Traffic Tickets and Traffic Violations Attorney

Traffic Ticket and Traffic Violations Attorney in Suffolk County, New York

Receiving a traffic ticket in Suffolk County may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the consequences can be far more serious than you realize. Points on your license, increased insurance premiums, hefty fines, and even license suspension can result from traffic violations. Attorney Michael Brown is Suffolk County’s most experienced traffic ticket and traffic violations defense lawyer, dedicated to protecting drivers’ rights and helping them avoid the long-term consequences of traffic convictions.

Understanding Traffic Violations in New York

New York State takes traffic violations seriously, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a point system that tracks violations on your driving record. Accumulating too many points can result in driver responsibility assessments, substantial fines, and license suspension or revocation.

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The New York Point System

The New York DMV assigns points to your license for various traffic violations. If you accumulate 11 or more points within an 18-month period, your license will be suspended. Additionally, if you receive 6 or more points within 18 months, you’ll be required to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee of $300, plus $75 for each additional point beyond six, every year for three years.

Common Traffic Violations in Suffolk County

Speeding Tickets

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in New York, and the penalties increase based on how much you exceed the posted limit:

Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit: 3 points and fines ranging from $45 to $150
Speeding 11-20 mph over the limit: 4 points and fines ranging from $90 to $300
Speeding 21-30 mph over the limit: 6 points and fines ranging from $90 to $300
Speeding 31-40 mph over the limit: 8 points and fines ranging from $180 to $600
Speeding more than 40 mph over the limit: 11 points and fines ranging from $360 to $600, plus possible license suspension

In addition to fines and points, all speeding convictions carry a mandatory New York State surcharge of $88 to $93.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense in New York, defined as driving in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the use of the road or unreasonably endangers users of the road. This charge carries:

5 points on your license
Fines up to $300 for a first offense
Up to 30 days in jail
Possible license suspension
A criminal misdemeanor conviction on your record

Red Light Violations

Running a red light in New York results in:

3 points on your license
Fines ranging from $50 to $300
Mandatory surcharge of $88 to $93

Red light camera tickets, however, are treated differently and do not add points to your license, though they still carry fines.

Stop Sign Violations

Failing to stop at a stop sign carries:

3 points on your license
Fines ranging from $50 to $300
Mandatory surcharge

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Violations

New York has strict laws prohibiting handheld cell phone use and texting while driving:

First offense: 5 points, fines ranging from $50 to $200, plus surcharge
Second offense within 18 months: 5 points, fines ranging from $50 to $250, plus surcharge
Third or subsequent offense within 18 months: 5 points, fines ranging from $50 to $450, plus surcharge

For drivers with junior or probationary licenses, a single cell phone or texting violation results in a 60-day license suspension, and a second violation within six months results in revocation for one year.

Seatbelt Violations

New York requires all front-seat passengers and all passengers under 16 to wear seatbelts. Violations result in:

Fines up to $50 for adults
Fines up to $100 for passengers under 16 (driver is responsible)
No points are added for seatbelt violations
Mandatory surcharge

Improper Turns and Lane Violations

Various turning violations carry penalties including:

Improper turn: 2 points, fines ranging from $50 to $300
Unsafe lane change: 3 points, fines ranging from $50 to $300
Failure to signal: 2 points, fines ranging from $50 to $300
Improper passing: 3 points, fines ranging from $50 to $300

Following Too Closely (Tailgating)

This violation carries:

4 points on your license
Fines ranging from $50 to $300
Mandatory surcharge

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Failure to yield violations result in:

3 points on your license
Fines ranging from $50 to $300
Mandatory surcharge

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

This is a serious traffic offense that carries:

3 points for property damage accidents
Fines up to $250
Up to 15 days in jail
Possible license suspension or revocation
More severe penalties if injuries are involved

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked is a criminal offense:

First offense: Misdemeanor, fines up to $500, up to 30 days in jail
Second offense: Misdemeanor, fines up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail
Third offense: Felony in some circumstances

Equipment Violations

Various equipment-related violations include:

Inadequate brakes: 4 points
Broken or inadequate lights: 2 points
Inadequate exhaust system: No points, but fines apply
Tinted windows: No points, but fines apply

Fines for equipment violations typically range from $25 to $200, plus surcharges.

Taxi and Limousine Violations

For-hire vehicle operators face specific regulations and violations, including:

Operating without proper license or permit: Substantial fines and possible vehicle impoundment
Failure to comply with TLC regulations: Various penalties depending on the violation
Overcharging passengers: Fines and potential license suspension
Failure to maintain proper insurance: License suspension and vehicle impoundment

School Zone and Work Zone Violations

Traffic violations committed in school zones or work zones often carry enhanced penalties, including doubled fines in many cases.

Long-Term Consequences of Traffic Violations

Beyond immediate fines and points, traffic violations can have lasting impacts:

Insurance Premium Increases

Traffic convictions typically result in significant insurance rate increases. Depending on the violation and your insurance carrier, your premiums could increase by 20% to 50% or more. These increases can last for three to five years, costing you thousands of dollars over time.

