In New York, most traffic offenses stay on your driving record for 3 to 4 years.
Don’t let a simple ticket or traffic violation risk your license. Many drivers think speeding or reckless driving is minor, but these actions can easily become a misdemeanor linked to a traffic offense — or worse, escalate into a criminal traffic matter.When these issues arise, you don’t just need general legal help — you need a lawyer experienced in handling traffic offenses. From attorneys who focus on minor violations to those ready to fight more complex cases, having the right defense can protect your record, your job, and your future.
Start today by speaking with a skilled professional — the sooner you act, the stronger your traffic defense strategy will be.
41 years of experience in handling Vehicular Crimes, we provide expert legal representation that you can trust.
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The DWI Law Team of Steven S. Siegel, PLLC is your trusted partner with more than 41 years of experience helping drivers across Long Island. Over the decades, we have guided clients through everything from simple traffic violations to complex criminal traffic offenses, always with one mission — to protect their rights and keep their records as clean as possible. We know how overwhelming it feels to be stopped by police or to receive notice of a misdemeanor tied to a traffic offense. What may look like a small issue — such as a speeding ticket or reckless driving — can quickly turn into something that threatens your license, your insurance rates, and even your career. That’s why having an attorney who handles traffic violations every day makes such a difference. Our team doesn’t just fight tickets; we work to understand the details of your case, explain your legal options clearly, and prepare the strongest defense strategy possible. Whether you’re facing minor traffic violations or a serious traffic-related crime, we are here to stand by you at every step. With us, you don’t just get a traffic violation lawyer — you get dedicated advocates who truly care about your future.
How to Begin Your Defense With Our Experienced Long Island Traffic Crime Lawyers
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When you’re facing a vehicular charge in New York, experience matters. At the Law Office of Steven S. Siegel, PLLC, we bring 41 years of legal defense to every case. Our team doesn’t just see a “traffic violation” on paper — we see the real impact it can have on your license, record, and future. We are more than just traffic violation lawyers; we’re strategic defenders who know how to challenge every detail of a criminal traffic offense. Whether the accusation involves a misdemeanor traffic violation like reckless driving or a serious allegation such as vehicular manslaughter, we investigate thoroughly and fight for your best outcome. Clients choose us because we explain the law in plain English, provide honest guidance, and never leave you in the dark. Every traffic offense attorney on our team is committed to protecting your rights and building a defense that fits your situation. If you need trusted support against a traffic crime, don’t leave your future to chance. Choose the attorneys who know the system, care about their clients, and work tirelessly to defend you.
Steven S. Siegle is an experienced and dedicated attorney with a career spanning over 40 years. He earned his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1982, graduating in just 2½ years while working full-time at a law firm. Steven was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1984 and has since built a distinguished career, specializing in DWI/DWAI and vehicular defense. He has extensive experience in both criminal and civil law, having handled complex cases involving birth defects, brain injuries, and construction accidents. Steven has served as a Justice for the Village of East Rockaway and as an arbitrator and mediator for the Jansen Group. He is also a founding member of the Philippine Legal Defense and Education Fund and has contributed to various organizations, including The Gift of Life Organization. With his broad expertise, Steven provides clients with top-tier legal representation in all areas of DWI and criminal law.
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Explore topics that is helps you to understand Vehicular Crimes case and its complexities.
A vehicular crime refers to any serious offense committed while operating a motor vehicle. In New York, these cases often involve driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, or situations where a crash results in injury or death. Unlike a simple traffic ticket, a vehicular crime is treated as a criminal matter and can carry severe penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a long-term loss of driving privileges.
Common examples include driving while intoxicated (DWI), vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, or reckless operation of a vehicle. Law enforcement determines impairment through tools like a breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests, and in serious accidents, toxicology reports may be used as evidence. Because these cases involve both traffic law and criminal law, defending against them requires the skill of an experienced vehicular crime lawyer. A strong defense may challenge the accuracy of tests, the procedures officers used, or the circumstances of the arrest. With the right vehicular crime attorney, you can protect your rights, your record, and your future.
If you’re facing a vehicular crime charge, there are several defenses your lawyer might use to protect you. One common defense is to question the evidence, especially in cases involving DUI or impairment. Breathalyzer or blood test results can sometimes be wrong or mishandled, and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate either. These tests can be affected by things like medical conditions, tiredness, or uneven ground, which may make you appear impaired even if you’re not. Another defense is to show that you didn’t act recklessly or mean to cause harm. For example, if the accident happened because of a sudden medical emergency, bad weather, or dangerous road conditions, your lawyer can argue that you weren’t careless or responsible for the crash. Proving these facts can help reduce or even dismiss the charges against you.
