How to Vacate a Guilty Plea

Traffic Ticket Lawyer Guiding Westchester County Drivers

The New York traffic ticket system is difficult enough to maneuver and more so if you are dealing with your first violation. Not only are you dealing with unfamiliar territory, but there are numerous deadlines and requirements that must be met in order to avoid facing serious penalties and consequences like a license suspension or revocation. Although a motorist may use his or her best judgment to figure out how out the ideal way to resolve the case, it is advised to seek legal counsel from a competent traffic ticket lawyer. Doing so will only benefit you. Experienced Westchester County traffic ticket attorney Elisa Claro has helped many New York drivers vacate a guilty plea in a motor vehicle violation matter when appropriate.

Understanding How To Vacate A Guilty Plea

When a motorist gets a traffic ticket, the first instinct may be to plead guilty and pay the fine. Especially if the fine for the ticket is less than legal representation. However, paying the ticket may have adverse consequences, like increased car insurance premiums, accrual of points to your driving record, extra DMV fine and penalties, suspensions, or revocations. Receiving 11 or more points on your record in an 18-month period will result in losing your ability to drive. Being unable to drive can be debilitating and Westchester County traffic ticket lawyer Elisa Claro recognizes how disruptive a suspension or revocation may be for you and your family. Each infraction carries a different amount of points and the more serious the infraction, the more points the charge carries, so do not leave points to chance. Successfully contesting a traffic ticket means you will avoid paying a fine and receiving points on your driving record. 

What if you already plead guilty and paid the fine for your ticket? Even if you plead guilty to the ticket and submit a payment, all hope is not lost. In some instances, you may be able to seek permission from the court to allow you to reopen the case and reduce or eliminate the points associated with the ticket. This special proceeding is known as a Coram Nobis; when successful, it will restore the traffic ticket to active and the traffic ticket process starts form the beginning. This means that you may request a pre-trial conference to contest the ticket.

There are several grounds that you may use to justify seeking a court order. For instance, a driver can show that they did not understand the severity of the consequences or their long-term impact or the court may allow you a second chance. For example, a motorist who drives for a living, like a delivery person or bus driver, may not have understood that pleading guilty to the charge would result in accrual of points and thereby jeopardize his or her ability to work. So much is at stake. This is why educating yourself as to what your options are, the consequence of pleading guilty and paying the fine is so important. Make sure to do your due diligence BEFORE you make a hasty decision. This is where a free consultation with an experienced traffic lawyer comes into play. 

Discuss Your Traffic Ticket with a Yonkers and White Plains Attorney

If you plead guilty to a traffic ticket and want a second chance at fighting it, Westchester County traffic ticket lawyer Elisa Claro is ready and waiting to assist you. The process is simple and done through email, regular mail, and online. At The Claro Law Firm, we have given motorists second chances to challenge a ticket, including people in Yonkers, White Plains, Peekskill, Rye, New Rochelle and Mount Vernon. We understand that not everyone is familiar with traffic ticket rules, which may be difficult to understand. We offer a free traffic consultation to help you learn about your rights and how our team may be able to assist you. Call us at 917-300-3334 or contact us online to set up your appointment with a traffic ticket or license restoration lawyer. We are ready to help you fight any type of motor vehicle violation, recognizing how much may be at stake.