New 2024 DMV Rules and Regulation Changes
Effective November 6, 2024, significant changes were made to DMV rules that affect points, suspensions, and look back periods for numerous traffic violations. In particular, the changes affect repeat offenders and offenses involving alcohol, drugs, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. I will briefly summarize the key changes, and the reason why now Read on…
The Impact of Traffic Violations on Auto Insurance Rates: How to Keep Your Premiums Affordable
If a motorist is convicted for traffic violations in New York State, this conviction can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rate. As a general rule, the more serious the violation, the greater the effect will be on your insurance premium. The DMV has a point system which sets forth and assigns points Read on…
Understanding the Point System: How Traffic Violations Affect Your Driving Record in New York
The DMV assigns points to various traffic violations. In sum, the more serious the traffic violation the more points that are assigned. For example, speeding violations have a graduated system of points based on how many MPH over the speed limit the motorist is convicted of. For example, if you are driving and convicted of Read on…
The Real Cost of A Speeding Ticket
The real cost of a conviction for a speeding ticket can be quite significant. We can start with the point system. The higher the speed that a motorist is convicted of, the greater the points. It starts with a three-point conviction if you speed up to 10 miles an hour over the speed limit and Read on…
Dealing With Hit-And-Run Accidents: What You Need To Know
Hit and run accidents in New York are very serious matters. Depending on whether there are injuries or only property damage will determine just how serious of a violation it will be. Pursuant to VTL 600-2, leaving the scene of accident with injuries is a traffic misdemeanor (crime) and has very serious consequences on your Read on…
Estate Planning Tips For Young Families 2023
There is a common misconception that estate planning is to be utilized only by older individuals. This is not the case. In fact, the earlier one creates their estate plan in their lives, the better things will be in the event of any unforeseen life events. Within the context of a will for a young Read on…
Five New York Traffic Laws Drivers Commonly Ignore
There are certain laws under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) that drivers (intentionally or unintentionally) tend to ignore. The first such law is VTL 1225(c) (operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone) and its companion VTL 1225(d) (operating a motor vehicle- using a portable electronic device). Even with all the Read on…
What Happens If I Do Not Pay My Traffic Ticket?
There are various consequences that can occur if a motorist does not pay their traffic fines within the timeframe proscribed by the Court or traffic agency. Before June of 2021, in New York State if a motorist did not pay their traffic fine on time, the Court had the discretion to issue a suspension notice, Read on…
The Consequences of A Reckless Driving Charge
Under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), a charge of Reckless Driving pursuant to a VTL 1212 is an unclassified traffic misdemeanor. In short, this is a criminal charge, not a mere traffic violation. The consequences of such a conviction can be extensive, for one’s driving record, insurance rates, employment prospects, and if Read on…
Probate Vs Non-Probate Assets: Understanding The Difference
Quite often, clients may not be aware that only certain assets have to go through probate. The probate proceeding is to admit a Last Will and Testament in New York as valid and conferring upon the Executor the rights and duties pertaining thereto. Let’s first discuss non-probate assets, or what can be commonly referred to Read on…