Rochester & Albany Driver’s License Defense Lawyer

Licensing defense traffic attorney working to protect driving privileges for his clients

The loss of driving privileges affects virtually every aspect of life, including commuting to work and handling daily errands. Even when drivers qualify for restoration of their licenses, they must meet specific requirements and pay high prices for auto insurance. The Law Office of James L. Riotto offers clients a unique combination of law enforcement, prosecution and defense experience. We work hard to get penalties reduced or dropped whenever possible to help our clients retain their driving privileges. And we guide clients through the complex restoration process to help ensure they can get back on the road as soon as possible.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a comprehensive online guide describing suspension and revocation of driving privileges. Every NY driver should carefully review this guide to understand the potential consequences of disobeying state driving laws — and to recognize the importance of retaining a criminal defense attorney in Rochester with experience representing individuals charged with traffic violations in Monroe and surrounding counties.

The difference between suspension and revocation

License suspension represents the loss of driving privileges for a defined period of time, which may last indefinitely for drivers who do not satisfy court judgments after an accident or who fail to pay child support. Revocation involves the complete loss of a license. In either case, drivers have to pay fees to get their privileges restored. In the case of revocation, they must re-apply to the DMV, which can refuse applications of drivers for a number of reasons, including poor driving records.

In certain cases, drivers with revoked or suspended licenses can obtain conditional or restricted licenses that allow them to travel to and from work or meet other limited needs. As an experienced criminal traffic defense lawyer, James L. Riotto has a clear understanding of the rules pertaining to license suspension and revocation, and he knows precisely how to interact effectively with the DMV to restore full or limited driving privileges.

A variety of offenses can result in loss of driving privileges

Representation by an experienced attorney can make the difference between little or no consequences for an offense and loss of a license for an extended period. Without skilled legal support, the following offenses can result in immediate suspension or revocation:

• Speeding: Just one conviction for speeding 40 MPH over the speed limit adds the 11 points required to lose a license. As a former state trooper, lawyer James Riotto knows defenses that can get these charges reduced.
• Impaired driving: New York law imposes harsh consequences on drivers who operate motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which are serious misdemeanor or felony charges. Rochester DWI attorney James Riotto uses his experience to help eliminate or reduce penalties that may include loss of driving privileges, fines and potential imprisonment.
• Driving without insurance: In addition to the assessment of a $750 civil penalty, uninsured or underinsured motorists face immediate license revocation for one year or more.
• Homicide, assault or criminal negligence resulting in death while operating a motor vehicle: Convicted drivers face a six-month revocation. And a DMV hearing for those involved in fatal crashes can result in license suspension or revocation even if they faced no charges at the time of the accident.

Contact an experienced driver’s license lawyer in Rochester & Albany

Individuals facing charges of traffic violations stand to benefit from representation by an experienced Rochester traffic lawyer. The Law Office of James L. Riotto provides the detailed and personalized support needed to achieve the best possible results following any type of traffic violation charge. The firm keeps you informed throughout the legal process and promptly answers your questions. Call us at 866-772-2122 or contact us online.