Manhattan Traffic Tickets

Whether you are charged with making an unsafe lane change, reckless driving, or speeding in a construction zone, it is important to note that Manhattan traffic courts operate differently than some New York State judiciaries. With some cases you will be issued a traffic ticket and charged with a misdemeanor. While most people know that DWI is a crime, many people aren't aware of the fact that they can be charged with a misdemeanor for driving when their license has been suspended (VTL 511) or when ticketed (Desk Appearance Ticket) for reckless driving VTL 1212. In either case, if you are cited for these offenses you will be arraigned on the criminal charges in Manhattan Criminal Court, and you can be facing jail time. Because of this, nothing can be as valuable as an experienced Manhattan Traffic Ticket Lawyer or a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer when you find yourself facing a large fine, points against your license, and a possibly worse outcome from a traffic violation.

A Manhattan Traffic Ticket Lawyer from the offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC can be your most important protector or your rights when you are facing the often confusing process of maneuvering Manhattan Traffic Court or a Criminal Court arraignment.

The stakes are even higher when you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony criminal motor vehicle violation, driving while intoxicated (DWI), leaving the scene of an accident, or any other serious motor vehicle offense. If you are arrested and charged criminally, a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer from the offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC can be readily available to act and speak on your behalf and to help protect your rights. Our knowledgeable Manhattan Traffic Lawyers and Criminal Lawyers will guide you through the daunting and complex process that both traffic and criminal court comprise.

Listed here is some information about the Manhattan Traffic Courts that may help you to navigate the complicated system and its demands.

Keep in mind that in Manhattan, as in all the boroughs, the Traffic Court system has no District Attorney, therefore no plea bargains are arranged or accepted.

Within the Manhattan Traffic Court system you will deal with the Traffic Ticket Lawyer, a Judge, the Police and the defendant. Since your only options are to plead guilty or request a trial, an experienced Traffic Ticket Lawyer is critical to making sure your voice is properly heard. If, for example, you have been charged with speeding, your Traffic Ticket attorney has experience in properly questioning police law officers about what actions were taken to determine your rate of speed, and to establish if you were targeted because of your New York speeding ticket points (a procedure called docking.)

Questioning law enforcement is crucial in these types of cases. When no witnesses are involved, it can come down to the validity of your story and that of the Police Officer's. For this reason, questioning the official is critical. If your attorney can raise doubt over any deviation or peculiarity in the officer's account, you might be found not guilty of your speeding citation. A conviction for speeding can hike up your insurance costs and give the Department of Motor Vehicles cause to levy points against your license. Your license can be suspended when 11 points have been accumulated in an 18-month period.

By talking with an experienced Manhattan Traffic Ticket Lawyer or Criminal Lawyer from the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, you will have the best opportunity for a beneficial outcome. Below is a breakdown of the Manhattan Traffic Violations point system:

• A speeding conviction of one- to 10-mph over the speed limit costs you three points against your driver's license.
• A speeding conviction of 11- to 20-mph over the limit costs four points.
• A speeding conviction of 21- to 30-mph over the limit in Manhattan costs six points.
• A speeding conviction of 31- to 40-mph over the limit costs eight points against your driver's license.
• A speeding conviction of more than 40-mph above the legal limit will cost 11 points against your license, opening the door for suspension.

The locations of the two Manhattan Traffic Violations Bureaus and Traffic courts are: Manhattan (New York County) Northern Traffic Court 159 East 125 Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10035 and Manhattan Southern Traffic Court,19 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10006.

By choosing an experienced Manhattan Ticket Lawyer with an understanding of New York Traffic Law and the Manhattan Traffic Violators Bureau, you are putting in motion the best defense possible in fighting a traffic citation. The attorneys at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC understand New York State's complex web of traffic violations and statutes. For this reason, we are able to guard your rights and driving privileges, and act as your voice in court. If it becomes necessary, we can assist you in restoring your driving privileges after your license has been suspended.

By simply calling one of our offices Toll Free at 800.696.9529 for a no-cost consultation with one of our New York Lawyers, you will be taking the first step in defending your case. Our Manhattan office is conveniently located at 100 Park Ave., 16th Floor 10016. We handle all types of felonies (Sex Crime and Gun Crime) and misdemeanors including domestic violence throughout New York City including Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Long Island including both Nassau County and Suffolk County.