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In today's world of increased costs, a conviction can costs you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in insurance increases and court costs. The repercussions can follow you for years to come.
The Village of Marcellus was settled in the late 18th century, and is situated along Nine Mile Creek, which provided water power for area developers. Besides the creek, the area also attracts water enthusiasts to Otisco Lake and Skaneateles Lake, which are situated to the south and west of the village. New York State Routes 174 and 175 intersect at the village.
About the CourtThe village offices are open every Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The majority of prosecutions are handled by the Onondaga County District Attorney; however the Marcellus Village Attorney may also prosecute specific village violations and criminal offenses and infractions committed within the village.
Court tip: one of the worst things you can do is to ignore your ticket. Failure to Answer a ticket can result in a suspension of a driver's privilege to drive. If a driver is caught driving with a suspended license a police officer may arrest the driver and charge them in a criminal act.
Trial: Each motorist is entitled to a trial on his or her traffic matters. In general, a traffic trial will occur on the driver’s first court appearance. The first court appearance is usually designated as a pre-trial conference.
Burden of Proof: Unlike traffic matters heard in the Traffic Violations Bureau of NYC and other parts of the State, tickets in Town and Village Courts must meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Many legal scholars have debated exactly what is meant by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. However, everyone agrees that it is the highest standard of proof in the US judicial system.
It is possible to reach a plea bargain on most cases. It has been our experience that excessive speeding, repeat offenders, and cell phone violators will have a difficult time securing a favorable resolution.
How Many Points and Fines Will I Face?A conviction to a moving violation will have varying degrees for which points can be assessed on a license. For example, cell phone violations carry a 5 point penalty. Meanwhile, a speeding conviction can vary from 3 points to 11 points depending on the severity of the charge. Take a look at the following chart for a brief outline:
Speeding | Points |
01 to 10 mph over the limit | 3 |
11 to 20 | 4 |
21 to 30 | 6 |
31 to 40 | 8 |
More than 40 | 11 |
In terms of quantifiable dollars and cents, the average conviction to a 76/55 mph zone will usually face a fine up to about $400.00, a $300.00 fine payable to DMV, and a few hundred dollars in insurance increases.
Note, insurance costs can vary for two very similar situated drivers. A speeding conviction is not the only factor taken under consideration by insurance companies. They will also examine things such as a driver’s age, type of car driven, and car accident history.
Hiring a LawyerIf you are unable to attend a traffic court conference date issued by a court, our law firm can stand in your place. In other words, there is no need for you to appear in court and miss work, school or any other social obligation.
Before you plead guilty to your ticket, you should give experienced attorneys a call to learn how we can help you save money, points on your license, and insurance increases.
We have over 30 years of legal experience and we are lead by for a former NYC prosecutor.
Call us now for your consultation and see how we can help you save at 800-893-9645.
For further information, check out the following links:
Traffic Ticket FAQs
Tips on Avoiding a Speeding Ticket
Top Reasons to Hire an Attorney