Last Updated on: 19th October 2023, 12:00 pm

Brooklyn Traffic Ticket Lawyers

Dealing with a traffic ticket in Brooklyn can be a real pain. Those fines add up quick, and getting points on your license is no joke. But don’t worry, there’s folks out there who can help. Let’s talk about some of your options when it comes to fighting those pesky traffic tickets.

The Ticket Process

First, let’s go over what happens when you get a ticket. The officer writes you up and you get a date to show up in traffic court. If you just pay the fine, you’re pleading guilty and getting those points on your license. Not good. But if you plead not guilty, you get a chance to fight it in front of the judge. That’s where a good traffic lawyer comes in handy.

Should You Fight It?

Here’s the thing — sometimes it makes sense to just pay the ticket and move on. Like if it’s just a small fine and no points on your license. The lawyer costs more than just paying up. But if it’s a serious violation with a big fine or lots of points, it’s usually worth hiring a lawyer.

They know how to poke holes in the cop’s story. Was the speed gun calibrated right? Were you singled out unfairly? A good lawyer finds ways to get tickets dismissed or reduced so you pay less and keep a clean license.

Finding a Brooklyn Traffic Lawyer

OK, so you decided to fight it. Where do you find a traffic ticket lawyer in Kings County? Here’s some options:

• Ask friends for recommendations. Word of mouth is huge.
• Search online for “Brooklyn traffic ticket lawyer” or “Kings County traffic lawyer.” Look for good reviews.
• Check the NYC Bar Association referral service at https://www.nycbar.org/get-legal-help/i-need-help/finding-right-lawyer/. They connect you with prescreened lawyers.
• Look for lawyers with free consultations so you can get advice at no cost.

What to Ask a Prospective Lawyer

When you talk to lawyers, ask lots of questions like:

• How much do you charge to fight a traffic ticket?
• Will you appear in traffic court for me?
• How often do you get tickets dismissed or reduced?
• Can you provide references from past clients?

Avoid lawyers who make big promises or demand payment upfront. Look for experience fighting tickets in Brooklyn specifically. Traffic and local rules vary a lot by county.

Costs of a Traffic Lawyer

Lawyer fees range from around $200 to $1000+ depending on the offense. Simple speeding tickets are cheaper. Serious infractions like DUI are more. Ask what’s included – court fees, fines, etc. may be extra.

It’s not cheap, but often worth it to avoid points on your license and keep insurance rates down. Compare costs to the long-term expense of higher premiums and it can be very worth it.

Fighting a Ticket Without a Lawyer

If money’s tight, you can go to traffic court yourself. Dress nice, be polite, and hope the cop doesn’t show. No officer = case dismissed! If they do appear, contest their evidence and testimony respectfully. The judge may lower the fine or charges.

But it’s risky doing it yourself. The cops and judges see people all day trying to talk their way out of tickets. They won’t just take your word. An experienced traffic lawyer knows the system and effective arguments.

Common Brooklyn Traffic Violations

In Kings County, some of the most common traffic tickets include:

• Speeding – Driving over the speed limit. Fines start around $150.
• Cell Phone Use – Illegal use of phones or texting while driving. About $150.
• Red Light Camera – Automated cameras catch and fine red light runners. Around $50.
• Registration Issues – No registration, expired tags, etc. Fines around $65.
• Parking Tickets – $65+ for various parking violations.

Other common infractions are stop sign/light violations, illegal turns, tinted windows, no insurance, and defective equipment like broken taillights. And of course moving violations like reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and DUI.

Fighting Specific Violations

Here are some tips for beating some of the most common Brooklyn traffic tickets:

Speeding Tickets

For speeding, the officer must prove you were driving over the limit. A lawyer can contest the radar gun’s accuracy. Were conditions like weather and traffic considered? Is your speedometer accurately calibrated? These technicalities create reasonable doubt.

You can also get infractions reduced to non-moving “parking on pavement” violations carrying no points in some cases. Or plead to a lesser speed that keeps points down.

Red Light Camera Tickets

Red light cameras snap a picture of the driver when entering an intersection after the light turns red. But notice when the light turned can be unclear in the photo. An attorney can argue you entered the intersection legally during the yellow.

They can also contest who was driving. If your face isn’t visible in the photo, it’s difficult to prove you were driving.

Cell Phone Tickets

For cell phone violations, the officer must prove you were using the device illegally. What exactly were you doing? GPS? Changing music? Your lawyer can argue reasonable doubt.

And did the officer have a clear vantage point to see you allegedly texting? If not, the case can be fought.

Registration and Parking Tickets

For registration issues, an attorney can prove you properly renewed your tags or license plates. Clerical errors happen. Or maybe your temporary registration wasn’t visible. A lawyer gets the fine dismissed by showing you complied.

Parking tickets come down to signs and markings. Were they clearly posted? Is the violation description accurate? A lawyer fights dubious tickets.

Plea Bargaining Options

When a ticket sticks, lawyers negotiate plea deals to reduce fines and points. Common options include:

• Plea to Non-Moving Violation – Plead to a lesser “parking on pavement” charge without points.
• Plea to Reduced Charge – Plead to a lower speed in a speeding ticket.
• Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) – Case dismissed after 6-12 months if conditions met.

Diversion programs like traffic school may also be an option for avoiding points.

When to Hire a Lawyer

So when does it make sense to lawyer up for a traffic ticket? Here’s some good rules of thumb:

• You’ll get 5+ points on your license.
• Your auto insurance will go up a lot.
• It’s a very serious violation like DUI.
• Your job depends on having a clean driving record.
• You’ve gotten tickets before and can’t afford more points.

If it’s a minor ticket, paying the fine may be easier. But if points and insurance hikes are on the line, a good traffic lawyer is a wise investment.

In Conclusion

Traffic tickets are a bummer, but Brooklyners have options. With the right traffic lawyer, you can often get fines and points reduced or avoid them altogether. For major violations, it’s worth hiring an attorney. They know how to navigate the system and beat tickets in traffic court.

Do your research to find an affordable lawyer with a solid record fighting tickets in Kings County. The savings on insurance rates and license points over the years makes it a sound investment. Drive safe out there, but know a good lawyer has your back if you get that dreaded ticket slip under your wiper blade.

References

New York DMV Driver Point System

New York City Criminal Court Traffic Violations Bureau

New York Traffic Tickets FAQ

New York City Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service