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License Suspension

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.

James L. Riotto Attorney Photo
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.

Adam D. Staier Attorney Photo
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…

William M. Swift Attorney Photo
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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Reviews and Ratings
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    "I had an exceptional experience with the Law office of James L. Riotto in a traffic case. His professionalism and experience were evident from the beginning. He guided me through the legal process with clarity and tranquility, and in court, his abil...

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    Me da lo Mismo

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    5.0/5.0

    With anything in life you get what you pay for, And when your family and life hang in the balance due to a miscarriage of the justice system these are the people you want by your side. Everyone in the office is understanding and makes sure you are pa...

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    Michael Waterhouse

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    5.0/5.0

    I would highly recommend Mr Riotto and his law firm. Their experience, diligence and persistence led to my case being dismissed from town court. I wouldn't hesitate to use the practice again, but sure hope I never have the need :)

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    Sandra Newland

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    5.0/5.0

    James Riotto help me with a traffic issue i had since november of 2023 the court kept pushing the dates back and making me extremely nervous about it but the partners of the law office helped me and i felt comfortable and i left it in their hand than...

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    Pete Pereyra

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    My interactions with the office was professional, the communication was facile and there was a satisfactory outcome. I am glad I used them.

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    Abhay Singh

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