How much does a traffic lawyer cost?

Latenite · 03-20-2010, 02:36 AM

I just got a ticket on the I87 on my way out to Vermont. Was wondering if I should fight it. I don't want to show up for court I was thinkng if I should go the lawyer route. Anybody who has done this before can give mesome info regarding process and costs? It's a 83 in a 65 zone and I have a clean record. All feedback are appreciated. Thanks.

Darkkilla · 03-20-2010, 03:21 AM

i know you can take unsafe driving(at least in NJ). Your allowed 2 every 5 years its no points just a fine but its a bit expensive im not sure the cost but a traffic lawyer can be pricey but all my of cousins are lawyers

so im not exactly how much the rates are. but best bet if you want no points or hired insurance rates take the unsafe driving

JayKay335i · 03-20-2010, 04:43 AM

You wont win a case against NYS troopers, especially on the way to VT. Don't ask me how I know.

Speak to the DA of where you got the ticket and see if you can plead it down then take the defensive drivers course. I believe it drops 2 or 3pts for usually under $50.

johno8888 · 03-20-2010, 05:22 AM

I'm a lawyer in Albany, NY.

The outcome will depend on where you got a ticket and who the prosecutor is. A lawyer will be able to appear for you to plea bargain the ticket down to either a zero point violation or more likely a 2 point violation. Sometimes the court will require you to appear in person if you do not have a lawyer.

The fine will be anywhere from $100 to $150.
Our fees are from $300 to $500, depending on the court.

Feel free to e-mail any other questions. jharwick@hackermurphy.com

johno8888 · 03-20-2010, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johno8888

I'm a lawyer in Albany, NY.

The outcome will depend on where you got a ticket and who the prosecutor is. A lawyer will be able to appear for you to plea bargain the ticket down to either a zero point violation or more likely a 2 point violation. Sometimes the court will require you to appear in person if you do not have a lawyer.

The fine will be anywhere from $100 to $150.
Our fees are from $300 to $500, depending on the court.

Feel free to e-mail any other questions. jharwick@hackermurphy.com

P.S. 20 miles over is a 4 point violation. You should fight it.

Majikthese42 · 03-20-2010, 05:52 AM

83-65=18

I'd still fight it, though. And buy a radar detector.

John 070 · 03-20-2010, 06:09 AM

My policy is unless you were charged with a crime, a lawyer cannot do anything for you that you cannot do for yourself. They are always more than happy to take your $$$ and reassure you that things will be ok, but in reality, there is nothing they can do for you.

Latenite · 03-20-2010, 08:11 AM

Thanks for all your input guys. So if it costs $300 to $500 for the lawyer, I guess it wouldn't really make sense financially since the ticket is likely around $200. The 4 pts is what annoys me since I know they throw in a whole bunch of fees once you hit 6 pts. I would rather save the speeding quota. I'd fight it but I really don't want to be summoned for court and have to take a day off from work. What a damper on a good drive up. After I got the ticket, it was like my 328 had hpfp issue and went in to limp mode. Lol.

JPA · 03-20-2010, 08:35 AM

When I get a speeding ticket I go down to the courthouse at the assigned date/time and try to find an assistant district attorney (ADA) to talk with before court even starts. Especially since you have a clean record, I would just be up front with the ADA/or judge and say I have no points and and I really don't want to start now I am really worried about my insurance. I don't mind paying a fine but could you please reduce to my fine to parking on a highway or a lessor charge and I have learned my lesson. This has worked for me twice in a row now [over the last ten years].

Just don't admit your guilt. You can say something like I think this is a mistake, or even I might have made a mistake but don't agree to the exact speed. If they won't go for parking on a highway just ask to please have the speed reduced, because you are sure you were not going that fast. Oh, dress up, preferably a suit.

Ever since I got my Lidar jammer and V1 the only ticket I have received is from a friggin' airplane.

sworks335i · 03-20-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPA

Ever since I got my Lidar jammer and V1 the only ticket I have received is from a friggin' airplane.

Thats pretty funny. I wonder how we can trick them now? I always just take a look through the sunroof and see if I see something flying overhead when I see the first white line.

What items are you running?

chowser51 · 03-20-2010, 09:00 AM

Call up the prosecutor. See if he or she will let you plead it to a lower point or no point violation.

Our prosecutor does this all the time, she will ask the defendant if they will skip the trial if they plead to a no point offense. Generally, for our court, your speeding/red light/stop sign/whatever 2 pt violation ticket becomes amended to a zero point loud muffler ticket that they plead no contest to and they just pay the fine and court costs and are out.

3pnt4maro · 03-20-2010, 10:10 AM

you will pay more for the lawyer than the fine...approach the solicitor and explain to him your driving record and see if you can work out some deal..maybe take a driving course to have the ticket dropped....They are generally willing to work it out..not really a big deail....A traffic lawyer cant do anything for you that you cant do on a traffic citation...simple as that

dreamingat30fps · 03-20-2010, 10:43 AM

Wow that's pricey in NY. Around here it's usually around $70-$100 depending on speed and record. They will also guarantee no points or they refund their fee. As for the people who say you can do it your self, sure. That however takes time and I would rather spend the $70 than waste a day in court and fill out forms and talk to DAs. For $500 however I may be more inclined to do it myself.

