| This article will help motorists with a New York traffic | | | | Have they appeared in this court before? What was |
| ticket choose the right New York traffic lawyer to | | | | the result? Of course, you may not get an honest or |
| defend them. Traffic tickets, such as speeding, can | | | | direct answer but that is a good start. |
| result in points on your NY driver's license, automobile | | | | You then can ask about any articles the lawyer has |
| insurance hikes and fines, surcharges and fees. | | | | written on that subject and ask to see one of them. |
| Therefore, picking the right New York traffic ticket | | | | Chances are an attorney who has taken the time to |
| attorney is important. | | | | write one or more vehicle and traffic law articles is |
| More and more motorists are hiring a New York traffic | | | | someone who you can rely on to be experienced and |
| ticket lawyer when they receive a NY traffic ticket. In | | | | knowledgeable. |
| addition to receiving professional advice from an | | | | Yet another important item to check is the attorney's |
| experienced traffic ticket attorney, motorists are | | | | background. Did he or she graduate from a quality law |
| anxious to pass on this stressful and time-consuming | | | | school, were they on Law Review, have they won |
| task to someone else. Further, motorists are | | | | any awards, did they previously work at a court and |
| concerned about points, suspensions, high fines, | | | | or large law firm. The more impressive the attorney's |
| surcharges and the Driver Assessment Fee. And, of | | | | background the better. |
| course, don't forget the dreaded auto insurance hike. | | | | Be wary of an attorney who does not set forth his or |
| The first thing that you should do in choosing a NY | | | | her education and prior experience. It is safe to |
| traffic lawyer is to make sure you are calling or | | | | assume that in such cases the attorney's background |
| emailing an actual New York traffic ticket attorney or | | | | is less than impressive. |
| New York traffic law firm. While this sounds obvious, | | | | Another important consideration is the comfort level |
| the internet is replete with non-lawyers trying to make | | | | you get when speaking with the law firm. Did they |
| a quick buck. The most obvious tell-tale sign is when | | | | answer your questions? Were the answers |
| the site or the site's ad states something like "If We | | | | responsive? Were they knowledgeable? Were they |
| Don't Win, You Don't Pay 100%" or "Guaranteed or | | | | honest with you about the prospects for success? |
| your money back". It is entirely unethical for an | | | | Were they patient? If you do not feel comfortable, |
| attorney to guarantee results and, therefore, you | | | | then its time to make another telephone call. |
| should stay clear from such quick buck artists. No | | | | A good and honest traffic ticket lawyer will inquire |
| honest, self-respecting attorney would ever make | | | | whether it even makes sense for you to fight this |
| such a representation. In fact, common sense dictates | | | | ticket and/or hire an attorney. For example, if the ticket |
| that no one can guarantee what some third party (a | | | | carries no points or you have an out-of-state license |
| judge or prosecutor) will do. If you are lucky, the fine | | | | and points do not transfer. Under such circumstances, |
| print will explain what is actually being "guaranteed". | | | | hiring a New York traffic attorney likely is not |
| Either way, however, is caveat emptor - buyer | | | | worthwhile. |
| beware - for those fooled by such promises. | | | | The final consideration is price. You should look for an |
| Similarly, I recommend avoiding any web site that lists | | | | attorney that will take your case for a flat fee. This |
| itself as a directory of traffic lawyers or offers to find | | | | way there is no surprises for you when the case is |
| you the "right" lawyer. Those sites are simply | | | | over. Many New York traffic lawyers will offer a flat |
| middlemen often looking to add something to your fee | | | | fee so you do not have to settle for someone who |
| for generating a lead to a real traffic lawyer. You | | | | charges by the hour or cannot give you a fee upfront. |
| should want to be dealing directly with a law firm (not | | | | Also, just because one attorney is a $100 (or so) |
| some middleman) especially if a question or problem | | | | cheaper does not mean you should select that one. |
| arises. | | | | Your driver license is an important privilege and you do |
| If you have any doubt, check the physical location of | | | | not want to hand this responsibility to just anyway, |
| the "firm". If they do not have a New York State | | | | especially when you likely will not be in court when the |
| address (or do not even list an address), there is a | | | | case is resolved. |
| good chance that you are not dealing with an actual | | | | I would say you generally do not want the cheapest |
| lawyer or law firm. A New York traffic lawyer is | | | | lawyer to handle your case although that does not |
| required to list his office address on all advertising | | | | mean you should hire the most expensive either. Look |
| which includes his or her web site. | | | | for someone whose fee is reasonable. Otherwise, the |
| Once you have eliminated the non-lawyers, the next | | | | old adage "You get what you pay for" may rear its |
| step is to find a traffic attorney who is experienced in | | | | ugly head. |
| vehicle and traffic law matters. Start by asking the | | | | Choosing the right New York traffic ticket lawyer is an |
| attorney or the firm's paralegal about the firm's traffic | | | | important decision. I hope this article is helpful in making |
| law experience and, in particular, their previous | | | | it. |
| experience at the court where you case is scheduled. | | | | |