Manhattan, New York
Manhattan is one of five New York City boroughs (boros). It is also known as New York County and is one of New York State’s 62 counties. New York County is the smallest county by size but is 3rd largest in population., the estimated population was 1,630,000. Manhattan is one of the most famous places in the world, home to many iconic locations such as Times Square, the Stock Exchange, and the World Trade Center.
Manhattan is an island. To the west, across the Hudson River, is New Jersey. To the east is Queens and Brooklyn. To the north is the Bronx and to the south is the Upper New York Bay. Manhattan is connected to these locations by 15 tunnels and 21 bridges.
Traffic Tickets in Manhattan, New York
After Washington DC, the most policed area in the United States is Manhattan. There are numerous officers assigned to traffic patrol. Along the eastern side of Manhattan runs the FDR Drive. It is three lanes in each direction, but the lanes are narrow and curvy. On the west side of Manhattan runs the NYS-9A. It starts in the southern point of Manhattan as the West Side Highway. Going north, it is 3-4 lanes in each direction but there are traffic lights. The last traffic light is on 57th street and then it becomes the Hudson River Parkway. It exits Manhattan in the north and eventually becomes the Saw Mill River Parkway. Most traffic stops on these roads are conducted by The Highway Police of the NYPD. The speed limit in New York City does not exceed 50 mph at any point.
A lot of traffic stops occur on local Manhattan streets. Each precinct assigns officers specifically for traffic patrol and they issue numerous traffic citations. Driving in Manhattan is very difficult. The simple act of turning can turn into an adventure. Many streets have no-turn signs. When they are allowed, turns can only be made from certain lanes and into certain lanes. Furthermore, you must yield to any pedestrian at the crosswalk, of which there are many. A high number of traffic stops occur at intersections. Common charges include Improper Turn, Disobeyed a Traffic Control Device, and Failed to Yield to Pedestrians. Manhattan police officers also issue a lot of cell phone citations.
Manhattan Traffic Violations Bureau
All Manhattan traffic tickets are adjudicated at the TVB (Traffic Violations Bureau). The TVB runs hearing centers at which administrative hearings are conducted. There are two locations, “Manhattan North” and “Manhattan South.” The location of your violation generally determines the location of the hearing center. All contested traffic tickets are resolved in one of these hearing centers. The TVB is different from other courts in New York State (and most of the rest of the US). No plea bargaining is permitted or possible.
There are no pre-trial discovery rights and limited procedural rights. There is an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that hears testimony from the police officer and the motorist. The hearing is done very quickly and the ALJ then issues a verdict. For motorists representing themselves the hearing can be perplexing and overwhelming. Most hearings result in a guilty verdict.
However, ticketed motorists have options. You can retain an attorney to go with you or instead of you to court. The attorney can review the officer’s notes and conduct a proper cross-examination. Your attorney can make the correct legal arguments to the judge. Having an attorney increases the odds of the ticket getting dismissed and increases the odds of a Not Guilty finding.
The Benjamin Goldman Law Office
The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York law firm. Our main practice area is Vehicle & Traffic Law. We can take any traffic related charges in Manhattan. The attorney assigned to fight your traffic ticket will have comprehensive experience in traffic law. The attorney will have conducted hundreds of such hearings before your hearing. They will be in the best position to beat your charges.
If you would like a free consultation for your case, you can reach out to the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. We can review the ticket, advise you of its consequences, and let you know the odds of beating the charges. Our legal services can be obtained for a one-time flat fee. This fee covers all appearances we need to make for your case. Feel free to get in touch with us at your convenience.