You’re driving through New York, and you get a speeding ticket or get pulled over for drunk driving. It may seem like you only have to deal with the consequences in New York. You may have fines, jail time and other consequences, but you don’t expect those to impact your life back home. However, this is not the case.
Over the years, the majority of U.S. states entered into the national Driver License Compact, including New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts. This agreement allows for the sharing of traffic offenses between states. So, if you receive a moving violation, DWI or DWAI in New York, this information will be shared with your state. This will add points to your license, and it could result in a license suspension.
What traffic offenses are shared between states?
Moving violations are shared between states. This includes tickets for speeding, failing to move over for an emergency vehicle, reckless driving and similar offenses. Additionally, major traffic offenses such as DWI and DWAI will be shared with your home state.
Parking tickets and other non-moving violations will not be shared with your home state.
What can you do about a ticket from home?
When you live out of state, it may seem difficult to tackle a traffic ticket from afar. However, you can still appeal the ticket, and if you work with an attorney, your lawyer can appear on your behalf in court. That way, you may not need to return to New York for a traffic ticket case.
With criminal charges, such as DWI and DWAI, you may still need to appear. However, a local attorney can help you minimize the impact of the case and help you fight to charges from another state. With DWI charges, you have two choices: go to trial or negotiate a plea bargain. Your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of these options and protect your legal rights.
