The cost of a Speeding ticket can be a major financial burden for most drivers. In addition to the fines and surcharges, a conviction can also cause an increase in your car insurance rates, sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year. Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the impact of a Speeding ticket or even erase it completely.
Most states allow drivers to admit a traffic violation and pay the fine online or through the mail without ever having to appear in court. However, doing so may not be the best option for your situation. A good NY traffic attorney can help you decide whether fighting your speeding ticket in court is worth it.
While it is not always necessary to fight a speeding ticket, a good attorney can save you money and keep your record clean. Fighting a ticket will require you to attend your court date and present your side of the story to an impartial judge. It is important to be prepared, especially if you have never appeared in court before.
The process of fighting a Speeding ticket begins by filling out the back of your citation with accurate information, including the date and time you were pulled over; the make and model of your vehicle; and your alleged speed. It is also a good idea to write down the exact method used by the officer to determine your speed. This will help you recall details for your defense, especially if you are stopped again and have to testify.
In some cases, you will be able to contest the accuracy of the police’s radar or laser reading by requesting that an expert witness testify. There are many factors that can influence the accuracy of these devices, such as weather, road conditions, and other vehicles in the area. An experienced attorney will be able to challenge these issues and get your speeding charge dismissed.
Another common defense is challenging the validity of the officer’s testimony. There are many things that can affect the speed reading on a radar device, including road surface condition, other vehicles in the area, and even nearby trees or buildings. A good lawyer will be able to challenge the accuracy of the radar reading by questioning the officer and asking for documentation that proves they are qualified to provide the information they are giving you.
It is important to remember that you can still be found guilty of the Speeding ticket if you choose to admit to it. You will likely pay the fines, be required to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment, and your insurance premiums will most likely go up. In some states, you will also be required to take a defensive driving course or risk having your license suspended.
If you decide to fight your Speeding ticket, it is important to speak with a good traffic attorney as soon as possible. A good lawyer can get the case resolved and prevent your insurance rates from going up. Most lawyers specialize in DUIs and other serious cases, but many will take speeding tickets as well.
New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers
1 Fordham Plaza
Bronx, NY 10458
(646) 388-4871