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Upstate New York Drivers

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Contesting Texting While Driving In New York

Joining the flood of other states that have enacted laws to curb distracted driving, New York has implemented harsh penalties over the last few years for the violation. If you are caught texting while driving or using a hand-held mobile phone, you could be looking at points on your license and hundreds of dollars in fines.

Instead of just paying a fine, work with an experienced attorney who has helped drivers in upstate New York and the Hudson Valley successfully contest all types of traffic violations. I am James M. Wagman, Attorney at Law. My law firm represents clients in local and county courts throughout the region, drawing on my more than 35 years of experience representing drivers.

Contact me online or call 518-291-4803 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your ticket.

Serious Penalties Are At Stake

Since June 2013, any texting while driving violation issued in New York is worth five points on your license. Points can lead to skyrocketing auto insurance rates and potential license suspension if you rack up enough. In addition, first offense fines now range from $50 to $200, while the maximum goes up to $450 for a third offense within 18 months.

Young adults with learner’s permits and other probationary drivers face a 120-day license suspension for a first offense.

In addition, the law is written broadly so that commercial vehicle and truck drivers caught even holding a mobile phone to their ears will be presumed to be using the device. You cannot use your device even if you are in stopped traffic.

What Your Lawyer Can Do For You

The law seems to give police broad sway over determining whether you were actually breaking the law. As your lawyer, I can carefully review the evidence the police officer used to stop you and issue you a traffic ticket. Your ticket could have been issued just because you were looking down, even if you were not looking at your phone. A skilled, experienced attorney like me may be able to negotiate a reduced fine or charge, or even get the ticket thrown out.

Contact James M. Wagman Today For Help

Before paying any fines, learn about your legal rights and options. My law firm serves clients in local courts throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a free consultation, call my law firm at 518-291-4803 or toll free at 866-901-8742. You can also send an email.