How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in New York
Some people have a need for speed and often forget that there are laws that govern the roads in New York. New York's police force is expansive so it is not uncommon to be pulled over for speeding. However, the fluctuating price of gas and rising living expenses make it hard for people to set aside money to pay for things that are not included in their household budget such as a speeding ticket.
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Instructions
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Look at the back of your traffic citation. You will find information about the proper protocol for fighting a speeding ticket. Since you do not wish to pay the ticket, you have to fill out the back of the citation and mail it to the address printed: P. O. Box 2950, Albany, NY 12220. This must be done within 15 days from the date that you receive the citation.
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Pay attention to your mailbox. New York postal workers will deliver a letter notifying you of the date and time of your hearing.
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Attend your hearing in New York. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to allow time to find parking and to also pass through security clearance. The judge will ask you how you plead and give you the option to pay your citation at a reduced price. Plead not guilty and request a hearing.
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Schedule the next hearing. The officer must show up to explain why you received the ticket. Based on the officer's testimony, the judge will decide whether you are guilty. If you are guilty, you must pay the ticket as well as New York court fees. Most police officers do not show up to the hearings so the judge clears you of guilt.
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If you are found guilty and you believe that you are innocent, you can appeal the judge's decision by completing From AA-33, which can be found online at the New York State DMV's website.
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Tips & Warnings
Speeding tickets are handled by the criminal courts in New York State. However, in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Suffolk Counties, the DMV's Traffic Violations Bureau handles speeding tickets. You can postpone your hearing, but you must send a written request 10 days before your hearing date.
Do not ignore your speeding tickets in New York. A bench warrant for your arrest will be issued. Any New York police officer who pulls you over for a routine or traffic violation is required to arrest you. Points may be added to your license. The number of points you receive vary depending on how many miles per hour you were driving over the speed limit. The police officer may also issue you a ticket for reckless driving. They are separate tickets.
