Three Things You Must Do When Handling Your Own Upstate Ticket

Why Can't I Get them on the Phone?
from the motherco.com

I get phone calls daily from people who are frustrated with the legal system (really the Upstate Courts).
Many Courts are part-time, with part-time staff, part-time Judges, and minimal resources. This may mean that they have no email, no website, limited or no voicemail, and limited hours.

These frustrated souls tried to handle their own traffic tickets, and sometimes it was a bit harder than they realized. This blog post gives you the top three things you must do to assure and insure a better "pro se" (self representation) experience.

If you decide to handle your own traffic ticket in Upstate New York (or anything place else for that matter) YOU must do at a MINIMUM three basic things:

1. Make copies of everything you send to the Court.

I can't even tell you the number of people who call me with Court problems, and swear that they sent in pleas of guilt or innocence or a payment that was never received. They are now wondering why their driver's licenses' have been suspended. Sometimes they don't discover their suspension till many years later. Imagine getting arrested for AUO (aggravated unlicensed operation) because someone lost your paperwork or a check you sent in.

Everything truly means everything, this will include any letters, tickets, signed documents, checks, money orders, etc. Keep records of any correspondence with the Court in a separate file until you receive proof from the Court it was resolved.

2. Send everything into the Court R.R.R. (Return Receipt Requested).

You can choose to also send it certified or registered mail but be sure to send it RRR every time to insure it was received and signed for. Proof is not something to trifle with. If you can't prove it was received, then it wasn't.

3. Follow up, and follow through on all actions.

If you send in a NG (not guilty plea) or a guilty plea always CONFIRM all. Call them or fax them but make sure you get a name (of a clerk or a judge), and keep a log of what they said to you and/or about your case.

Lastly, Until you have paid a fine notice, or received back a letter stating it was all dismissed then the matter is still pending. Pending Court matters are like open wounds, they are not resolved until they are sealed. Pending Court matters if unresolved can result in a license suspension or a warrant being placed for your arrest, this will depend upon the nature (type) of charges.

Confirming closure always makes for a better night's sleep.

Lawrence (Larry) Newman, D.C., Esq.

Doctor of Chiropractic
Attorney and Counselor at Law

607-229-5184
newman.lawrence@gmail.com

http://www.ithacadwi.com