Astoria Traffic Lawyer

Receiving a summons for a moving violation in the Astoria area leaves many people with an important choice. Some may choose to pay a fine and accept the consequences. Others may instead choose to contest their ticket in court. By challenging a traffic ticket, you force the prosecution to abide by their burden of proving that you actually violated a law.

Depending on the severity of the violation, your presence in court might be mandatory, or it may be waivable. Therefore, if you received a traffic ticket, having adequate representation is crucial to the success of your case.

Mike Schillinger is a traffic lawyer in Astoria that can explain your options for fighting a summons in court. As a skilled defense attorney, Mike can contest the prosecution’s evidence, present relevant evidence on your behalf, and protect all of your rights during the legal proceeding. With experience in cases like yours, Mike will work tirelessly to get you the best outcome possible for your case.

When Can a Traffic Ticket be Contested?

When you receive a traffic ticket, you have two options – plead guilty or not guilty. By pleading guilty, an alleged offender can pay a fine and accept the penalties that might be applied to their driver’s licenses – including points on their license and a possible suspension. However, simply accepting these penalties without a fight is not necessary. Instead, you can plead not guilty and contest the traffic ticket in court. Some common moving violations include:

• Speeding
• Failing to yield
• Operating a vehicle with broken headlights or turn signals
• Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
• Operating a vehicle without a valid license
• Failure to obey a traffic control device

Depending on the jurisdiction, your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction in points or the possibility for you to take a driver’s education course in lieu of a plea. Unfortunately however, in Queens, plea bargaining is not a common practice in traffic court and you will instead need to demand a trial to fight back against the prosecution. Mike Schillinger is a knowledgeable traffic lawyer in Astoria that can speak with you about the options you have in your case depending on the jurisdiction and the charges.

Some Drivers Must Appear in Court Following the Receipt of a Ticket

While requesting a hearing in court is an option for some, more serious allegations of criminal activity while behind the wheel mandate a driver’s appearance in court. For example, being charged with reckless driving can land you a mandatory court appearance in criminal court. According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1212, a reckless driving offense may result in a jail sentence and therefore the matter is handled in criminal court rather than traffic court.

Mike Schillinger is a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer in Astoria and is prepared to take the lead in handling your traffic case. Mike will work hard to protect your rights during the process, and he will question the validity of the State’s evidence to improve the odds of a positive outcome on your case.

Contact a Traffic Attorney in Astoria Immediately

Traffic tickets can range in severity from minor annoyances to life-altering events. In every situation, having an attorney like Mike Schillinger on your side can make a world of difference. Whether you want to contest a police officer’s allegations that led to a minor infraction or are required to appear in criminal court following an arrest, Mike is an Astoria traffic lawyer that can help you.

As an aggressive defense attorney, Mike will take care of all the details involved in requesting a formal court session, help you gather the evidence you need to defend yourself, and present your case before the mitigation hearing officer or judge. Mike will also fight to protect your freedom and rights if the ticket comes with criminal charges. Reach out now to learn more.