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Traffic Ticket Articles

How does a typical traffic ticket case proceed?

by Seth Azria on 2/27/2010

Absent a trial, the process described below applies to the vast majority of traffic violations including tickets issued for speeding, cell phone use, failure to use seat belts, running a stop sign or red light, etc. 

1. Sending the Letter of Representation to the Traffic Court

First, we send a letter to inform the the court that we represent you and to enter a plea of not guilty on your behalf. We will also adjourn your case to later date to give us the opportunity to negotiate a reduction of your ticket. 

As a result, the court date printed on the ticket is no longer applicable. Thereafter, court dates are "control dates," meaning that those are dates by which we are to report to the court regarding the progress in the case. We keep track of the dates internally and ask the court for more time as needed. 

For most traffic violations, you will not have to appear in court or send in a not guilty plea yourself.  If you are charged with a misdemeanorAggravated Unlicensed Operation for example, you will have to appear in court and we will advise you of the date, time, and what to expect at that appearance.

2. Negotiating a Reduction with the District Attorney's Office

The next step is to negotiate a reduction or dismissal with the prosecutor.  We may do so in person or by letter depending on the circumstances. These negotiations result in a proposed disposition for your ticket. Once contacted, a prosecutor may take 4-8 weeks, or more, to respond to the request. 

To help us formulate an argument on your behalf, we will ask you questions, via email, about the circumstances of your ticket and about you personally. Your answers are important. 

We will also need a copy of your driving record.  For clients licensed to drive in New York State, we will pull the driving record for you. For clients licensed to drive in another state or in a province of Canada will ask you to contact that department of motor vehicles for a copy. Most states, Québec, and Ontario offer this service online and we will include a link with our email requesting your record. 

3. Informing You and Gaining Your Consent to the Proposed Disposition

After we have a proposed reduction for your case, we will explain to you the reduction and the consequences of pleading guilty to the reduced charge. Often we use email for this purpose and allow you to consent via email. 

We also have clients stop into the office or use regular mail depending on the circumstances. 

4. Sending the Proposed Disposition to the Court

Once you have consented to the proposed disposition, we will send it to the court. These dispositions are "proposed" because the court must accept it in order for you to gain the benefit of the reduction.  

Most often, courts will go along with the deal we have worked out with prosecutor and then send a fine or dismissal notice to our office. 

Occasionally, a court will reject the proposed disposition. If this happens, we will negotiate a new disposition or otherwise reach an acceptable outcome without any further charge to you. 

5. Sending You the Fine or Dismissal Notice

Typically, we will both email and mail the fine notice to ensure that you receive it. It will be your responsibility to pay the fine according to the court's instructions. Courts typically allow 2-4 weeks for payment of the fines. In the normal course fo business, we do not make fine payments for clients. 

The entire process usually takes about 2-5 months and we send regular email updates.  And, of course, we are always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have in the meantime.We are dedicated to prompt client communication and chances are great that you will speak to an attorney immediately. Please be advised that legal fees for traffic matters are due up front and we will not enter an appearance with a court until the legal fee is paid.  Court fines are not included in the legal fee.

If you have one speeding ticket or cell phone ticket you may hire us online. Otherwise, we look forward to hearing from you. 

Need help with your ticket?

One speeding conviction may cause premiums to increase over $2,000 in three years. The Zebra. 

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Seth Azria was recommended to me by a friend. I can't say enough about how well I was treated, his responsiveness, and how my case was handled. My first call to him was on 12/22/14 and we met the same day. My first and last date in court was 1/15/15. The outcome was better than I ever expected it could be and would recommend him to anyone.

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Azria & Bruffett provided excellent representation for my 89-year old father who was charged with two tickets in Cortland, NY. For a very affordable fee, they were able to obtain dismissal of the moving violation resulting in a very small fine and court costs. I live in another state so this was especially convenient for me to help my dad and they saved me a lot of time. We spoke with an attorney and a paralegal (Monica) guided my dad and I through the remainder of the process. The firm responded to all of my questions promptly. Highly recommended.

David Bruffett resolved serious Speeding Violation very smartely

I contacted Attorney David receiving a speeding ticket over 100mph in NY, being a NJ driver. David was very professional and very clear on how to handle the issue (had very high points ticket but thanks to David who turned a stressful incident into a quick, easy and painless situation). Within a few months the issue was resolved and we are entirely satisfied with the outcome. I must say that David's help, support and guidance was very professional as well! I highly recommend David, if you have any traffic speeding tickets in the NY state. I found his services remarkable. He delivered more then he promised and I guess that what makes any client happy!!!!!

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Azria & Bruffett has helped thousands of clients minimize the effect of their traffic tickets. We have experience in courts all over New York State which helps us handle your case effectively and efficiently.

We offer always offer free traffic ticket consultations. In your consultation, you will learn the best way to handle your ticket,  even if that means you don't need to hire us. We will cover the possible outcomes, costs, and timing of your case. 

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