New York DMV 2025 Traffic Ticket Changes: Why Simply Pleading Guilty Is Riskier Than Ever

By James L. Riotto | Published December 1, 2025 | Posted in DWI, Trafffic Violations | Leave a comment

New York’s Updated DMV Rules: Why “Just Pleading Guilty” to a Traffic Ticket Could Cost You Far More Than You Think If you received a traffic ticket in New York recently, you may assume that pleading guilty (or handling it yourself) and paying the fine is “no big deal.” Under the new DMV system rolled Read More

New York DMV’s Modified Point System

By James L. Riotto | Published January 13, 2025 | Posted in DWI, Trafffic Violations | Tagged Tags: DMV, Driving Record, Insurance Premiums, License Revocation, Traffic Attorney | Leave a comment

In November 2024, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles implemented significant changes to its Driver Violation Point System, introducing stricter penalties for various traffic violations. Key Changes to the Point System: Extended Point Accumulation Period: The period during which points remain on a driver’s record has been extended from 18 to 24 months. Read More

Prescription drug DUI in New York

By James L. Riotto | Published July 12, 2018 | Posted in DWI | Leave a comment

Drivers in New York state know they can face arrest and prosecution if they drive when taking illegal drugs or with a high blood alcohol content. However, contrary to the belief of many, proving you took a legal, properly prescribed medication may not get you off the hook if the officer believes taking it impaired Read More

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James L. Riotto

Criminal Defense Lawyer

James L. Riotto is an accomplished criminal defense attorney serving clients in New York. With an extensive background in law enforcement and criminal prosecution, his approach to each case is unique and informed by years of experience with the New York criminal justice system. As a graduate from Albany Law School and before going on to start his own practice, James worked at the Albany County District Attorney's Office, where he helped prosecute many DWI offenses. His inside knowledge of the tactics used to gain convictions provides him with a particular advantage when defending against DUI and other criminal charges.

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Adam D. Staier

Of Counsel

About Attorney Adam Staier has spent the last seven years practicing criminal defense law throughout upstate New York and the Capital Region. He began his legal career through internships in civil law, indigent legal representation and federal energy law regulation. Finding a passion in criminal law, Mr. Staier held internships handling both prosecution and defense…

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William M. Swift

Associate Attorney

About William M. Swift is an associate attorney at the Law Office of James L. Riotto and brings 20 years of experience to our clients. His practice focuses on personal injury cases and criminal matters. He has successfully represented individuals in felony, misdemeanor cases. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge in DMV administrative proceedings involving suspensions…

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What to do if pulled over for a DUI

How to deal with a DWI traffic stop

How you handle getting pulled over for a DUI/DWI can significantly affect your defense down the road. For instance, declining the officer's request to search your vehicle and avoiding specific answers when asked about any substances you may have consumed could help you when combating DUI/DWI charges in court.
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Reviews and Ratings

5.0/5.0

I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto I have been working with them for a long time with all of my cases and they gotten most charges dismissed and even was able to shorten my suspension/revocation expiration time which allow me to get...

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Vinson
5.0/5.0

I had an excellent experience with this law office from start to finish. Everyone was professional, responsive, and made the entire process much less stressful. A special thank you to Isabelle Lafler, who was incredibly helpful throughout everything....

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Jared Wilkie
5.0/5.0

This law office is definitely the office to work with it. They are reasonable and communicate and and honest and fair. William Swift did a great job on my case and he is highly recommended

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Carlos Santiago
5.0/5.0

I would like to commend the team at James Riotto's office for their exceptional service. They were professional, accommodating and available to address my traffic matters. They made me feel comfortable and well supported throughout the process. ...

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Patrick Coogan
5.0/5.0

Michaela was hands down the best! Helped my son with a traffic ticket.. She kept us updated every step of the way. We truly appreciate everything and will absolutely use them again should the need arrise! Thank you!

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Shaunna Diehl