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Seat Belts Tickets: Officer Observation and Testimony is Enough

by Seth Azria on 1/02/2024

To be pulled over, it is enough for a police officer to observe the driver or passenger not wearing a seat belt. People v. Smith, 158 A.D.3d 1081 (4th Dep't 2018).

To be convicted of the seat belt charge, it is enough for the officer to testify that he saw the driver or passenger fail to wear a seat belt. Of, course the driver will testify that he was wearing a seat belt. This creates and issue of credibility for the judge to decide. In Whitten the judge decided in officer’s favor and convicted the driver. Whitten v. Martinez, 24 A.D.3d 285 (1st Dep't 2005).

However, a person wearing belt, under the arm rather than over the shoulder is "restrained" and therefore permissible within the meaning of the law. People v. Locke, 1 Misc. 3d 482, 765 N.Y.S.2d 468 (City Ct. 2003).

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I highly recommend Azria & Bruffett Law Firm for their professional service handling traffic tickets. I got my first speeding ticket in October 2021 after driving in US for 8 years. Since I never had an experience dealing with traffic ticket before, I have no clue how to proceed the next steps. After asking for opinions from friends, I decided to ask for professional help because speeding ticket highly depends on states and there is no universal answer. After reading other people's review about Azria & Bruffett Law Firm, I decided to use their service to handle my case. I followed their step by step protocol to provide information and the firm would work with clients swiftly and closely and negotiate best interest. Most importantly, they are highly responsive and will proactively give updates. In summary, I start having a piece of mind since the moment I signed the contract. They charge a reasonable price for my case and I am very happy that my ticket got dismissed after 2 months

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I was stopped by a NY state trooper for speeding on my way back to Canada right before the border crossing on I-81 in Mar. 2020. (Please be mindful about the signs of reducing speed. I didn't slow down quick enough). It was the first time I was stopped by a cop and I had no idea what I should do about this ticket. I searched on Google and decided to contact Mr. Azria. He was very nice to talk to and clarified all the questions I had regarding the ticket. In the end I did the online traffic safety training by Jefferson County. Mr. Azria helped me organize my correspondence with the DA and the court all the way through. I was quite fortunate to find him to fight the ticket for me. He and his assistant was very professional and knowledgeable. My charge was reduced to "failed to signal" and 2 points deduction. I appreciate the advice and help from Mr. Azria.

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Azria Law Firm handled a traffic infraction on my behalf and I could not be more pleased. They were able to work with the District Attorney's office in a timely manner and they were able to negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation. They kept me informed every step of the way providing complete confidence that the matter was being handle appropriately. They get straight get straight As for Responsiveness, Expertise, Communication, Price/Value, and Results. I do not normally provide recommendations; however, this is an exceptional law firm. I highly recommend them!

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