A DWI is a serious offense and every person charged should retain an attorney immediately. William Sullivan has handled numerous DWI cases; he knows the law, the courts.
Most traffic charges are not alcohol related yet every motorist should seek experienced representation for every traffic offense to:
- Reduce points assessed to your license
- Minimize fines & fees
- Avoid suspension or revocation
- Prevent auto insurance premiums from increasing
- Prevent personal appearance in court in cases not involving a misdemeanor
William Sullivan has extensive experience representing individuals charged with moving violations and is often able to negotiate moving violations with points to no-point, non-moving violations. A reduction to a no-point, non-moving violation not only saves points against his or her license, it also causes the fine or surcharge assessed to the motorist to be lower than the fine or surcharge associated with a moving violation, and avoids the imposition of the driver assessment fee, as well as increases to insurance premiums.
New York State has recently increased the penalties for traffic convictions. The fine and surcharge rates have been significantly increased, making it even more important for a person charged with a traffic infraction to seek counsel.
In addition, New York State charges a driver with 6 points or more on their driving record a $125 penalty annually for three years. Drivers with more than 6 points will be assessed an additional $25 per point above 6 points. For example, if you have 8 points on your license, you will be billed $175 a year for three years, for a total fine payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles in the amount of $525.
Common Traffic Offenses and Potential Consequences
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation: misdemeanor, $200 to $1500 fine plus surcharge: Possible jail time
- Speeding: 3-11 points, $45 to $975 fine plus surcharge
- Passed red light: 3 points, $75 to $275 fine plus surcharge
- Failure to keep right: 2-3 points, $0 to $450 fine plus surcharge
- Failure to yield right of way: 3 points, $0 to $450 fine plus surcharge
- Improper turn: 2 points, $0 to $450 fine plus surcharge
- Unsafe backing: 2 points, $0 to $450 fine plus surcharge
- Reckless Driving: 5 points, $100 to $1125 fine plus surcharge
- No seat belt: no points, but insurance may increase: $0 to 50 fine plus surcharge
- Cell Phone Use: no points, but insurance may increase:$0 to $100 fine plus surcharge
For information about tickets and points from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.