Is there anything that can be done after having been found guilty of a traffic violation in New York City Department of Motor Vehicles, Traffic Violations Bureau (NYC DMV TVB)?
Being found guilty or convicted in NYC can be a serious because, depending on the violation, a motorist can find himself or herself paying thousands of dollars in car insurance increases and New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment, to name a few. But, it is important to understand the process of the courts in the five New York City boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
The DMV TVB runs the courts in these New York City boroughs. Because the courts are run by an Administrative Agency and not the city, town or village, they set and follow their own rules. The biggest difference between a NYC DMV TVB and other courts is that there is no “plea bargaining” or negotiating. This means that you cannot ask for and receive a lesser charge, such as a parking ticket, instead of the speeding ticket you were issued. Instead, every ticket goes to trial. Yes, a real trial with direct testimony and cross-examination. At the end of the trial, the judge will decide whether or not the driver is guilty or not guilty of the original violation. If the judge decides that the driver is guilty, then points will be added to his or her driving abstract (driving history) and other negative consequences can accrue, like a DMV assessment fee. Click here for a more detailed discussion of the New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment.
However, even if you are found guilty of the violation after trial, an appeal is available. The appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the date of conviction. There is a small fee of $10 that must be paid and the appeal can be submitted online or by mail. But, not all appeals with be granted. There are limited circumstances that will be considered by the NYC DMV TVB. Because you have one shot at an appeal, it is worth enlisting the help of a qualified and reputable traffic attorney to will ensure your case is handled correctly from start to finish; and who will put your appeal in best position of be granted.
If you have been found guilty in a NYC TVB court, it is not too late to fix things. To learn more about your options, contact The Claro Law Firm today at 917-300-3334 or online New York traffic attorney and traffic lawyer, Elisa Claro, has handled thousands of traffic cases and is waiting to talk to you. The Claro Law Firm handles traffic tickets throughout the state of New York, including New York City, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island; and Westchester County – Greenburgh, Elmsford and Valhalla.