Traffic Violations Lawyer in Buffalo, New York

In New York State, motorists are required to adhere to all traffic laws. Unfortunately, a traffic stop may result in the issuance of one or more tickets, which more often than not, leads to penalties such as points, fines, increased insurance premiums, and/or license suspension or revocation. If you have received a ticket for committing a traffic-related offense, a New York State criminal defense attorney has the resources to protect your driving record and help formulate a defense. 

The Law Office of Michael Kuzma provides comprehensive representation and clear direction to people in traffic violation cases. Every aspect of your case is investigated so that a strategy may be developed to provide you with an effective defense to help fight your traffic charge(s). Your rights will be vigorously defended, with the objective of keeping fines to a minimum and your driving record kept clean.  

The Law Office of Michael Kuzma is proud to serve clients throughout the United States and Canada.

Traffic Violations 

A motorist is said to have committed a traffic violation if she or he violates or disobeys any law or rule guiding the operations of motor vehicles on roadways, highways, and streets across the state. In New York State, traffic violations are further classified into moving and non-moving violations. 

Moving Violations 

A moving violation occurs when the motor vehicle is in motion. Here are some common examples of moving violations in New York State: 

• Failure to maintain a single lane 

• Failure to yield the right of way 

• Reckless driving 

• Running a red light 

• Following too closely 

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) 

• Driving with an expired or suspended driver's license. 

• Improper lane change

• Using a mobile phone while driving 

• Speeding 

• Driving without auto insurance 

• Hit and run – leaving an accident scene without providing your identification information. 

Non-Moving Violations 

In contrast, a non-moving violation involves a vehicle that is stationary – not moving. Most non-moving violations are often related to faulty equipment or parking. Below are some common examples of non-moving violations in New York State: 

• Expired motor vehicle plates 

• Missing or broken mirrors 

• Parking at an expired parking meter 

• Failure to display a fuel license/permit 

• Improper equipment 

• Parking near/in front of a fire hydrant 

• Parking in front of a driveway 

• Leaving a vehicle running and unattended 

• Parking in a no-parking zone 

• Illegal or improper parking 

• A broken taillight or headlight 

• No license plate 

In addition, the DMV has assigned points to each traffic violation. Your license may be suspended or revoked upon accumulating a certain amount of points over a specific timeframe. 

Understanding the Point System  

In New York State, the Driver Violation Point System allows the DMV to identify and take prompt action against motorists who violate traffic laws. If you are convicted of certain traffic violations, points will be added to your driving record. Here are some common traffic violations and their respective number of points: 

• Failure to signal – 2 points 

• Speeding – between 3 and 11 points (depending on mph over posted limit) 

• Inadequate Brakes (employer's vehicle) – 2 points 

• Disobeying a traffic control device – 2 points 

• Improper turn – 2 points 

• Child safety restraint violation – 3 points 

• Leaving the scene of property damage incident – 3 points 

• Driving left of center, in the wrong direction – 3 points 

• Red Light – 3 points 

• Improper passing, changing lane unsafely – 3 points 

• Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign, or YIELD sign – 3 points 

• Failed to yield right-of-way – 3 points 

• Railroad crossing violation – 5 points 

• Use of portable electronic device "texting" – 5 points 

• Reckless driving – 5 points 

• Improper cell phone use – 5 points 

• Failed to stop for a school bus – 5 points 

Unfortunately, accumulating points on your driving record may lead to higher fines, penalties, and increased insurance premiums. Therefore, it is imperative that you retain a skilled New York State traffic law attorney to help you fight your traffic ticket so that the best available outcome may be achieved. 

Traffic Violation Fines and Penalties   

However, your license may be suspended or revoked if: 

• You accumulate more than 11 points within 18 months. 

• You are convicted of three speeding violations within an 18-month period. 

The license suspension is usually for 60 days. An experienced traffic attorney can review every aspect of your case thoroughly and determine the best course of action to help fight or reduce your traffic charge(s). 

Common Defenses for Traffic Violations 

When facing traffic charges, your attorney can help fight your case using any of the following legal defenses: 

• Establish that it was a mistake of fact. 

• Dispute the law enforcement officer's account of the incident. 

• Establish that your actions were legally justified. 

• Refute the accusations against you with substantial facts and evidence. 

• Establish that your conduct was needed in order to mitigate or prevent possible danger. 

An attorney can analyze your available legal defenses, determine the best way to fight your traffic ticket, and work to keep your driving record as clean as possible. 

Don’t Face Challenges Alone 

Navigating the New York State traffic court system without the correct guidance could increase your risk of getting a license suspension and suffering the maximum punishment. With your driving privileges suspended or revoked, you may experience difficulty in your work, school, or other aspects of your life. Therefore, if you have received a ticket for a traffic violation, it is imperative that you hire a highly-skilled traffic law attorney to help strategize your defense.  

With well over two decades of extensive legal experience, Michael Kuzma has devoted his career to offering knowledgeable advice and defending individuals with traffic tickets from the worst-case scenario. Whether you were charged with a moving or non-moving traffic violation, the Law Office of Michael Kuzma has the resources to fight to protect your driving privileges and help keep your driving record as clean as possible. With Michael Kuzma on your side, you can anticipate the most favorable outcome in your traffic case.