Charges
Our client was charged with multiple offenses arising from a single incident, including:
- Reckless Driving – VTL § 1212 (5 points and a criminal misdemeanor)
- Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent – VTL § 1180(a) (3 points)
- Moved from Lane Unsafely – VTL § 1128(a) (3 points)
- Following Too Closely – VTL § 1129(a) (4 points)
- Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device – VTL § 1110(a) (2 points)
- Improper or No Signal – VTL § 1163 (2 points)
If convicted of these offenses, our client was facing approximately 20 DMV points, enough to expose him to a driver’s license suspension or revocation, substantial fines, dramatically increased insurance premiums, and, because of the reckless driving charge, a permanent criminal record.
Why Was This Case in Criminal Court?
Many people are surprised to learn that not all traffic tickets are handled in the same court. Here’s why:
Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
On Long Island, where a traffic ticket is handled depends on whether the offense is criminal or non-criminal.
Traffic infractions—such as speeding, stop sign violations, cell phone tickets, and many other moving violations—are generally handled by the local Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (TPVA) or traffic bureau, depending on the jurisdiction. In Suffolk County, traffic infractions are prosecuted in Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency located at H. Lee Dennison Building, Ground Floor, North Entrance, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway Hauppauge, New York 11788. In Nassau County, traffic infractions are prosecuted at Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency located at 801 Axinn Avenue Garden City, New York 11530. Tickets received in local towns and villages may be prosecuted by the local town or village court. The ticket will indicate the location of the Court.
However, criminal traffic offenses, such as:
- Reckless Driving (VTL § 1212)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (VTL § 511)
- Driving While Intoxicated (VTL § 1192)
are prosecuted in the criminal courts, such as Suffolk County First District Court located at 400 Carleton Avenue Central Islip, New York 11722, and Nassau County District Court located at 99 Main Street Hempstead, New York 11550, where defendants face criminal penalties in addition to traffic consequences.
New York City
The process is different in New York City.
With limited exceptions, traffic infractions are handled by the New York State DMV Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). If a driver pleads not guilty, the case proceeds to a hearing before a DMV Administrative Law Judge rather than a traditional court.
Criminal traffic offenses, on the other hand, remain in the Criminal Courts located in the respective borough that the ticket was received.
Understanding which court has jurisdiction is important because the procedures, rules, and available resolutions can differ significantly.
What Is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD)?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, commonly referred to as an ACOD, is authorized by Criminal Procedure Law § 170.55.
When an ACD is granted:
- The case is adjourned for a specified period of time—in this case, six months.
- The defendant is expected to remain arrest-free and comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
- No guilty plea is entered.
- No conviction is entered.
- If the defendant successfully completes the adjournment period, the case is automatically dismissed without the need to return to Court.
In our client’s case, after six months passed without incident, every charge was dismissed.
Why This Result Was So Important
This resolution saved our client from consequences that could have followed him for years.
By obtaining an ACOD, our client avoided:
- Approximately 20 DMV points
- License suspension or revocation
- Significant insurance premium increases
- Criminal conviction for reckless driving
- Court fines and surcharges
- A permanent criminal record related to the reckless driving charge
For a young driver, these consequences can affect employment opportunities, educational pursuits, and financial stability for years to come.
Instead, our client walked away with no conviction, no points, no fines, and a complete dismissal after six months.
Every Traffic Case Deserves a Careful Review
Many people assume they should simply plead guilty to traffic tickets. However, when multiple tickets—or criminal traffic charges—are involved, the stakes become much higher.
An experienced traffic defense attorney can evaluate:
- Whether the charges can be negotiated.
- Whether procedural or legal defenses exist.
- Whether an ACOD or another favorable disposition may be available.
- How to minimize or eliminate the impact on your driving record.
Every case is different, and the right legal strategy can make a tremendous difference.
Charged with Traffic Offenses in New York?
Whether you’re facing a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, or multiple traffic offenses, it is important to understand your options before pleading guilty.
At The Law Office of Siara Ossa, PLLC, we represent drivers throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and courts across New York State. Our goal is always the same: protect your license, protect your record, and pursue the best possible outcome.
In this case, approximately 20 points, a criminal traffic charge, substantial fines, and the possibility of a suspended license became… no conviction, no points, no fines, and a complete dismissal. Call our office for a free consultation regarding your case.
The Law Office of Siara Ossa PLLC
780 Long Beach Boulevard
Long Beach, New York 11561
(t):347-733-5612
siara@ossalawny.com