Traffic laws in New York can be very complicated and hard for some residents to understand. In addition, there can very easily be many myths than people believe to be true but that is actually not so. With the ever-watchful eye of law enforcement only seeming to grow in these days of Vision Zero, it is important for all New Yorkers to have a solid understanding of some basics of traffic law and the processes related to how to fight a traffic ticket.
Following are five of the most common myths about traffic ticket defenses in New York:
- Simply explaining your side of the story will be sufficient to have your case dismissed.
- Ticketing officers will give you all the information you need about a ticket.
- If you miss your court date, you can no longer fight your ticket.
- You should always pay a summons even if no points will be assessed.
- Errors on a summons can help your case be dismissed.
Operating under these principles can often make situations worse for drivers. When you are attempting to fight a traffic ticket, leveraging legal principles in addition to the facts is the best means to a dismissal. Seeking full information from sources other than just the officer who issued your ticket also provides you a more complete picture of the situation. Missed court dates do not necessarily mean you have to accept convictions and procedural errors may not help your case. Additionally, no-point summonses may not always be worth paying as other consequences can result.
These are just some of the common questions we at the Martin Kron law firm hear from our clients regularly. Our experience has shown us that there can be more ways to help fight tickets than some people realize. To learn more about such issues, visit our traffic law FAQ page.