Cato Town Court

Cato Town Court
11320 Shortcut Road
Cato, NY 13033

Analysis and commentary:  At one time a village of only one square mile, Cato, New York, is now described as a “bedroom community” of 36.2 square miles and includes the incorporated communities of both Ira and Meridian. Its 2,537 residents (according to the 2010 U.S. Census), are filled with “can do” attitude. It boasts both the Cato-Meridian Recreation Center and the Cato Ira Meridian Athletic Recreation Fields (C.I.M.A.R.F.) – soccer and softball - all of which were built using generous donations of land and money from community businesses and individuals.

Cato was home, at one time, to Josh Warner, NY Giants pro-football player, and NASCAR driver, Regan Smith. The author, Howard Frank Mosher, was born in the town of Ira. Three of his books (A Stranger in the Kingdom, Disappearances, and Where the Rivers Flow North), were made into films by Jay Craven.

Cayuga County District Attorneys prosecute criminal cases at Cato Town Court, which also processes all traffic-related violations, including those stemming from State Routes 370 and 34, which pass through the area.

Court is in session on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays at 7 p.m.


What is the real cost of a traffic ticket?

There are many different costs associated with a ticket.  For example, a conviction to a speeding ticket can result in a fine payable to the court which can be more than $600.00.  This same ticket can also result in a fine known as a surcharge.  Although the surcharge is paid to the court, it is money that is earmarked for New York State.  Furthermore, a conviction to a major traffic violation can result in an insurance increase which may affect your premiums for years to come.  There are also, ancillary costs such as points on your licenses which can result in a suspension of your privilege to drive.  A conviction to too many points can result in New York State assessing a Driver's Responsibility Assessment against the driver.  At the very minimum, this will cost the driver a few hundred dollars.  What about the cost in terms of time?  If you wish to avoid some of the financial costs associated with a ticket, it will also cost you time to appear in court.  In many courts, fighting a ticket can result in multiple court appearances.  Finally, many motorist do not realize that a court can impose a serious sanction of incarceration.  Although it is rarely imposed, at the very least, a speeding ticket can result in a 15 day jail sentence. 

About Our Firm:  At Joseph P. Villanueva, Attorneys At Law we excel at getting tickets dismissed or reduced.  We have more than 20 years of legal experience and have gained a reputation among our peers as being superb lawyers.  Our team of traffic and criminal defense lawyers is lead by Joseph P. Villanueva.  He is a former prosecutor.  Having a former prosecutor on your side can help in analyzing critical issues in your case.  This can make the difference in you keep your license or having your license suspended or revoked. Call us now 914-723-7900.

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Fines and Surcharges

Our attorneys fight for our clients and attempt to resolve their case with the most favorable possible outcome.  Below is a list of fines associated with some of the most widely issued tickets in the state.   (Fines are subject to change without notice).  Call our lawyers now at 800-893-9645 for a consultation.

New York Driver Assessment

New York State imposes a Driver Responsibility Assessment (also known as a DRA) for drivers who accumulate six points or more are earned on the driving record.  Call our lawyers now at 800-893-9645 for a consultation.

A driver's license will be suspended if they fail to pay the New York Driver Assessment. This fine also applies to out of state drivers. Driver safety courses will not reduce these fines.

Insurance

As far as insurance is concerned, traffic violations and points are included on a driver's record for at least 39 months.

When an insurance company views a driver abstract that has accumulated points they may impose a surcharge. Points may remain on a driving record for up to 4 years.


What’s the point system NY?

There are too many possible violations to list in this answer, but for your convenience, here is a list of some common point violations.

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

 

Other Traffic Violations	Points
Reckless Driving (misdemeanor, 6 month suspension)	5
Leaving the scene of an accident (personal injury, misdemeanor, 6 months in jail, revocation of license, $600.00 fine)	5
Passing a school bus	5
Following too closely (tailgating)	4
Inadequate breaks	4
Improper passing (unsafe lane change, left of center or wrong direction)	3
Disobeying a Traffic Signal (red light, stop sign, yield sign)	3
Right of way, failure to yield	3
Railroad crossing violation	3
Leaving the scene of an accident (property damage/domestic animal)	3
Child Safety Restraint (under 16 years old in front seat, under 10 years old in rear seats, under 4 years old in child seat)	3
Inadequate breaks (employers' commercial vehicle)	2
All other moving violations	2

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