Card image

Complimentary Traffic Ticket Case Evaluations. Call Now. (315) 396-8006

Traffic Ticket Articles

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).

Need help with your ticket?

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

Don't plead guilty. .

Our experienced traffic defense lawyer is available to talk to you about your case.

Accepting Cases in Onondaga County Only.

Free Consultations. Call Now.
(315) 396-8006




 

Can't talk now?

Schedule a time for a lawyer to call you when it's convenient.

 Schedule a Call for Later

Azria & Bruffett PLLC BBB Business Review

Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Law Firm, Syracuse NY

 
Hire your traffic lawyer online. Start Now
Google Review

Was pleased with the outcome of my case I will recommend this lawyer to all my friends and family. Thank you so much.

Multiple times working with David and Seth

Without being too specific regarding my actual cases I'd like to tell anyone out there that David and Seth are both amazing lawyers who care about their clients. They have both gone to bat for myself and my now wife...multiple times, with more than expected results each and every time. Again, without being too open about matters, we all make mistakes, when I was younger I had the unfortunate experience of receiving a DWI, David handled my case, in the end, though a hefty fine, which you would expect, it was dismissed, the court at that time didn't even know how to handle it because it had never been done before. Again, unfortunate, an assault charge due to a bar fight involving the woman who is now my wife, Seth handled this and the result was an ACD. I have also referred someone close to David due to them receiving a DWI...a third DWI, involving an accident, again David got results that were outstanding. Fast-forwarding many years, David has still made himself available to me when called on. I have recently asked for a personal letter to a judge regarding a character reference and again, David has pulled through, made himself available and assisted me. I can't say more about David and Seth, they're two very well known, very smart, very capable lawyers who have helped me through some rather dark times, sometimes I wonder how I don't have a record, it's because of these two guys. Would never recommend anyone else.

anonymous posted to Avvo
Mr. Azria - high professionalism

I worked with Mr. Azria for a speeding tickets that we got close to the Canadian border while in NY state (+25 miles vs speed limit). 
The process went very smoothly and his professionalism saved me a lot of money and also a lots of point on my driving record. 
I highly recommend him and his firm for any speeding/ traffic tickets. 
A happy Ohio motorist.

Adrian posted to Avvo
Google Review

I am very please with Seth Azria services and I would definitive recommend them.