| This article will help motorists with a New York traffic | | | | offices, the next step is to find an attorney who is |
| ticket select the right NY traffic lawyer to defend | | | | experienced in vehicle and traffic law matters. Start |
| them. Traffic tickets, such as speeding, red light and | | | | by asking the attorney or the firm's paralegal about |
| failure to signal, can result in points on your New | | | | the firm's traffic law experience and, in particular, |
| York driver license, automobile insurance increases | | | | their previous experience at the court where you |
| and fines, surcharges and fees. Therefore, picking the | | | | case is scheduled. Have they appeared in this court |
| right New York traffic ticket attorney is critical. | | | | before? What was the result? Is this the primary |
| More and more motorists are retaining a New York | | | | type of law which they handle? Of course, you may |
| traffic ticket lawyer when they are issued a NY | | | | not get honest or direct answers but that is a good |
| traffic ticket. In addition to receiving professional | | | | start. |
| advice from a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney, | | | | You then can ask about any articles the lawyer has |
| drivers are anxious to transfer this stressful and | | | | written on that subject and ask to see one of them. |
| time-consuming responsibility to someone else. | | | | Chances are an attorney who has taken the time to |
| The first thing that you should do is make sure you | | | | write one or more vehicle and traffic law articles is |
| are calling or emailing an actual New York traffic | | | | someone who you can rely on to be experienced |
| ticket attorney or New York traffic law firm. While | | | | and knowledgeable. |
| this sounds obvious, the internet is replete with | | | | Yet another important item to check is the |
| non-lawyers trying to make a quick buck. The most | | | | attorney's background. Did he or she graduate from |
| obvious tell-tale sign is when the site or the site's ad | | | | a quality law school, were they on Law Review, have |
| states something like "If We Don't Win, You Don't | | | | they won any awards, did they previously work at a |
| Pay 100%" or "Guaranteed or your money back". It | | | | court and/or large law firm. Were they formerly a |
| is entirely unethical for an attorney to guarantee | | | | traffic judge or traffic prosecutor? The more |
| results and, therefore, you should stay clear from | | | | impressive the attorney's background the better. |
| such quick buck artists. No honest, self-respecting | | | | Be wary of an attorney who does not set forth his |
| attorney would ever make such a representation. In | | | | or her education and prior experience. It is safe to |
| fact, common sense dictates that no one can | | | | assume that in such cases the attorney's background |
| guarantee what some third party (a judge or | | | | is less than impressive. |
| prosecutor) will do. If you are lucky, the fine print will | | | | Another important consideration is the comfort level |
| explain what is actually being "guaranteed". Either | | | | you get when speaking with the law firm. Were they |
| way, however, is caveat emptor - buyer beware - | | | | responsive to questions? Were you given |
| for those fooled by such promises. | | | | understandable and sensible answers? Were they |
| Similarly, I recommend avoiding any web site that lists | | | | knowledgeable? Were they honest with you about |
| itself as a directory of traffic lawyers or offers to | | | | the prospects for success? Were they patient? If |
| find you the "right" lawyer. Those sites are simply | | | | you do not feel comfortable, then its time to make |
| middlemen often looking to add something to your | | | | another telephone call. |
| fee for generating a lead to a real traffic lawyer. | | | | A good and honest traffic ticket lawyer will inquire |
| From the outset until the end of the case, you want | | | | whether it even makes sense for you to fight this |
| to be dealing directly with a law firm (not some | | | | ticket and/or hire a traffic lawyer. For example, if the |
| middleman) especially if a question or problem arises. | | | | ticket carries no points or you have an out-of-state |
| If you have any doubt, check the physical location of | | | | license and points do not transfer, it usually does not |
| the "firm". If they do not have a New York State | | | | make sense to hire a New York traffic ticket |
| address (or do not even list an address), there is a | | | | attorney. |
| good chance that you are not dealing with an actual | | | | The final consideration is price. I have ended with this |
| lawyer or law firm. A New York traffic lawyer is | | | | important item because many prospective clients put |
| required to list his office address on all advertising | | | | way too much emphasis on this consideration and |
| which includes his or her web site. | | | | ignore all the others mentioned in this article. |
| On this point, make sure the lawyer's office is "real". | | | | Nevertheless, you should look for an attorney that |
| This means there is a staff member of the lawyer | | | | will take your case for a flat fee. This way there is |
| available during regular business to answer questions | | | | no surprises for you when the case is over. Many |
| and arrange for an attorney to get back to you, if | | | | New York traffic ticket lawyer will offer a flat fee so |
| needed. Do not mistake an answering service | | | | you do not have to settle for someone who charges |
| operator for an actual law firm employee. If the | | | | by the hour or cannot give you a fee upfront. |
| "representative" cannot answer basic questions and | | | | Also, just because one attorney is a $100 (or so) |
| tells you that someone will get back to you, then | | | | cheaper does not mean you should select that one. |
| you are likely dealing with an outside answering | | | | Your driver license is an important privilege and you |
| service. An attorney who does not maintain a "real" | | | | do not want to hand this responsibility to just |
| office cannot be as responsive to your needs and, | | | | anyway, especially when you likely will not be in court |
| therefore, is not recommended. | | | | when the case is resolved. |
| Yet another consideration is how promptly does the | | | | I would say you generally do not want the cheapest |
| lawyer or his firm got back to you once you have | | | | lawyer to handle your case nor the most expensive. |
| made your initial inquiry. The faster the response, the | | | | Look for someone whose fee is reasonable. |
| more likely you are speaking to an attorney or firm | | | | Otherwise, the old adage "You get what you pay |
| who is organized, and will be diligent and thorough in | | | | for" may rear its ugly head. |
| handling your case. | | | | Choosing the right New York traffic ticket lawyer is |
| Once you have eliminated the middlemen, directory | | | | an important decision. I hope this article is helpful in |
| sites, non-lawyers and the lawyers without real | | | | making it. |