Mech_Man · 03-20-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPA

<snip> ... the only ticket I have received is from a friggin' airplane.

Get "the next thing in speeding-ticket defense":
Bofors 40 mm cannon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bofors_40_mm_gun

CirrusSR22 · 03-20-2010, 12:13 PM

I'd just "man-up" and pay the fine. I have one speeding ticket; 89 mph in a 70. I knew the risk I was taking, got caught, and paid for it. It's just a simple speeding ticket, pay it and move on with your life.

Latenite · 03-20-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

I'd just "man-up" and pay the fine. I have one speeding ticket; 89 mph in a 70. I knew the risk I was taking, got caught, and paid for it. It's just a simple speeding ticket, pay it and move on with your life.

I agree. I'm not opposed to the fine but really just trying to reduce the points. I don't like how they basically try to rob you once you hit 6 pts. Plus, nothing wrong with knowing what all your options are.

Latenite · 03-20-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamingat30fps

Wow that's pricey in NY. Around here it's usually around $70-$100 depending on speed and record. They will also guarantee no points or they refund their fee. As for the people who say you can do it your self, sure. That however takes time and I would rather spend the $70 than waste a day in court and fill out forms and talk to DAs. For $500 however I may be more inclined to do it myself.

Well I got mine on I87 at Albany NY. So if your guy can do what you claim, please pm me his contact info. I would really appreciate it n

dreamingat30fps · 03-20-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Latenite

Well I got mine on I87 at Albany NY. So if your guy can do what you claim, please pm me his contact info. I would really appreciate it n

I'm in Florida so don't think any would apply over there.

Res Ipsa · 03-20-2010, 08:27 PM

It varies by state (and sometimes municipality). Find a local Vermont traffic attorney and ask.

Latenite · 03-20-2010, 08:41 PM

For the record, this is for Albany new York. If you know of a good lawyer, let me know how much they charge. So far I h have a range of $300 to $500. Thanks all.

John 070 · 03-20-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

I'd just "man-up" and pay the fine. I have one speeding ticket; 89 mph in a 70. I knew the risk I was taking, got caught, and paid for it. It's just a simple speeding ticket, pay it and move on with your life.

I know what you're driving at, but being a "man" is not really what it's about. Facing the situation practically is more like it. I got cited for 52 in a 25, being a "man" and paying would have meant 5 pts. The PO said not to plead guilty and to go to court. I did and got 0 pts. and the fine reduced by $50.

Getting a lawyer is foolishness and a waste of $$$, they are not going to change the outcome one bit. If you were arrested for a crime, it's a different story.

johno8888 · 03-21-2010, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Latenite

For the record, this is for Albany new York. If you know of a good lawyer, let me know how much they charge. So far I h have a range of $300 to $500. Thanks all.

First find out if you can do a plea bargain by mail by yourself. Call the Ct and ask for the name and number of the prosecutor. Then call the prosecutor and find out what the procedure is. They will often want to see your driving abstract. Sometimes they will make you appear in person to plea. If the trooper is also the prosecutor, you will need to appear in person, usally at night.

Hiring a lawyer for a first ticket is more a matter of convenience, rather than of necessity. Look on Albany craigslist for a cheap lawyer. Some will do it for $125.

