Traffic violations in New York can carry more than just fines. Accumulating too many points on your driving record, failing to appear in traffic court, or being convicted of serious violations can result in license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and even jail time. A skilled Onondaga County traffic violations lawyer from Robert Sinesi Law Firm can help you challenge your ticket, reduce penalties, and protect your driving privileges.

Whether you're facing a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, or commercial driver’s license (CDL) violation, legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome. Our firm handles traffic matters throughout Onondaga County, including Syracuse, Clay, Cicero, and surrounding towns.

To speak with our experienced Onondaga County traffic violations lawyers, call us at (315) 514-3033 or contact us online today.

Common Traffic Violations in Onondaga County

New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law covers a wide range of infractions and misdemeanors. Many drivers don't realize that pleading guilty to a traffic ticket can lead to long-term consequences. Our firm helps clients address a broad spectrum of violations, including:

Speeding

One of the most common traffic infractions, speeding tickets can result in steep fines, driver responsibility assessments, and DMV points. Points vary depending on how far over the speed limit you were traveling:

1–10 mph over: 3 points

11–20 mph over: 4 points

21–30 mph over: 6 points

31–40 mph over: 8 points

41+ mph over: 11 points (license suspension risk)

We evaluate the details of your ticket to determine if radar errors, signage confusion, or procedural violations can be used in your defense.

Reckless Driving

Classified as a misdemeanor in New York, reckless driving is a criminal offense—not just a traffic infraction. Conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, fines, jail time, and 5 DMV points.

We help clients defend against reckless driving charges by challenging the officer’s observations, securing witness testimony, and negotiating for reduced charges when appropriate.

Driving With a Suspended License (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation - AUO)

Driving while your license is suspended is a serious offense. AUO in the third degree is a misdemeanor, while second or first-degree charges may result in jail time, probation, and further license revocation.

Our team works to uncover the reasons behind the suspension—such as failure to pay a fine or appear in court—and takes action to resolve the underlying issues and fight the charge.

Failure to Yield or Stop

Violations involving failure to yield to pedestrians, running red lights, or disregarding stop signs are common but can still lead to points on your license and higher insurance premiums. Many of these violations hinge on the officer’s interpretation of events, which can be effectively challenged in court.

Cell Phone and Texting Violations

New York law prohibits using handheld devices while driving. A conviction for talking or texting while driving carries 5 DMV points and a fine of up to $200 for a first offense. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension, especially for probationary and junior drivers.

We explore whether law enforcement had a valid legal basis to initiate the stop and whether you were in fact using a device at the time.

Commercial Driver Violations (CDL)

For commercial drivers, traffic violations can put your career at risk. Certain infractions—even when committed in a personal vehicle—can lead to CDL disqualification. Our firm represents truck drivers and other CDL holders in protecting their professional licenses and minimizing the impact of a ticket.

New York’s Point System and Its Impact

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to monitor driver behavior. Accruing 11 or more points within 18 months can result in license suspension. Some key facts about the point system include:

Points remain on your record for 18 months from the violation date.

Multiple violations from one incident may result in cumulative points.

Drivers who earn 6 or more points in 18 months must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee ($100 per year for 3 years, plus $25 per additional point).

Reducing or eliminating points through plea bargaining, dismissal, or traffic violation reduction is critical for maintaining your driving privileges.

Fighting a Traffic Ticket in Onondaga County

When you receive a traffic ticket in Onondaga County, you typically have three options: plead guilty, plead not guilty and appear in court, or hire a lawyer to handle the case on your behalf. Pleading guilty without legal advice can lead to unintended consequences such as:

• Higher fines
• Points on your record
• Increased insurance rates
• License suspension

Our legal team evaluates the facts of your case, including the officer’s report, radar calibration, signage, and witness statements. In many cases, we are able to:

Negotiate a reduced charge (e.g., non-moving violation)

Get the ticket dismissed entirely

Minimize or eliminate points

Represent you in court, so you don’t need to appear

Traffic Violations and Out-of-State Drivers

If you’re an out-of-state driver cited for a violation while traveling through Onondaga County, your home state may be notified of the ticket and apply penalties under its own laws. For example, speeding in New York can lead to points or fines in your home state, especially if you hold a CDL.

We represent non-resident drivers facing New York traffic violations and help resolve the matter locally to avoid unnecessary travel or long-term license consequences.

Why Hire a Traffic Violations Lawyer?

Even seemingly minor traffic violations can have lasting consequences. Having an experienced Onondaga County traffic violations lawyer in your corner gives you the best chance to:

Avoid DMV points

Prevent license suspension

Keep your insurance premiums low

Resolve charges efficiently

Maintain a clean driving record

Our firm has in-depth experience with traffic courts across Onondaga County, including Syracuse City Court and local justice courts in towns like DeWitt, Manlius, Salina, and Lysander. We understand how to work with prosecutors and judges to secure favorable outcomes and keep your driving privileges intact.

Speak with an Onondaga County Traffic Violations Lawyer

If you’ve been issued a traffic ticket or charged with a driving offense in Onondaga County, don’t risk your record, license, or insurance by handling it alone. The Robert Sinesi Law Firm provides effective, affordable representation for all types of traffic violations. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Onondaga County traffic violations lawyer and explore your legal options.

To speak with our experienced Onondaga County traffic violations lawyers, call us at (315) 514-3033 or contact us online today.