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Dive into NYC's latest traffic initiative that's causing quite the stir! With the Department of Transportation unveiling the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program, drivers might feel they're under a magnifying glass. From seizing vehicles to the pitfalls of camera-based evidence, discover why some believe this program might be more of an illusion than a true vision for safety. Navigate the debate on surveillance, accountability, and whether NYC is truly promoting safer streets or just seeking another revenue stream. Buckle up and join the discussion!

Driving under the influence, whether it's called DWI, OVI, or DUI, is a hot-button topic in NYC. Every day, ordinary New Yorkers find themselves facing these charges, plunging them into a web of legal complexities. Did you know refusing a breathalyzer can lead to more trouble than you might anticipate, or that there are specific on-the-spot tests to determine your sobriety? Facing a DWI is daunting, but understanding the system and your rights is half the battle. If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember, the right legal counsel can be a game-changer. Dive into the intricate world of NYC's intoxicated driving laws with us!

When it comes to the rights of a motorist to reschedule a ticket, Judges have become increasingly stringent.  Gone are the days when one can expect an ALJ (to routinely reschedule a ticket.  Even getting a first reschedule requires a “valid reason” to be professed.  Such acceptable excuses are:  ...

Upon conviction of any traffic violation in the 5 boroughs of NYC: Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx, points assessed are automatically added to your driver's abstract. How many points and how long they stay are 2 issues addressed in earlier blogs. Once they are on, the onl...

PART 1: DMV  One of the most frequently asked questions in my office relates to how to figure out points associated with a traffic violation. It is quite easy to assess a specific violation‘s point value by comparing the code on the summons with charts available on this site or on many DMV sites....

Throughout my almost 30 years of defending motorists who have received traffic violations throughout the state of New York, there have been multiple instances where what they have been accused of seems like a fictitious section of law. However, after a cursory examination of the ticket they were ...

There has essentially been a 3-tiered approach to minimizing the burden of fines on drivers convicted of in the NYS Traffic Violations Bureau.  The impetus for this harkens back to a statement by Governor Andrews C. Cuomo drawing attention to “a cruel and counterproductive collection practice tha...

For some, it's the most wonderful time of the year. For others, however, the holiday season can be filled with stress and anxiety. Just know the Ticket Defenders are always there for you. Whether you run a red light to make it to Thanksgiving dinner, speed to Grandma's house for Christmas or have...

I've given you advice on how to fight tickets before, but the best defense is one I haven't actually mentioned yet: avoiding getting tickets in the first place. I know, I know – you can't always control whether you get pulled over or not. Things happen, and sometimes tickets are inevitable. But y...

Even though COVID-19's daily infection rate in New York City hasn't improved much since early June, nearly all of its Traffic Violation Bureaus (TVB) have reopened for business. That means if you have a pending ticket and wanted to enter a plea of ‘not guilty', now is the time to schedule your c...

Just a few days ago, Governor Cuomo signed legislation S.4336/A.6163 into law. Here's what you need to know: Currently New York has no legal requirement for backseat passengers to buckle up once they're over the age of 16. Come November 1st, 2020, this will no longer be the case. Once the l...

With Tropical Storm Isaias making its way through the New York area, I thought I'd go a little off-topic today. I don't have any legal tips about handling your car in a storm, but since we're all probably regular drivers on this blog, I figure it would be helpful for everyone to share some safety...

If your license has been suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, I've got some exciting news for you. The Driver's Licenses Suspension Reform Act is a new bill that, if signed into law by Governor Cuomo, will bar the DMV from suspending licenses because of unpaid fines, fees or failure to appear i...

Today, I want to talk all about insurance companies: what traffic violations will make your rate go up, by how much, for how long and if there is anything you can do about it. There is a lot to cover today, so let's jump right in! What traffic violations will affect my insurance? Only moving vio...

So, you've decided you're not going to just give up and pay your latest traffic ticket. This time, you're going to fight it in court. Maybe you feel that your ticket is too high for the infraction, or maybe you believe it's completely unjust. Whatever your reason, as you begin to prepare your ca...

When the lights flash in your rearview mirror, and that sinking feeling in your stomach creeps in, you know: a traffic ticket is about to put a damper on your day. While you can pay, many people don't realize that fighting a ticket is an often overlooked option with a number of real upsides. Why ...