Getting pulled over and handed a traffic ticket can be stressful — especially here on Long Island, where traffic enforcement is aggressive and violations can quickly add up. Whether you’re facing a simple speeding ticket or more serious violations like reckless driving, it’s important to understand your rights, the potential consequences, and why having an experienced defense attorney on your side can make all the difference.
As a former public defender and now a solo criminal defense attorney, I’ve handled thousands of traffic and criminal cases across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been issued a traffic ticket in Long Island, New York.
Types of Traffic Violations in New York
Traffic violations in New York are generally divided into two categories: non-criminal infractions and criminal traffic offenses.
1. Non-Criminal Infractions
These are the most common and include:
- Speeding tickets
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane change
- Seatbelt violations
- Using a cell phone or texting while driving
While these may seem minor, accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension, hefty fines, and increased insurance premiums.
2. Criminal Traffic Offenses
Some traffic-related charges are actually misdemeanors or felonies in New York. These carry much more serious consequences, including possible jail time and a permanent criminal record.
Common criminal traffic offenses include:
- Reckless Driving – Driving in a way that unreasonably endangers others
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) – Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or property damage
The Hidden Costs of a Traffic Ticket
Many drivers pay a ticket without realizing the long-term consequences. Beyond the fine listed on the ticket, you may also face:
- Points on your license:
New York assigns points for most moving violations. For example:- Speeding 1-10 mph over limit: 3 points
- Speeding 11-20 mph over limit: 4 points
- Speeding 21-30 mph over limit: 6 points
- Speeding 31-40 mph over limit: 8 points
- Speeding 41+ mph over limit: 11 points
- Reckless driving: 5 points
- Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee: If you accumulate 6 points or more within 18 months, New York State will impose an additional annual fee for three years.
- Insurance premium increases: Even a single ticket can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket for years.
- License suspension or revocation: Too many points or certain convictions can lead to losing your driving privileges.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Pay the Ticket
Paying a ticket is essentially pleading guilty. This can have lasting consequences — not only financially but also on your driving record and, in some cases, your employment.
For example:
- If you drive for work, a suspension could jeopardize your job.
- If you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), even a single conviction could threaten your livelihood.
- Certain violations, like reckless driving, stay on your record permanently.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
As a defense attorney who regularly handles traffic cases in Long Island and all over New York State, I work to minimize or eliminate the consequences of a traffic ticket. Depending on your case, this could include:
- Negotiating for a reduced charge with fewer or no points
- Challenging the validity of the ticket or the officer’s observations
- Fighting for a dismissal if the case has procedural errors
- Representing you in court so you don’t have to appear personally
Having a lawyer who understands local courts, prosecutors, and procedures gives you a significant advantage.
What to Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket
If you’ve been issued a ticket, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Read the ticket carefully – Note the charges, court date, and instructions.
- Do NOT automatically plead guilty – Paying online or by mail is a guilty plea.
- Contact an experienced defense attorney – The sooner you act, the more options we have to fight the ticket.
- Keep all documents and notes – If you remember details about the stop, write them down while they’re fresh.
Serving Drivers Across Long Island
I represent clients in both Nassau and Suffolk County Traffic Courts, as well as local village and town courts throughout Long Island. My office also handles NYC traffic tickets and traffic tickets all over New York State. Whether you’re dealing with a single speeding ticket or a complex case involving multiple violations, I can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Conclusion: Don’t Go It Alone
A traffic ticket might seem minor, but the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. With the right defense strategy, many tickets can be dismissed, reduced, or resolved favorably without you ever stepping foot in court.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Long Island, or anywhere in New York State, don’t just pay it and hope for the best. Contact my office today for a consultation, and let’s discuss how to protect your license, your record, and your future.