Traffic Tickets in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs apply to traffic tickets issued in Town, Village, and City Courts throughout New York, including Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, and Albany Counties.

• I Think I Just Want to Pay the Ticket and Move On With My Life. Is That a Bad Idea?
• Can Jonathan Katz Appear in Court on My Behalf?
• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer?
• What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for a Traffic Stop in New York?
• What Happens If I Do Not Respond to a Traffic Ticket?
• Will a Traffic Ticket Affect My Insurance?
• What Types of Traffic Violations Do You Handle?
• What Is the New York Driver Responsibility Assessment?
• When Do Points Fall Off a New York Driving Record?
• Is There a Way to Reduce the Points on My Driving Record?
• How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Case Usually Take?
• What Courts Do You Handle Traffic Tickets In?
• Can You Handle a Traffic Ticket Issued in My Town or Village Court?
• Do You Handle Traffic Tickets for Out-of-State Drivers?
• I’d Like to Schedule a Consultation. What Should I Bring?

I Think I Just Want to Pay the Ticket and Move On With My Life. Is That a Bad Idea?

Paying a traffic ticket in New York is a guilty plea. A conviction can result in fines, points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and additional long-term consequences. In many cases, addressing the ticket through an attorney can reduce or avoid these outcomes.

This applies to traffic tickets issued in Town, Village, and City Courts throughout New York.

Can Jonathan Katz Appear in Court on My Behalf?

In many traffic cases, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf without requiring you to attend personally. Whether a personal appearance is required depends on the charge and the court where the ticket was issued.

Jonathan Katz Law regularly appears in Town, Village, and City Courts across Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, and Albany Counties.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer?

Legal fees vary depending on the type of charge, the court, and the complexity of the case. Many traffic matters are handled for a flat fee. A consultation can help determine the expected cost and whether legal representation makes sense for your situation.

What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for a Traffic Stop in New York?

Remain calm and treat the officer with respect. Follow instructions, stay in your vehicle unless directed otherwise, and avoid sudden movements. How a traffic stop is handled can affect how the situation unfolds, including whether a warning or a ticket is issued.

What Happens If I Do Not Respond to a Traffic Ticket?

Failing to respond to a traffic ticket can lead to serious consequences. Courts maintain detailed records, and ignoring a ticket may result in additional penalties, license suspension, or a bench warrant. Responding promptly—either by pleading not guilty or retaining counsel—is critical.

Will a Traffic Ticket Affect My Insurance?

A traffic conviction can result in increased insurance premiums, depending on the violation and your driving history. Insurance companies often review driving records over several years, so the financial impact may extend well beyond the initial fine.

What Types of Traffic Violations Do You Handle?

Jonathan Katz Law handles a wide range of traffic and Vehicle and Traffic Law matters, including speeding, moving violations, cell phone tickets, stop sign and red light violations, license-related offenses, and other traffic charges.

What Is the New York Driver Responsibility Assessment?

If you accumulate six or more points on your New York driver’s license within an 18-month period, the Department of Motor Vehicles may impose a Driver Responsibility Assessment. Accumulating 11 points can result in license suspension, regardless of the county or court where the ticket was issued.

When Do Points Fall Off a New York Driving Record?

Points remain on a New York driver’s license for 18 months from the date of the violation. After that period, the points no longer count toward suspension, though the conviction itself may remain on the driving record longer.

Is There a Way to Reduce the Points on My Driving Record?

New York offers a Point and Insurance Reduction Program that may allow eligible drivers to reduce up to four points within an 18-month period. This program cannot be used to prevent suspension once 11 points have been reached.

How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Case Usually Take?

The timeline varies depending on the court and the nature of the charge. Some traffic matters are resolved in a few court appearances, while others may take several months. The process often depends on the court’s schedule and the specific violation.

What Courts Do You Handle Traffic Tickets In?

Jonathan Katz Law handles traffic and Vehicle and Traffic Law matters in Town, Village, and City Courts throughout Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, and Albany Counties.

The firm regularly appears in courts such as Milan, East Fishkill, Town of Ulster, Saugerties, Newburgh City Court, Catskill, Greenville, Albany City Court, and Colonie, among others. This list is representative rather than exhaustive.

Can You Handle a Traffic Ticket Issued in My Town or Village Court?

Yes. Jonathan Katz Law handles traffic and Vehicle and Traffic Law matters in Town, Village, and City Courts throughout Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, and Albany Counties. If a ticket was issued anywhere within these counties, the firm can handle the matter.

Do You Handle Traffic Tickets for Out-of-State Drivers?

Yes. Jonathan Katz Law represents out-of-state drivers who receive traffic tickets in New York. In many cases, the firm can appear in court on the client’s behalf, minimizing or eliminating the need for travel.

I’d Like to Schedule a Consultation. What Should I Bring?

Bring your traffic ticket and, if available, a copy of your driving record. If you do not have your driving record, the firm can assist in obtaining it.

Contact Jonathan Katz Law

For more than 36 years, Jonathan Katz Law has represented drivers facing traffic and Vehicle and Traffic Law matters in Town, Village, and City Courts throughout Ulster, Dutchess, and surrounding New York counties.