Chatham Law Blog
What are traffic violation points and how can you reduce them?
Traffic Violations In New York, if you commit any traffic violations, you could receive more than a traffic citation. Once convicted of a traffic violation, the DMV adds points to your license. The Driver Violation Point System helps track high-risk drivers. For...
Staying calm when pulled over for a traffic violation
When people are driving in New York and suddenly flashing lights appear behind them, their first instinct may be panic and anxiety about why they are getting pulled over and what is going to happen. Most of the time, people are only pulled over for committing minor...
Can speeding lead to you losing your driver’s license?
Many people think of speeding as a very minor issue. They do not even recognize it as a crime even though it is. So many people speed that it is one of those things acceptable by society. This is despite the fact that experts say speeding is one of the leading causes...
DUI charges while minors are present
For anyone facing drunk driving charges, serious consequences are a major concern, from stiff fines and the loss of driving privileges to time in prison. However, some people face a particularly difficult situation when they are pulled over for driving under the...
Ignition interlock devices and distracted driving
Across the United States and in the state of New York, the required use of ignition interlock devices has become a standard in many drunk driving cases. The stated objective associated with the use of IIDs is to prevent additional instances of impaired driving while...
Is possession of a small amount of marijuana a misdemeanor?
New York's governor signed into law Bill S06579 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Because of the increase in medicinal usage, several changes in legislation have followed its legalization. If a law enforcement official finds an...
Signs an officer looks for when pulling a driver over for DWI
Many New York drivers may feel confident leaving a bar after a few drinks to drive home. However, that could prove costly if an officer pulls the driver over. An officer who suspects a driver of driving under the influence of alcohol looks for specific indicators. ...
Does New York offer a diversion program for DWI offenders?
New York residents convicted of a driving while intoxicated offense may qualify for the Empire State's Impaired Driver Program. Your voluntary participation in the program provides access to educational resources focused on the high-risks of using alcohol or other...
Can I bring witnesses to traffic court?
It is common to believe that when a police officer hands you a traffic ticket, you have no recourse to dispute it. All that is left is to pay the ticket and move on. However, that is not the case at all. Not only do you have the right in New York to contest your...
Why you should not avoid breathalyzer tests in New York
It is now common to find drunk driving checkpoints on the roads of New York. According to the Wall Street Journal, about 30 percent of all the car accidents that occurred in 2018 had relations to alcohol. Even with a 3.6% drop from 2017, there has not been a...