License Suspension

Accumulating 11 points within 18 months triggers an automatic license suspension. The suspension period depends on your point total:

11 points: 31-day minimum suspension
Additional suspensions for repeat offenses

Employment Impact

Many jobs require a clean driving record, especially positions involving:

Commercial driving (CDL holders face stricter standards)
Delivery services
Sales positions requiring travel
Any job requiring company vehicle use

A suspended license or poor driving record can cost you your job or disqualify you from employment opportunities.

Driver Responsibility Assessment

Accumulating 6 or more points within 18 months triggers a Driver Responsibility Assessment, requiring you to pay $300 plus $75 for each point above six, annually for three years. This is in addition to all fines and surcharges.

How Attorney Michael Brown Can Fight Your Traffic Ticket

Many drivers simply plead guilty and pay their traffic tickets, not realizing that an experienced attorney can often get tickets reduced or dismissed entirely. Attorney Michael Brown has defended thousands of traffic cases in Suffolk County and knows exactly how to challenge traffic tickets effectively.

Common Defense Strategies

Challenging Officer Observations: Police officers must accurately observe and document violations. Attorney Brown can challenge the officer’s vantage point, lighting conditions, traffic flow, and other factors that may have affected their observations.

Questioning Radar and Speed Detection: Speeding tickets based on radar or laser readings can be challenged by examining:

Proper calibration and certification of equipment
Officer training and certification
Environmental factors affecting readings
Proper use of equipment

Disputing Traffic Control Devices: If a violation involves a stop sign, traffic signal, or other control device, Attorney Brown can investigate whether the device was:

Properly posted and visible
In compliance with traffic regulations
Functioning correctly at the time of the alleged violation

Proving Necessity or Emergency: In some circumstances, traffic violations may be justified by emergency situations or necessity to avoid greater harm.

Negotiating Reduced Charges: Even when evidence is strong, Attorney Brown can often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges to lesser violations with fewer points and lower fines.

Identifying Procedural Errors: Traffic tickets must be properly issued and documented. Technical errors on the ticket or in procedures can result in dismissal.

Five Reasons to Choose Attorney Michael Brown for Traffic Defense

Unparalleled Experience: As Suffolk County’s most experienced traffic ticket attorney, Michael Brown has handled tens of thousands of traffic cases, from simple speeding tickets to complex violations involving commercial licenses and serious consequences.
Proven Track Record: Attorney Brown’s success rate speaks for itself, with countless dismissed tickets, reduced charges, and point-free resolutions that have saved clients thousands of dollars in fines and insurance increases.
Cost-Effective Representation: The money you save in reduced fines, avoided insurance increases, and preserved employment opportunities far exceeds the cost of legal representation, making Attorney Brown’s services an investment that pays for itself.
Convenient Court Appearances: Attorney Brown can often appear in court on your behalf, saving you time off work and the inconvenience of court appearances while he fights your ticket.
Comprehensive DMV Knowledge: With deep understanding of the DMV point system, Driver Responsibility Assessments, and license suspension procedures, Attorney Brown protects not just your immediate interests but your long-term driving privileges.

When to Contact an Attorney

You should contact Attorney Michael Brown immediately after receiving a traffic ticket if:

The ticket carries significant points (4 or more)
You already have points on your license
You hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Your job requires a clean driving record
You’re facing license suspension
You’ve received multiple tickets
The violation could result in criminal charges
You believe the ticket was issued in error

Even for seemingly minor violations, consulting with Attorney Brown can save you money and protect your driving record.

The Benefits of Fighting Your Ticket

Many drivers underestimate the value of contesting traffic tickets. Consider that:

A single speeding ticket carrying 6 points could cost you over $1,000 in Driver Responsibility Assessments alone (over three years)
Insurance premium increases from one ticket can cost $3,000 to $5,000 or more over several years
Two or three tickets in a short period can result in license suspension, affecting your ability to work and live your life
Some violations remain on your record for up to four years, affecting insurance rates throughout that period

By investing in experienced legal representation, you can potentially avoid these costs and consequences entirely.

Don’t Just Pay That Ticket

Paying a traffic ticket is the same as pleading guilty. Once you pay, you accept the points, the fines, the insurance increases, and all other consequences. Before you simply pay your ticket, consider the true cost of that decision and speak with Attorney Michael Brown about your options.

Every traffic case is defensible, and every driver deserves an advocate who will fight to protect their rights, their license, and their wallet. When you need the most experienced traffic ticket attorney in Suffolk County, trust the lawyer who has successfully defended more traffic cases than anyone else in the area.

Contact Attorney Michael Brown today for a consultation about your traffic ticket. There is no obligation, and the consultation could save you thousands of dollars. Don’t let a traffic ticket derail your life—fight back with the best defense attorney in Suffolk County.