If you received a speeding ticket or a citation for some other traffic violation, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney for straightforward solutions that will work for you.
Learn More About Traffic Violations
I am an attorney who represents clients in Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding cities who are facing any type of traffic citation. For more details about how I handle these cases, please visit my traffic violations page.
I have provided some general information below to educate you about how the law applies to several types of traffic violations. To get answers about your specific case, contact me to arrange a free consultation.
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At the Law Office of Don VanStry, I am proud of the successful results I have achieved for clients facing traffic tickets and loss of driving privileges. My goal is to keep you on the road or get you driving again as soon as possible with a clean slate.
As your lawyer, I will provide you with straight talk about how to protect your license and your driving record. I am dedicated to informing you of your rights and helping you achieve your legal objectives.
Misdemeanor and Felony Traffic Offenses
Some traffic offenses are more serious than others and can result in penalties as serious as imprisonment. While a traffic infraction might be a minor matter if no one is hurt, the same incident can be a misdemeanor or felony if someone is hurt or killed or if there is serious property damage. Some specific traffic offenses, however, are considered serious violations on their own, such as drunk driving or operating a vehicle without a license. A person charged with a traffic-related crime should treat his or her situation seriously and contact an attorney at Law Office of Don VanStry in Syracuse, New York who can help to protect his or her legal rights.
Traffic Misdemeanors
Many traffic violations are classified as misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, with penalties in most states including fines and imprisonment of a year or less. Although precise traffic offense classifications vary on a state-by-state basis, traffic misdemeanors usually include driving without insurance or without a license.
In most states, a person with a misdemeanor conviction retains many rights that a convicted felon may lose, including professional and voting privileges. Sometimes, a skilled lawyer may be able to "plead down" an offense from a felony to a misdemeanor, which may minimize the penalty.
Traffic Felonies
Felonies are the criminal justice system's most serious crimes, punishable in most states by more than a year of imprisonment. Examples of traffic felonies include repeat DUI/DWI convictions and vehicular homicide.
A convicted felon may lose the right to vote or to practice certain professions, such as law and teaching. Felons may be prohibited from owning guns or serving in the military. Some states have a "three strikes" law that may result in a life sentence upon a third felony conviction.
Conclusion
Traffic charges must be taken as seriously as any other criminal charges because they can impact the offender's life far into the future. In order to best protect the future, if you or someone you love has been charged with the commission of a traffic-related misdemeanor or felony, do not hesitate to contact an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Don VanStry in Syracuse, New York.
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