Pros and cons of traffic diversion programs

In certain parts of New York, county district attorneys have set up traffic diversion programs that open the door to getting a ticket dismissed. Not everyone is eligible, but those who are and complete the requirements (usually by taking a defensive driving class and paying an application fee) can in fact get that dismissal.

This can be a good deal, but that’s not guaranteed. For one thing, it’s important to weigh the application fee against the likely fine if you go through the normal process. For another, if the requirements and paperwork aren’t completed by the deadline, you aren’t going to get that application fee back: it’s gone, and you still will be facing a likely fine (and possibly also points) when your case goes before a judge.

If you are eligible for a traffic diversion program and you’re confident that you can complete it, then it can make sense to avoid getting any charge on your driving record even if it costs more in dollars. On the other hand, if you will need someone to nudge you along and take care of the paperwork to make sure you complete the program instead of wasting that money, you should call Selby Legal to talk about your prospects. While you do not need a law degree to complete one of these programs, you may wish you had an attorney if for some reason you don’t get everything done in time on your own.

That’s why there’s always a free consultation available for traffic cases.