Why isn’t the fine listed on my ticket?
Because the judge will assess the penalty. Once a plea of guilty has been entered, the judge determines the sentence, and in most cases, assesses the fine on each ticket filed in The Court. Once assessed, a Notice of Fine will be mailed to you with the amount due and the instruction for payment.
Bench Trial on a Traffic Ticket
On the date of the Bench Trial (Non-Jury), you must be prepared to proceed and present any and all evidence and/or witnesses on your behalf.
If you are found Not Guilty by the Court, an acquittal will be entered on the record. At that time, bail posted, if any, will be returned to the posting individual.
If you are found to be Convicted by the Court, a Fine and Mandatory Surcharge will be assessed.
NOTE: You Have the Right to Appeal a Traffic Infraction Conviction (30 day limit)
I missed my court appearance what do I do?
You should contact The Court immediately. Depending on the matter at hand, non-appearances could normally result in one or more of the following: Arrest Warrant, Bench Warrant, bail forfeiture and/or the suspension of your driver’s license/privileges.
What is a supporting deposition?
A supporting deposition is a detailed account from the officer regarding the issued ticket. If you were handed an electronically issued ticket, the officer may have handed you the supporting deposition along with the ticket. Some officers hand the ticket and supporting deposition to the driver as one long piece of paper, some separate them.
I’d like to speak with someone regarding a reduction or plea bargain.
If you are charged with a traffic violation and before any plea bargains are accepted, you must first enter a plea of not guilty by appearing for arraignment before the judge or by completing Part B on the traffic ticket(s) you were issued. You may mail or drop the signed ticket(s) to The Court office. Once a plea of not guilty has been entered with The Court, you would receive further information with regard to plea bargaining.
Do I need an attorney?
Although you are not required to have an attorney you have a right to have representation at every step of the proceedings. It is not recommended that you proceed to trial without the aid of counsel but you certainly have the right to do so.
Can I get a Public Defender?
You will have to financially qualify for representation and can only qualify if you are charged with a misdemeanor or above. Vehicle & Traffic violations do not qualify for representation. Milford Town Court has a Financial Affidavit form you can fill out to see if you qualify for a Otsego County Public Defender.
How do I contact the District Attorney’s Office?
The only way you can talk to an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) from the DA’s Office is to qualify for a Public Defender, or hire an attorney on your own. They will represent you, and they will talk to the ADA./District Attorney’s Office.
Who do I contact about points on my license?
Contact NYS DMV at your local office or go to http://www.dmv.ny.gov
If you are an out of state driver, contact your home licensing state.
What is the Driver Responsibility Assessment fee?
That notice came from NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and is separate from any fines or surcharges paid to The Court. The fee is called Driver’s Responsibility Act (DRA).
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/pay-driver-responsibility-assessment
Who do I talk to about the status of my license?
To find out any information regarding your license status or the effect of a conviction, contact or visit your local licensing state Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Dept. of Environmental Conservation Issues
dec.ny.gov has a 24 hour dispatch: 1.877.457.5680
and 1.800. TIPP.DEC to report a crime
https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/regulations.html
Dangerous Dog Issues
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ny-dangerous-dog-chapter-69-consolidated-laws
http://www.zifflaw.com/NYInjuryLawBlog/dangerous-dog-law-basics-in-new-york-state
https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AI/AILaws/article7.pdf