• Traffic Violations
• Fighting a New York State Traffic Ticket
• Why Hire Riebling, Proto and Sachs, LLP?
• Our Legal Fees
• Traffic Violations Information Center
• Motions to Vacate a Guilty Plea
• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (AUO)
• Driver license Point System
• Local Court Directory

Fighting a New York State Traffic Ticket

We recommend fighting almost all New York State traffic tickets. If you are found guilty there can be several consequences beyond a simple fine. The consequences can include:

• Fines and State mandatory surcharges due to the court. In order for New York State to balance its budget fines, surcharges have been increasing almost on a yearly basis. Fines and surcharges can reach into the thousands of dollars. This alone justifies the expense of a traffic ticket attorney.
• Points will attach to your driver’s license. Points can even be assessed to out of state drivers and in some instances “negative units” will apply to your driver’s license with DMV.
• License Suspension is also a concern either due to a specific violation or an accumulation of points. Convictions can even lead to a suspension of your driver’s license or if you are not licensed in New York, a suspension of your “privilege” to drive in New York State.
• License Revocation is a severe consequence. In New York certain violations can lead to a full revocation of your license and force you to reapply for a driver’s license from the very beginning.
• DMV Driver Assessments are additional surcharges based upon point accumulation over time. These assessments can be so high the DMV offers a “payment plan” to spread the assessment out over a number of years.
• Unemployment consequences can result. Many of our client’s drive for a living and a clean license is vital to continued employment or seeking new employment,
• Insurance premiums can increase with any conviction and be subject to higher insurance rates.

At Riebling, Proto & Sachs, LLP our goal is to eliminate or minimize the potential damage caused by traffic violation convictions. Our attorneys aggressively defend each traffic ticket to protect your driver’s license.

In Most cases you do not need to appear in court the day your case is scheduled. Our attorneys can handle the entire matter without you having to take time off of work and school. We will send you a form that allows us to appear on your behalf and we will have you send us a detailed description of how you received the ticket to help us prepare your defense.

Our Legal Fees

Our legal fees depend on a number of factors but our rates are fair and competitive. We always charge a flat rate for our traffic legal services. The flat rate covers all legal work including, phone conferences, meetings, all court appearances, motions, letters and even a trial if it should be necessary. You will never have to deposit an additional fee.

Our Promise

In furtherance of our dedication and commitment to our clients, if we are unable to successfully have your traffic tickets dismissed or obtain a reduction in points assessed against your driver’s license, we will give you a full refund without exception. (This guarantee does not apply to the DMV traffic violations that are located within the five boroughs of NYC).

Caution

Beware of attorneys who are looking to “sell” you on a low fee, a per court appearance fee, a “guaranteed” result or an administrative fee. These common tactics and hidden charges can unnecessarily increase a legal fee.

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (AUO)

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (VTL 511, AUO) may look like a simple traffic ticket but it is actually a misdemeanor, a criminal offense, and carries with it serious consequences against both your license and insurance. There are three levels of AUO, the most serious is actually a felony charge. A conviction can result in fines, probation or even jail time.

It is common for a police officer to make an actual arrest of the driver and impound the vehicle. In some situations the driver is required to post bail in order to be released from jail.

An AUO is a crime and therefore prosecuted by the District Attorneys Office. An appearance is required in criminal court. Representation by an attorney is essential.

The basis for an AUO charge is that the motorist’s license is under suspension for a variety of reasons. The suspension can be for a failure to answer a summons, pay a fine, an out of state suspension, failure to pay the Driver’s Responsibility Assessment or failure to pay child support. In almost all cases it is necessary to obtain a driver’s abstract from the Department of Motor Vehicle to determine the exact nature of the suspension.