As a New Yorker, you probably know that our home state has some of the harshest traffic violation penalties in the nation. For example, those convicted of speeding must usually pay hundreds of dollars (or more) in fines, surcharges and associated fees.

In some states, you do not have to plead guilty or not guilty after a speeding ticket, but in New York, you must choose one or the other. With so few options, most people go ahead and plead guilty to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. It is wiser to consider the circumstances before pleading guilty.

you can’t beat the system—or can you?

Another reason so many people plead guilty and accept the consequences is that they do not believe they can beat the system. It may take some work but defeating a speeding ticket is possible in many cases. Most people want to know if fighting against a speeding violation is worth the effort.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE ADVANTAGES OF FIGHTING A TICKET?

It is nearly always worth your effort to defend against a New York or New Jersey speeding ticket. The possible benefits of successfully contesting your ticket include:

• Overcoming all charges
• Keeping your driving license
• Preserving your job (when you need to drive to work)
• Avoiding fees and points

You can also avoid increasing your insurance premiums with a successful ticket defense.

are there any disadvantages of fighting a ticket?

You could lose your case, but with experienced representation, the risk of losing decreases significantly. In the end, it is your choice, but learning more about New York speeding and traffic laws and their possible penalties can help you make your decision.