Spring Valley Traffic Lawyer

Most drivers in the Spring Valley area will receive a traffic ticket from a police officer at some point during their lives. For many, this involves little more than paying a fine. For others, the receipt of a ticket may result in points on a license that requires a suspension. Still, others will face accusations that require them to appear in court to answer for their actions.

People who want or need to appear in court after receiving a traffic ticket should reach out to a Spring Valley traffic lawyer from StolzenbergCortelli, LLP immediately. One of our dependable attorneys could explain the laws that led to the stop, evaluate the actions of police officers, determine how best to defend your choices, and present arguments before courts or the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB).

Why Should You Contest a Traffic Ticket?

Many people do not view traffic tickets as a serious matter. In fact, for most people, the worst that will happen is the payment of a fine and an accumulation of points on a driver’s license. Simply paying the fine and accepting these penalties is the proper decision for many.

However, there are many reasons that could lead a driver to contest the ticket. The most obvious is that they do not feel that they have done anything wrong. This may arise out of the belief that a police officer did not have a reason to make a stop or that their apparent violation of the law was justified. This applies to many examples of apparent traffic violations, such as:

• Not signaling a turn under New York Vehicle & Traffic Code § 1163
• Speed limit violations under NY Veh. & Traf. Code § 1180
• Not stopping at a stop sign under NY Veh. & Traf. Code § 1142

Drivers facing these tickets may know that a conviction will mean adding points on their record will result in a mandatory suspension. This is another common reason to contest a ticket.

In addition, a small percentage of traffic stops do not give a driver the option of appearing. Allegations involving DUI or reckless operation mandate that a driver appears before a court. A StolzenbergCortelli, LLP traffic attorney in Spring Valley could provide more information about reasons to contest a ticket or help drivers determine if their appearance is mandatory.

How an Attorney Could Help During a Traffic Appeal

It can be helpful to think of traffic appeals as mini trials. The prosecutor and the officer who issued the ticket bear the burden of proving that a driver violated the law beyond a reasonable doubt. At the same time, drivers have the right to cross-examine the police officer and present evidence in their own defense. A Spring Valley traffic lawyer from StolzenbergCortelli, LLP is prepared to obtain the information needed to craft the best possible defense against any kind of moving violation.

However, it is important to request these hearings quickly. State law says that drivers have no more than 30 days after the receipt of a ticket to request a hearing. In addition, the location and format of this hearing may vary. Stops that occur in major metropolitan areas will fall under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Violations Bureau. By contrast, stops that occur outside these areas will have their hearings in a local county courthouse.

Speak with a Spring Valley Traffic Attorney Now

All drivers who receive a citation for a moving violation will have a chance to plead their case. This applies equally to situations where a hearing is optional, as it does to cases where appearance is mandatory. Likewise, hearings are an option whether the case goes before a local judge.

If you are considering contesting a traffic ticket or must appear to answer charges, a Spring Valley traffic lawyer is here to help. The StolzenbergCortelli, LLP team is ready to identify the time and place to request a hearing, obtain evidence that helps prove your innocence, and can appear in person to argue your case before the relevant body. Reach out to us today to get started.