03-20-2010, 02:36 AM	#1
Latenite Private 13 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 328i x Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	How much does a traffic lawyer cost? I just got a ticket on the I87 on my way out to Vermont. Was wondering if I should fight it. I don't want to show up for court I was thinkng if I should go the lawyer route. Anybody who has done this before can give mesome info regarding process and costs? It's a 83 in a 65 zone and I have a clean record. All feedback are appreciated. Thanks.
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03-20-2010, 03:21 AM	#2
Darkkilla First Lieutenant 39 Rep 388 Posts Drives: 2010 e82 135i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	i know you can take unsafe driving(at least in NJ). Your allowed 2 every 5 years its no points just a fine but its a bit expensive im not sure the cost but a traffic lawyer can be pricey but all my of cousins are lawyers so im not exactly how much the rates are. but best bet if you want no points or hired insurance rates take the unsafe driving
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03-20-2010, 04:43 AM	#3
JayKay335i Banned 189 Rep 5,046 Posts Drives: ///M323 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Dakota; its best DUHHHHHH iTrader: (1)	You wont win a case against NYS troopers, especially on the way to VT. Don't ask me how I know. Speak to the DA of where you got the ticket and see if you can plead it down then take the defensive drivers course. I believe it drops 2 or 3pts for usually under $50.
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03-20-2010, 05:22 AM	#4
johno8888 Private First Class 16 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4M Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (0)	I'm a lawyer in Albany, NY. The outcome will depend on where you got a ticket and who the prosecutor is. A lawyer will be able to appear for you to plea bargain the ticket down to either a zero point violation or more likely a 2 point violation. Sometimes the court will require you to appear in person if you do not have a lawyer. The fine will be anywhere from $100 to $150. Our fees are from $300 to $500, depending on the court. Feel free to e-mail any other questions. jharwick@hackermurphy.com
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03-20-2010, 05:52 AM	#6
Majikthese42 Philosopher-king 20 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: 2008 E91 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: People's Republic of New Jersey iTrader: (0)	83-65=18 I'd still fight it, though. And buy a radar detector. __________________ E91 6MT Alpine, Terra, Xenons, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, PDC, CA, alarm, M shifter and M brake handle, Euro rear fog light switch, Euro aspheric mirrors, rear power outlets, Garmin nüvi custom cupholder mount, Lidatek, V-1 built-in remote display, tire pump, jack, floor mats.
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03-20-2010, 06:09 AM	#7
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	My policy is unless you were charged with a crime, a lawyer cannot do anything for you that you cannot do for yourself. They are always more than happy to take your $$$ and reassure you that things will be ok, but in reality, there is nothing they can do for you.
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03-20-2010, 08:11 AM	#8
Latenite Private 13 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 328i x Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all your input guys. So if it costs $300 to $500 for the lawyer, I guess it wouldn't really make sense financially since the ticket is likely around $200. The 4 pts is what annoys me since I know they throw in a whole bunch of fees once you hit 6 pts. I would rather save the speeding quota. I'd fight it but I really don't want to be summoned for court and have to take a day off from work. What a damper on a good drive up. After I got the ticket, it was like my 328 had hpfp issue and went in to limp mode. Lol.
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03-20-2010, 08:35 AM	#9
JPA Private First Class 8 Rep 106 Posts Drives: German Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (3)	When I get a speeding ticket I go down to the courthouse at the assigned date/time and try to find an assistant district attorney (ADA) to talk with before court even starts. Especially since you have a clean record, I would just be up front with the ADA/or judge and say I have no points and and I really don't want to start now I am really worried about my insurance. I don't mind paying a fine but could you please reduce to my fine to parking on a highway or a lessor charge and I have learned my lesson. This has worked for me twice in a row now [over the last ten years]. Just don't admit your guilt. You can say something like I think this is a mistake, or even I might have made a mistake but don't agree to the exact speed. If they won't go for parking on a highway just ask to please have the speed reduced, because you are sure you were not going that fast. Oh, dress up, preferably a suit. Ever since I got my Lidar jammer and V1 the only ticket I have received is from a friggin' airplane.
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03-20-2010, 09:00 AM	#11
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,806 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	Call up the prosecutor. See if he or she will let you plead it to a lower point or no point violation. Our prosecutor does this all the time, she will ask the defendant if they will skip the trial if they plead to a no point offense. Generally, for our court, your speeding/red light/stop sign/whatever 2 pt violation ticket becomes amended to a zero point loud muffler ticket that they plead no contest to and they just pay the fine and court costs and are out.
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03-20-2010, 10:10 AM	#12
3pnt4maro Long Time Lurker 22 Rep 352 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330I Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: LaGrange, Georgia iTrader: (0)	you will pay more for the lawyer than the fine...approach the solicitor and explain to him your driving record and see if you can work out some deal..maybe take a driving course to have the ticket dropped....They are generally willing to work it out..not really a big deail....A traffic lawyer cant do anything for you that you cant do on a traffic citation...simple as that __________________ 2006 BMW 330i-E90-14.4@96mph-Daily Driver BSM, Premium Package, Logic 7, BMS Powerbox, 19 VMR Wheels Staggered (19x9 and 19x10), 20%Tint, LED Lights, 2 Rockford Fosgate Punch P2 10's with amp in a custom setup.
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03-20-2010, 10:43 AM	#13
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5330 Rep 1,912 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	Wow that's pricey in NY. Around here it's usually around $70-$100 depending on speed and record. They will also guarantee no points or they refund their fee. As for the people who say you can do it your self, sure. That however takes time and I would rather spend the $70 than waste a day in court and fill out forms and talk to DAs. For $500 however I may be more inclined to do it myself.
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03-20-2010, 12:13 PM	#15
CirrusSR22 Major 342 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	I'd just "man-up" and pay the fine. I have one speeding ticket; 89 mph in a 70. I knew the risk I was taking, got caught, and paid for it. It's just a simple speeding ticket, pay it and move on with your life.
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03-20-2010, 08:27 PM	#19
Res Ipsa Local LOLyer 5 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	It varies by state (and sometimes municipality). Find a local Vermont traffic attorney and ask. __________________ Audi S5 \| '09 X5 xDrive 30i
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03-20-2010, 08:41 PM	#20
Latenite Private 13 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 328i x Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	For the record, this is for Albany new York. If you know of a good lawyer, let me know how much they charge. So far I h have a range of $300 to $500. Thanks all.
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