Can Speeding Violate a New York Conditional Discharge?

The most common New York sentence is the conditional discharge. It is most commonly given for one year, and has a specific set of terms and conditions. A CD in NYS is like no other, so don't try to compare CDs from anyplace else. It happens after you are convicted. Think of it like probation without a probation officer to check up on you. You monitor and supervise yourself to complete and perhaps provide proof of completion of obligations.



For a DWI CD, it may mean you need to complete the Impaired Driving Program, have an IID (ignition interlock device) on your car, and stay out of trouble for the year.



If people get into trouble in that one year they can be brought back to court and re-sentenced on their charge. The new sentence can include jail and/or real probation (with a probation officer).

But what does it mean to stay out of trouble with a NY CD?

NO new arrests (legal arrests)

NO new criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony)

NO new charges relating to higher level violations (harassment, disorderly conduct)

NO new charges relating to drugs and/or alcohol (Unlawful possession marijuana, public intoxication)



By itself a moving violation or speeding ticket will NOT usually violate a CD in NY. But if you receive along with that moving violations other charges, these may violate.



Reckless driving is a misdemeanor (crime) in NYS

AUO (aggravated unlicensed operation) is a misdemeanor or felony level offense as well



These will violate a CD. Discuss your situation with a local lawyer to weigh your options with any conditional discharge violation.

Ithaca DWI Lawyer: Why You Can't Use Affidavits as Testimony?

Notarized Affidavits Can't Be Used in Court

Someone recently contacted me about a traffic violation. He thought it might be  good idea to have his relatives send in notarized affidavits to the judge. They were in his car as witnesses to his driving.

They wanted to avoid having to come to court, he also wanted to avoid having to come to court, and he also wanted to have a trial on his tickets. What people want might not always reconcile with what the law demands.

People need to know their rights. That is not just a blanket statement but is the truth. Because if you know your rights then you will have a better understanding of legal process. With that understanding can come a deeper knowing about making decisions.

Many people often just do what a lawyer says is best. Because they just don't know how things work people don't make informed legal decisions.

Can you use a affidavit as testimony at a New York trial?

Can you use an affidavit (notarized) statement at a New York traffic ticket trial?