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PO BOX 750, Southampton, New York 11969

Traffic Violations Attorneys Serving Suffolk County, New York

Improper Cell Phone Use/Texting

We assist drivers charged with cell phone and electronic device violations by appearing in court for them (without the personal appearance of the driver) to answer the charge and to conference the matter with the prosecutor for the purpose of obtaining a reduction to a less serious offense. A ticket for cell phone use while driving (VTL 1225-c) is a traffic infraction which now carries 5 points. A ticket for texting or other use of an electronic device while driving (VTL 1225-d) is also a traffic infraction that carries 5 points. The minimum fine for a first offense on these tickets is $150.00. Convictions on these tickets will result in higher insurance premiums and, if the driver did not have a clean license, will subject a driver to the NYSDMV’s Drivers Responsibility Assessment of $300.00 (paid in $100.00 installments over three years) and the possible loss of driving privileges. Effective July 1, 2013, a junior or probationary driver convicted of using a cell phone or texting while driving will receive the same penalty that they now receive for speeding, reckless driving and following too closely: license suspension for 60 days. For a second conviction which occurs within 6 months of the restoration of driving privileges, the penalty is 60 days revocation for the junior license holder and 6 months revocation for the probationary driver.

We appear on VTL 1225-c and VTL 1225-d violations in the Justice Courts of the Town of Southampton, Village of Southampton, Village of Sag Harbor, Town of East Hampton, Town of Riverhead, Town of Southold, Town of Shelter Island, Village of Quogue, Village of Westhampton Beach, Village of West Hampton Dunes as well as the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency.

Our process

Paul G. Tuths takes a personal, hands-on approach to the defense of your cell phone or electronic device traffic violation case. We interview you over the telephone and through emails to obtain as much information as possible regarding your cell phone or electronic device violation ticket . We provide you with detailed information on how to respond to the ticket and enter a plea of NOT GUILTY. After the ticket is returned to the court with a plea of not guilty, the court sets a conference date at which time we appear and discuss a proposed reduction or dismissal with the prosecutor. On cell phone and electronic device violations, we are able to proceed in court without your personal appearance based upon your written authorization and obtain a final disposition to your traffic ticket. We will prepare the authorization letter for you to sign. From start to finish, Paul Tuths will be the attorney personally handling your cell phone or electronic device violation case. We DO NOT farm out cases to other attorneys to make our court appearances on traffic tickets. We use our many years of experience to get the best possible result for you. At the conclusion of the court case, Paul Tuths will contact you to advise you of the final disposition, the fine imposed by the court (unless the ticket has been dismissed) and the date by which payment of the fine is due.

Fees

We charge on a flat rate basis for our legal services on traffic law matters. The amount of the charge depends on the number and nature of the traffic violations which the driver has received. Our flat rate charge covers all services including review of the traffic charges and driving record, consultations and correspondence with the driver, court appearances and final wrap-up with the driver. There is no charge for an initial consultation on traffic violations. Our fee does not include any fines and surcharges which may be imposed by a court. All fines and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the driver. Payment of fines must be received at the court by the due date. If payment is not received by the due date, driving privileges will be subject to suspension by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

Contact qualified traffic violations lawyers today

Paul G. Tuths has more than 20 years experience representing clients in courts on traffic violations, speeding tickets and other driving related charges. Contact our Southampton office online or at 631-287-0018 to speak to Paul G. Tuths about your traffic ticket. We stand prepared to do all we can to minimize the negative consequences of a traffic violation.