Other defenses depend on the details of your case. If you’re charged with hit-and-run, your lawyer might argue that you didn’t realize an accident happened, which is a valid defense if there’s no proof you knew about the collision. Sometimes, mechanical problems like faulty brakes or steering can cause accidents, and your lawyer can use this to show it wasn’t your fault. In some situations, you might have acted in self-defense or to avoid a worse accident, like swerving to avoid another driver and accidentally causing a crash. Mistaken identity or having an alibi can also be strong defenses if you weren’t actually driving when the incident happened. Because every case is different, your lawyer will carefully review all the facts to find the best defense to protect your rights and future. Other defenses focus on the specific circumstances of your case. If you’re charged with hit-and-run, your lawyer might argue that you didn’t realize an accident occurred, which can be a valid defense if there’s no proof you knew about the collision. In some cases, mechanical failure-like faulty brakes-can be used to show the accident wasn’t your fault. Self-defense or acting to avoid greater harm may also apply, such as if you swerved to avoid another driver and caused an accident as a result. Sometimes, mistaken identity or having an alibi can clear you if you weren’t actually driving at the time. Every case is unique, so your lawyer will look at all the facts to find the strongest defense for your situation.
A vehicular crime can have a serious impact on your driver’s license. If you are found guilty of offenses like drunk driving, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident, your license can be suspended or even revoked for months or years, depending on how severe the crime is. For example, causing death or serious injury while driving dangerously can lead to a license revocation for several years, while repeat offenses or high levels of alcohol in your system can mean even longer bans56. Even less serious crimes, like running a red light or aggressive driving, can add penalty points to your license. If you collect too many points within a certain time, you can be automatically disqualified from driving for at least six months6. Sometimes, you may also have to retake your driving test before getting your license back.
Vehicular crimes also affect your car insurance in a big way. Insurance companies see people with serious driving offenses as high-risk drivers, so your insurance premiums can go up a lot after a conviction. In some cases, the insurance company might even refuse to renew your policy or cancel it altogether. If your license is suspended or revoked, you may find it hard to get any insurance at all, or you might only qualify for expensive, high-risk policies. Some offenses, like drunk driving or causing an accident while uninsured, can stay on your record for years, making it difficult and costly to get coverage. These long-term effects can make driving much more expensive and complicated, even after you have served your penalties
A traffic infraction is the least serious type of traffic offense. Infractions are minor violations like speeding a few miles over the limit, running a stop sign, or not wearing a seatbelt. These are not considered crimes, so you won’t get jail time for an infraction. Instead, you’ll usually get a ticket and have to pay a fine. Infractions might add points to your driving record, which can make your insurance go up, but they don’t go on your criminal record. You don’t have to go to court unless you want to fight the ticket. Infractions are handled quickly and are meant to correct bad driving habits rather than punish you harshly136.
A misdemeanor is more serious than an infraction and can lead to bigger consequences. Examples include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving without a valid license. If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, you could face fines, community service, probation, or even jail time-usually up to one year in a county jail. Misdemeanors go on your criminal record and can affect your job or future opportunities. Felonies are the most serious traffic offenses, like hit-and-run accidents causing injury or death, repeat DUIs, or vehicular manslaughter. Felonies can lead to prison time of more than a year, large fines, and loss of rights like voting. The more harm or risk your actions cause, the more likely you’ll face a felony charge
In New York, most traffic offenses stay on your driving record for 3 to 4 years.
Police use breathalyzer tests, blood or urine samples, field sobriety tests, and officer observations (like slurred speech or smell of alcohol) to determine if a driver was impaired during an accident.
In New York, most traffic offenses like speeding or running a red light are violations, not crimes. However, serious offenses such as DWI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident are treated as criminal charges.
A lawyer can challenge evidence accuracy, question the legality of the traffic stop, and argue justified actions or mechanical failure. They also negotiate plea deals or present defenses like mistaken identity to reduce or dismiss charges.
DWI Law Team of Steven S. Siegel, PLLC is committed to answering your questions about DWAI/DWI/DUI and Vehicular law issues.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is dedicated to providing clear answers and reliable support every step of the way.
