Traffic Violation Attorney in Kings County

Classifications of Traffic Violations in Kings County

New York law distinguishes between different types of traffic violations, and the classification of your ticket has a direct impact on the potential penalties.

• Non-Criminal Traffic Infractions: The majority of traffic tickets fall into this category. These are not criminal offenses, but they can still result in fines, points on your license, and a driver responsibility assessment. Examples include speeding, failure to yield, and improper turns.
• Misdemeanors: These are more serious violations that can result in jail time if you are found guilty. Examples include reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of an accident.
• Felonies: The most serious traffic-related offenses, such as vehicular manslaughter, are felonies. These charges carry the most severe penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.

It is also important to note that a traffic violation charge can be elevated to a more serious offense, such as reckless driving, if the officer observes other unsafe driving behaviors. These offenses are considered misdemeanors and carry more severe penalties. A knowledgeable traffic violation attorney in Kings County will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Penalties of a Traffic Violation Conviction in New York

A conviction for a traffic violation in New York can be a life-altering event. The legal penalties can be severe, and the collateral consequences can be even more devastating, creating barriers that can feel impossible to overcome. Our firm, Traffic Court Pro PLLC, is dedicated to protecting you from these severe penalties and consequences. As a dedicated Kings County traffic ticket lawyer, we will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life, your family, and your future.

Direct Penalties

The direct legal penalties for a traffic violation conviction in New York are steep and depend on the type of offense:

• Fines and Surcharges: Fines can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the specific charge. You will also be subject to mandatory surcharges and fees.
• MVA Points: A conviction will result in a specific number of points being assessed against your license. Accumulating 11 or more points within an 18-month period will result in a license suspension.
• Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA): If you accumulate six or more points on your record within 18 months, you must pay a DRA, which is an additional fee of at least $100 per year for three years to the DMV.
• License Suspension/Revocation: Accumulating too many points or being convicted of a serious traffic offense can result in a license suspension or revocation.
• Incarceration: For certain criminal traffic offenses, a conviction can result in jail time.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a traffic violation can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards conduct criminal background checks, and a conviction can raise concerns about your trustworthiness and reliability.

Additionally, a conviction for a serious traffic offense can result in significantly higher car insurance rates. For non-citizens, a criminal conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

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