Should I Plead Not Guilty for a Speeding Ticket?

Law Casey W. Raskob, Esq. PC — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:41:34 GMT

Most of us have been in the situation; you’re driving a little too fast and a cop decides to pull you over. It can be a stressful situation, especially since it can add points to your license, increase your insurance, and those are both on top of the fine you’ll be paying. There is a lot of debate over whether you should plead guilty or not guilty, but the answer should always be to plead ‘not guilty’ for a speeding ticket.

Why Should I Plead ‘Not Guilty’?

Points

Pleading ‘not guilty’ can save you down the line. By adding points to your license, you’re getting closer to a suspended license. In New York State, it only takes 10 points to get your license suspended. If you get pulled over for going 71mph in a 50mph area, you’re adding 6 points to your license by pleading guilty.

Insurance

The cost of car insurance is constantly increasing, and if you don’t have a clean record, you should expect to see a sizeable increase in your monthly insurance rate. It winds up being an unnecessary expense that you can probably reduce.

Withdrawing a Guilty Plea

It’s not uncommon that someone consults me and asks if it’s possible to withdraw a guilty plea. Often, people will pay the fine for the ticket because they don’t fully understand the ramifications that come with a ticket. What some people don’t understand is that it might still be possible to vacate the plea and argue against it.

Why Seek a Traffic Attorney?

Attorneys that cover DUI’s, speeding infractions, and other traffic court cases are very familiar with local courts. Since they’re always handling cases, they build better relationships with the judges, and have gained a better understanding of each court’s policies. Getting in touch with a traffic lawyer can not only save you short-term, but save you a lot of money over the long run.

Ticket Attorney Ethics

Law Casey W. Raskob, Esq. PC — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:41:26 GMT

This is even worse than the cherry picked “Testimonials” some offices use.

The “guarantee” is unethical because it puts the attorney and client at odds. You must, as a lawyer, have your client’s interest first and foremost. An attorney with a “Guarantee” over his head will take ANY offer for ANY reduction even when taking a chance at Trial is better for the Client because he wants to be paid for the Appearance.

A Prosecutor who deals with an attorney who never tries a case will give worse offers that to an attorney known to try cases and who aggressively represents the client. This is a long term game and reputation counts-the other side knows who folds too fast.

NY’s Office of Attorney Ethics does not bother to prosecute questionable attorney advertising, but that doesn’t mean it is OK. An Attorney is paid for time and advice, and should be able to ballpark a result for you depending on Court, your history, and the accusation. A “Guarantee” is not a substitute for knowledge.