Answer: If you are stopped by a police officer, you should remain calm. Speak to the officer with respect and don't raise your voice or step out of the car. Keep your hands visible; remember the officer is almost as scared as you are. Hand over any documents that are requested. (If the officer hands you a summons, remember the steps above and accept it willingly. There is plenty of time to think about your defense.)
2. What should I do if I receive a traffic summons?
Answer: The best thing to do if you receive a traffic summons is to contact a competent traffic lawyer such as Michael Spevack, Esq. A competent lawyer will provide you with a free initial consultation and listen to your side of the case. The lawyer should be able to tell you if an offense carries points and if so how many. The attorney should be able to tell you roughly how much the fine will be. The attorney will probably be unable to tell precisely how the ticket will affect your insurance but he will have a rough idea if the ticket requires a lawyer. A lawyer will tell you if it is cost effective to higher him or her.
3. Does it pay to hire a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket which carries points?
Answer: Yes. A traffic ticket fine can cost anywhere from $50 to $10,000 depending on your violation. In most cases, such as a common speeding ticket of 21 miles over the speed limit, the fine will run roughly $150 plus $300 for a bad driver assessment tax. In addition, points on your license can lead to higher insurance rates. For example, a speeding ticket of 21 miles over the limit can lead to insurance rates which are thousands of dollars higher. A traffic lawyer can cost as little as $200. Obviously more complicated cases which require travel and more preparation will cost more. The lawyer's fee is always less than the fines and higher insurance costs.
4. Does hiring a lawyer guarantee that my ticket will be dismissed?
Answer: No. However, hiring a lawyer greatly increases your chances of winning a case, but it is by no means a guarantee of success.
5. What do I do if I am found guilty?
Answer: If you receive a ticket in NYC, you should always appeal the ticket. A competent attorney like Michael Spevack, Esq. will provide a free appeal if you should be found guilty.
The information provided above does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact and hire Michael Spevack, Esq. to handle your legal matters.