Legal Question in Traffic Law in New York

1180D Speeding Ticket with an International Licence

I received a speeding ticket for allegedly driving 94 mph in a 65mph zone of the New York freeway close to Albany.

I'm from the United Kingdom (England) working in New York on a J-1 Visa, and only in the country for one more month.

I was not told what the fine would be, just that it would be mailed to me if I enter a plea of guilty but the officer seemed to encourage me to contest the ticket saying that the fine in all likelihood would be reduced if I entered a not guilty plea.

I would prefer to contest the fine but am only in the country for 4 more weeks so am concerned that I will not be here to receive any future communications or be able to attend whatever court date is applied.

What is the best way to approach this? I have now 24 hours to return the plea of not guilty which I would ideally like to do. There is no phone number for me to contact them though.

What is the best way to approach this, how will is affect my UK licence and my status on returning to the country at a later date on a tourist visa?


Asked on 8/18/08, 4:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Warren Redlich The Redlich Law Firm

Re: 1180D Speeding Ticket with an International Licence

We are in Albany and handle tickets here. The fines and surcharges from the Court range from $175 to $385 ($30 less if the ticket was before July 1). Then the NY DMV would hit you with an "assessment" for another $300 (for getting 6 points within 18 months).

We charge $500 to handle a case like this, and would usually get it reduced to a lesser violation (lower speed, perhaps 10 mph over, or a non-speeding violation). The fine savings would not make up for our fee - we'd save you about $400.

The 24 hour rule is not really true. You have plenty of time if you hire us, or another lawyer. Just make payment of $500 on our website - redlichlaw.com - and fax us the paperwork, along with a cover sheet with your contact information.

I don't believe this ticket would have any effect on your UK license. I can't answer about immigration consequences, but I'd guess there are none. The worst situation would probably be if you ignored the ticket or didn't pay the fine. I picture you driving into NY from Toronto or Montreal and getting arrested for "Aggravated Unlicensed Operation" for driving with a suspension from this.

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions -- wredlich -at- gmail.com.

Warren

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Answered on 8/18/08, 4:24 pm


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