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Why you should fight your traffic ticket

You got pulled over for a traffic violation and received a ticket. Do you pay the ticket or fight it in traffic court? If you always pay because you hate taking time out of your day to go to traffic court, read this blog to learn why it may be better to fight a traffic ticket.

Why fight your traffic ticket

If you get a traffic ticket, your auto insurance rates could go up for anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurance company’s policies. Of course, any additional traffic tickets you get during this time will mean that you spend a lot more time paying higher rates.

In a worst case scenario, you could also lose driving privileges. Under New York’s driver point system, all it takes is approximately three speeding tickets, or eleven points, in an 18-month period to lose your license. If you pay the fine, you will get points on your license that contribute toward the eleven total points. Here are some examples of the points you can get for pleading guilty to traffic tickets:

  • Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit: 3 points
  • Speeding 21-30 mph over the limit: 6 points
  • Speeding more than 40 mph over the limit: 11 points
  • Not yielding the right of way: 3 points
  • Failing to stop for a school bus: 5 points
  • Using your cell phone illegally while driving: 5 points

Most drivers do not contest their tickets in court, which gives cops an incentive to give out tickets that are invalid under legal scrutiny. While it may not be so clear-cut in your situation, it is possible to get your ticket dismissed simply by taking the step of fighting it in court.

Hiring an attorney for your traffic ticket

If you received a traffic ticket while driving through New York, you can hire an attorney to contest the ticket on your behalf. A lawyer may be able to get your charges dismissed and eliminate the fine you would have to pay by representing you in court. This can be a good alternative if you do not want to pay the ticket, yet do not live in the area.

An attorney can also fight your traffic ticket if you simply do not want to take the time to fight the ticket yourself. It can take several hours out of your day to research the laws at hand and fight the ticket. You may need to spend time preparing for your court date or even purchase new clothes to make a good impression. An attorney can take that burden off of your shoulders.