How Much Does A Traffic Lawyer Cost These Days?

2 Comments

1. Traffic Lawyer says:

   January 1, 2010 at 12:40 pm

   Here is some information to help you choose a New York traffic lawyer. Traffic tickets, such as speeding, can result in points on your driver’s license, car insurance hikes and fines, surcharges and fees. Therefore, choosing the right New York traffic ticket attorney is important.

   More and more drivers are engaging a New York traffic ticket lawyer when they are issued a NY traffic ticket. In addition to receiving professional counsel from an experienced traffic ticket attorney, motorists are anxious to pass on this stressful and time-consuming task to someone else. Further, motorists are concerned about points, suspensions, high fines, surcharges and the Driver Assessment Fee. And, of course, don’t forget the dreaded auto insurance increase.

   The first thing that you should do in selecting a NY traffic lawyer is to make sure you are calling or emailing an actual New York traffic ticket attorney or New York traffic law firm. While this sounds obvious, the internet is replete with non-lawyers trying to make a quick buck. The most obvious tell-tale sign is when the site or the site’s ad states something like “If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay 100%” or “Guaranteed or your money back”. It is entirely unethical for an attorney to guarantee results and, therefore, you should stay clear from such quick buck artists. No honest, self-respecting attorney would ever make such a representation. Indeed, common sense requires that no one can guarantee what some third party (a judge or prosecutor) will do. If you are lucky, the fine print will explain what is actually being “guaranteed”. Either way, however, is caveat emptor – buyer beware – for those fooled by such promises.

   Similarly, I suggest avoiding any web site that lists itself as a directory of traffic lawyers or offers to find you the “right” lawyer. Those sites are simply middlemen often looking to add something to your fee for generating a lead to a real traffic lawyer. You should want to be dealing directly with a law firm (not some middleman) especially if a question or problem arises.

   If you have any doubt, check the physical location of the “firm”. If they do not have a New York State address (or do not even list an address), there is a good chance that you are not dealing with an actual lawyer or law firm. A New York traffic lawyer is required to list an office address on all advertising which includes his or her web site.

   Once you have eliminated the non-lawyers, the next step is to find a traffic attorney who is experienced in vehicle and traffic law matters. Start by asking the attorney or the firm’s paralegal about the firm’s traffic law experience and, in particular, their previous experience at the court where you case is scheduled. Have they appeared in this court before? What was the result? Of course, you may not get a candid answer but that is a good start.

   You then can ask about any articles the attorney has written on that subject and ask to see one of them. Chances are an attorney who has taken the time to write one or more vehicle and traffic law articles is someone who you can rely on to be experienced and knowledgeable.

   Yet another important thing to check is the attorney’s background. Did he or she graduate from a quality law school, were they on Law Review, have they won any awards, did they previously work at a court and/or large law firm. The more impressive the attorney’s background the better.

   Be wary of an attorney who does not set forth his or her credentials and experience. It is safe to assume that in such cases the attorney’s background is less than impressive.

   Another important consideration is the comfort level you get when speaking with the law firm. Did they answer your questions? Were the answers responsive? Were they knowledgeable? Were they honest with you about the prospects for success? Were they patient? If you do not feel comfortable, then its time to make another telephone call.

   A good and trusthworthy traffic ticket lawyer will ask whether it even makes sense for you to fight this ticket and/or hire an attorney. For example, if the ticket carries no points or you have an out-of-state license and points do not transfer. Under such circumstances, hiring a New York traffic attorney likely is not worthwhile.

   The final consideration is cost. You should look for an attorney that will take your case for a flat fee. This way there is no surprises for you when the case is over. Many New York traffic lawyers will offer a flat fee so you do not have to settle for someone who charges by the hour or cannot give you a fee upfront. Also, just because one attorney is a $100 (or so) cheaper does not mean you should select that one. Your driver license is an important privilege and you do not want to hand this responsibility to just anyway, especially when you likely will not be in court when the case is resolved.

   I would say you generally do not want the cheapest lawyer to handle your case although that does not mean you should hire the most expensive either. Look for someone whose fee is reasonable. Otherwise, the old adage “You get what you pay for” may rear its ugly head.

   Matthew Weiss
   http://www.nytrafficticket.com
   212-683-7373