Category Archives: DWI-Traffic

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Do I really need a lawyer for a speeding ticket?

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This is a question frequently asked.  Isn’t just easier and more cost effectivelawyer-for-speeding-ticket to mail the speeding ticket in, pay the fine and go on with my life?  I was just speeding after all.  I’m not exactly a criminal!  At first glance that may be so, but the reality is that one may find that having a lawyer to handle their traffic tickets may actually save them more money and time than the fees cost them.

Your time has a certain value to it. Often when hiring an attorney, a client may not even have to appear personally in court.  Your lawyer can appear for you, negotiate for reductions or dismissals, and speak with the DA on your behalf.   If you do need to appear in court, those with an attorney have their cases called first, saving you from a long wait in the courtroom.  If you have ever spent several hours in traffic court, you surely will appreciate that!

Often times, with the reduction of the charges comes reduced fines.  In addition in New York State, the number of points against your drivers’ license may cause increased auto insurance premiums.  The money you spend for a lawyer to defend you regarding your traffic matter is well worth the investment when you consider time, fines and cheaper insurance rates.

Call us at 315 474-5533 or contact us online.  Reasonable rates. Serving Onondaga, Oswego and Madison Counties.

See also:

DWI-Traffic Offenses

Should I Take A Breathalyzer Test?

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Should I Take A Breathalyzer Test?

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should-i-take-a-breathalyzerDo I have to take a breathalyzer test if the police ask me to? Most folks know that they have a right to refuse this test, and that is true. Many people are under the impression that refusing a breathalyzer test if they have been pulled over is a good move. In many cases this is NOT a good move.  This is why you need to get good and experienced advice.

Lets clarify something first.  There are two breath tests you will likely be subjected to if suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol.  The first test is the roadside test.  The second is the test done at the police station after being arrested.

The first roadside test should only be administered by the police if there are other indicators of DWI – such as a valid traffic stop, followed by possible odor, and standard field sobriety tests.  THIS ROADSIDE TEST IS NOT ADMISSIBLE AT TRIAL.  Should you take it?  Most likely the answer is yes. Regardless of the result, it will most likely not affect your case.

If you are arrested and brought down to the station for booking, you should be asked to blow into a calibrated machine.  This test is admissible and will be used to produce the actual amount of alcohol in your blood.  Should you take this test?  It depends.  How much have you drank (if anything)?  When did you take your last drink?  Have you been convicted or plead to any previous DUI or DWI charges?  These are some of the factors that come into play when making a decision.

You should know that refusing to take a breathalyzer test may result in an administrative suspension of your license by the NYS DMV for one year. This administrative suspension will prevent you from obtaining a hardship license while your case is pending in court and may result in an additional suspension of your license by the DMV beyond any suspension imposed by the court. You must think very carefully before refusing a breathalyzer test.

If you have refused a breathalyzer test, or been charged with DWI, don’t wait to get good advice. Contact William Balduf, Esq. and let his 30 years of experience work for you.  Serving Syracuse and Oswego, New York.

See also:

DWI-Traffic Charges

What will hiring a lawyer cost me?