Astoria License Suspension Lawyer

If your New York state license has been suspended, you are not out of options. Whether it is a DWI charge, unpaid tickets, or simply too many points on your license, the Law Office of Michael A. Schillinger, Esq., is uniquely qualified with knowledge of traffic laws to get you back behind the wheel.

From what causes a license suspension to common mistakes that make suspensions worse, learn more about your legal options below. Having an Astoria license suspension lawyer, like Michael A. Schillinger, in your corner can turn around your situation.

What Triggers a Driver’s License Suspension?

Throughout New York State, accumulating too many driver points on your license can lead to a suspension. Under the state’s current point system, racking up eleven or more points within an 18-month window can result in lost driving privileges. Aside from infringements that fall under the point system, here are a few other traffic violations that can temporarily cost you your license:

• Driving under the influence: If you are charged with DWI or DWAI, the suspension may be immediate and can be imposed as early as your arraignment in criminal court
• Refusing a breathalyzer: Refusing to take a breathalyzer test can trigger a one-year revocation of your privilege to drive in New York State, regardless of whether you are eventually found guilty of DWI, and you would be entitled to a refusal hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles, where your attorney can contest this
• Driving without insurance: A simple lapse in coverage can even trigger license revocation until the issue is resolved
• Ignoring citations and summons: Failing to respond to traffic tickets, skipping court dates, or not paying fines can all lead to license suspensions as well

As an Astoria license suspension attorney, Michael A. Schillinger sees a significant number of cases where drivers are unaware of their suspended license until they are pulled over. Part of the reason is that some suspensions have nothing to do with driving at all. For example, if you owe more than $10,000 in unpaid taxes or you are four months behind on child support payments, the State of New York can automatically suspend your license. Mike Schillinger is a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you with your case, no matter your unique circumstances.

Common Mistakes That Can Make a License Suspension Worse

If your license is already suspended, you should not do anything to make your restrictions worse. Here are some mistakes we often see people make when it comes to handling their New York license suspensions:

Forgetting to Update Your Address with the DMV

You must report a change of address within ten days or risk missing suspension notices. This can lead to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle charges (VTL § 511) if you drive without realizing your license is suspended.

Letting Your Car Insurance Lapse

The DMV sends 500,000 inquiry letters annually, and suspends around 300,000 registrations each year for coverage gaps. Missing insurance can result in both registration suspensions and license suspensions.

Failing to Address Traffic Tickets

Tickets issued both in-state and out-of-state can lead to a New York license suspension if left unresolved. Make sure to pay those off or get them appealed. At a bare minimum, when you are issued a traffic ticket, you should respond to it with a not guilty plea, preserving your right to contest the ticket and avoiding the potential suspension for failing to respond to the ticket.

Neglecting to Bring Proper Documentation to DMV Appointments

About 10% of people show up to crucial DMV appointments without the required forms or proof of identification. That may cause delays in reinstating your license.

Overlooking Clerical Errors in Your DMV Record

Mistakes like keeping outdated records or incorrect classifications, such as a CDL you no longer hold, can falsely flag your license as suspended. Always double-check your driving history.

Not Keeping Up With New York Legislation Changes

Forfeit After Four is a recently enacted New York statute that states anyone with four or more alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions can be permanently denied license reinstatement. Keeping up with legislation changes like this is important in fighting for your rights to operate a vehicle.

Issues like this are why it is so critical to have an experienced Astoria license suspension lawyer like Mike Schillinger in your corner to help you investigate your traffic issues and help you resolve any potential suspension of your license.

What Sets Michael A. Schillinger, Esq. Apart in License Suspension Cases?

Astoria license suspension lawyer Michael Schillinger brings a former prosecutor’s insight to every license suspension case. He spent years as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County before shifting to criminal defense law. His deep focus on driving-related cases is evidenced by his membership in the National College for DUI Defense.

Client testimonials praise our firm for fast, caring service; personalized attention; and clear communication. Additionally, because we handle traffic and license issues every day, we know the local judges, their tendencies, and how to push for reductions or dismissals.

Get a Free Case Review From a License Suspension Lawyer in Astoria

The Law Office of Michael A. Schillinger, Esq. knows how to fight back with strategy, right timing, and grit. We do not wait for the system to work itself out. If you need an Astoria license suspension lawyer who shows up and stands up for you, reach out for a consultation now.