What to Expect in Port Chester Traffic Court

Hiring a lawyer who knows what to expect in Port Chester Traffic Court can be a big advantage in any court proceeding. 

Across America, there are thousands of judges and prosecutors. Not every judge or prosecutor is the same and they can vary in likes and dislikes thereby affecting the resolution of your speeding ticket, traffic matter, or moving violation.  Therefore, hiring a law firm that knows the local procedures can make all the difference in whether or not your case is a success.  At our law firm, we have been successfully defending traffic tickets in Port Chester for years.  Give us a call at 914-723-7900 and ask how we can help you get your ticket either dismiss or reduced.

Port Chester is a Village Court which means it is a court of local jurisdiction.  As such, it has the power to adjudicate lower level civil matters and some criminal cases.  In addition, it has the power to hear traffic violations including speeding tickets and cell phone violations.

There are two judges that preside over matters in Port Chester and there are various police agencies that can prosecute your speeding ticket or traffic ticket.  In general, tickets issued by the state police are prosecuted by the local village attorney.  Conversely, tickets issued by the local police can be prosecuted by either the Village Police or their designee. 

What are some things should do before going to court?  In brief, if you have been issued a ticket, you must enter a plea of not guilty within 48 hours of receipt.  You should do so by some by some form of return-receipt mailing. 

Your failure to respond in a timely manner will result in your license being suspended.  If your privilege to drive is suspended and you are caught driving, you could be arrested and placed in jail.  Further, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor and be subject to a permanent criminal record.

The court will send you a court date in the mail.  You should be proactive in tracking your court date.  If you have not received a court notice, you should contact the court an inquire about your ticket's status.

What can I expect when I go inside the Court?  On the court date, you must “check in” with the court.  After you check in, you will be instructed to have a seat in the courtroom. 

Eventually, your name will be called and you will line up to meet with the prosecutor.  In some circumstances, the prosecutor will be the officer that issued you the summons.  In other circumstances, the prosecutor will be a representative from the Town Attorney’s Office.  

The process of going to court can take several hours.  There are often administrative delays and no shortage of traffic violations.  So, you should be prepared to spend at least half a day in court.



Why does it take so long?  It is possible for you to go to court and leave just a few minutes.  However, many courts have administrative delays.  There are many different elements in play.  It takes time to meet with the prosecutor, police officer and judge.

Do I have to pay a fine the same day I go to court?  It depends.  Courts prefer that you pay your fine on the same day that you enter your plea.  From time to time, the court may give you up to two weeks to pay.
 
Can I pay with a credit card?  Many courts in New York are taking credit card payments.  You should be prepared to pay with cash, however, you can always ask the court whether or not they will take a credit card payment.
 
I’m scheduled to go to trial.  What can I do to help prepare for trial?  While you are not required to have an attorney at trial, it is advisable that you have legal representation.  Remember, most officers are experienced at testifying in court.  They have issued hundreds of tickets.  They know what to say.  They have been trained in the art of issuing a traffic summons.  As such, taking an officer to task may be more difficult than you expect.
 

About Our Firm: Our firm has years of experience fighting traffic tickets.  We are experienced ticket lawyers.  Our experience can help you save time, money, and points on your license.  Give us a call at 914-723-7900 and ask how our speeding ticket lawyers can help. 

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What are the benefits of retaining your firm?  Going to court can be a time consuming and stressful proposition for many motorists.  Our attorneys have been appearing in Traffic Courts for years and can assist you in alleviating your stress and help reduce the points levied against your license.  By reducing your ticket, we can help save you on rising insurance costs.

We are familiar with the “ins and outs” of the court. Our attorneys have excelled at getting speeding tickets, suspended licenses cases, and other matters either dismissed or reduced.  Under most normal circumstances, our client’s never appear in court on traffic infractions.  This will saves them valuable time and money.


How many points am I facing?



What are the fines?



Can I go to jail for this?

Yes.  Although it is rarely enforced, a simple speeding ticket can carry 15 or more days in jail for a violator. 

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We also handle criminal defense of DWI, drug possession, and harassment.