• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC

Call Now to Get Started!

315-500-6425
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Team
    • Nicholas Passalacqua
    • Jennifer L. Springer
    • Bruce Entelisano
  • Our Services
    • Utica Attorney Services
      • Criminal Defense
        • Drug Crimes
        • Larceny
        • Felony Defense
        • Petty Crimes
        • Misdemeanors
        • Gun Crimes
        • Restraining Orders
        • Domestic Violence
        • Sex Offenses
        • Murder
      • DWI
      • Personal Injury
        • Car Accident
        • Slip and Fall
        • Construction Accident
        • Dog Bite
        • Truck Accident
        • Wrongful Death
        • Nursing Home Negligence
        • Defective Products
      • SSD
      • SSDI
    • Syracuse Attorney Services
      • Criminal Defense
        • Drug Crimes
        • Larceny
        • Felony Defense
        • Petty Crimes
        • Misdemeanors
        • Gun Crimes
        • Restraining Orders
        • Domestic Violence
        • Sex Offenses
        • Murder
      • DWI
      • Personal Injury
        • Car Accident
        • Slip and Fall
        • Construction Accident
        • Dog Bite
        • Truck Accident
        • Wrongful Death
        • Nursing Home Negligence
        • Defective Products
      • SSD
      • SSDI
  • Reviews
    • Videos
  • Latest Articles
  • Contact Us
CALL US NOW
EMAIL US NOW
Our Team Is
ON YOUR SIDE
With Experience and Dedication
We Will Fight For You

Nick has been a great resource helping to evaluate cases in New York. I know and have witnesse (...)

Brian Davis
Personal Injury Attorney
 

I called this law firm for a consult, after considering other legal Representation. And was so (...)

Dawn P
Satisfied Client
 

Nick and Chris are a formidable force for any of your legal challenges. They are passionate ab (...)

Sheila F
Satisfied Client
 

Nick has been a great resource helping to evaluate cases in New York. I know and have witnessed Nick to be an(...)

Brian Davis
Personal Injury Attorney

I called this law firm for a consult, after considering other legal Representation. And was sold! They called(...)

Dawn P
Satisfied Client

SKILL

SKILLED ATTORNEYS WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

AGGRESSIVE

AGGRESSIVE
CRIMINAL
DEFENSE

RESULTS

OUTSTANDING COURTROOM PERFORMANCE

COMPASSION

COMPASSIONATE PERSONAL INJURY SERVICES

Petty Crimes Lawyers in Utica, NY Representing Clients Charged With Lesser Offenses

If you have been charged with a petty crime, you may be uncertain as to what exactly that may mean for you. Petty offenses are the least serious of any type of charge that you can face in New York.

Petty offenses include traffic offenses and violations. If you are found guilty of a petty offense, it is not considered to be a criminal conviction. Penalties can include restitution, fines, community service, and up to 45 days in a local jail.

If charged solely with a petty offense, photographs and fingerprints are not taken by the law enforcement agency that is interacting with you. Due to the less serious nature of the charges, if you are accused of a petty offense, you are not entitled to a jury trial.

If you have been charged with a petty offense, you need to consult with a qualified lawyer who can explain your legal rights and options and answer any further questions that you may have. Contact our law firm by calling (315) 500-6425to schedule a free strategy session with a member of our legal team.

What are Considered to be Petty Offense Crimes in New York?

Petty offenses in New York include the following types of infractions:

Traffic Infractions: A large number of violations of vehicle and traffic laws are considered to be petty offenses in New York. These can include speeding, an incomplete stop at a stop sign, or running a red light.

Penalties and/or fines are dependent on the type of infraction that was committed and are designated in statutes that pertain to that particular offense. Generally, in the legal system, a traffic infraction is not considered to be a violation or a misdemeanor. However, a conviction could have the potential for a jail sentence, even up to 45 days for repeat offenders.

Violations: Violations are also classified as petty offenses under New York state law. Violations can include traffic offenses in which a potential conviction could include a sentence of up to 15 days in jail and/or a $250 fine. In a case of a violation, the case is heard before a judge, which is also known as a bench trial.

Some examples of petty offenses include:

  • Traffic and moving violations
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Disturbing the peace
  • Harassment without sexual intent

What is the Difference Between a Desk Appearance Ticket and a Traffic Ticket?

A desk appearance ticket is given to an individual who has been accused of an action that falls into the category of a petty offense. The ticket informs the recipient of when and where they should appear for the court proceeding. A desk appearance ticket is frequently utilized for traffic infractions and other non-criminal actions.

A traffic ticket is also a form of an appearance ticket that is given when violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, Conservation Law, Transportation Law, or other less serious offenses occur. Traffic tickets may be issued to individuals who violate statutes that relate to the laws previously mentioned.

In most cases, violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law are considered to be petty offenses. It should also be known that a law enforcement officer is only permitted to file charges on petty offenses if the infractions were committed in their presence. The two exceptions are leaving the scene of a property damage accident and driving while ability impaired by alcohol.

Traffic tickets are not considered to be criminal offenses as they primarily involve the recipient paying a fine. They do not appear on a criminal record. If you do elect to go to court to fight a traffic ticket, you will appear in front of the judge, who makes a decision in regard to the ticket. In this type of court proceeding, you are not eligible for a jury trial.

What Happens After You Have Been Charged With a Petty Offense?

 Normally, the officer will take down all of the pertinent information from the individual who has committed the offense and either issue a desk appearance ticket or traffic ticket. At this point, the accused is not considered to be in custody and is permitted to leave. Therefore, they will have to appear in court at a later date.

It is imperative that you appear in court on the date specified on your ticket. Failing to appear in court can cause you to be charged with a separate crime, and you could end up spending time in jail when law enforcement catches up to you.

Why Should I Hire a Petty Offense Lawyer to Help Me With My Charges?

Even though petty offenses are not considered to be criminal in nature, you still must go through the court process in order to have them resolved. A good rule of thumb is to be sure to consult an attorney in all matters that relate to infractions of the law.

The attorneys at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC are highly experienced and can help you to understand the various laws and statutes that may surround your particular case. This is particularly important if you have repeated violations for the same infraction, as your case may end up being charged as a misdemeanor which carries with it more potential time in jail and/or steeper fines and other possible penalties.

Contact our law firm by calling (315) 500-6425 and schedule an appointment with one of our Utica criminal defense lawyers. They will be happy to meet with you for a free strategy session and answer your questions, as well as address any concerns that you may have.

Primary Sidebar

    FREE IN-DEPTHNO OBLIGATION CASE EVALUATION

    Latest News

    Can You Be Arrested for DWI if You’re “Sleeping It Off” in a Parked Car in the Utica/Syracuse Area?

    January 5, 2023
    By: SMB Team

    … READ MORE about Can You Be Arrested for DWI if You’re “Sleeping It Off” in a Parked Car in the Utica/Syracuse Area?

    What Are the Penalties For DWI in Syracuse?

    December 15, 2022
    By: SMB Team

    … READ MORE about What Are the Penalties For DWI in Syracuse?

    What is the Red Flag Law in New York?

    November 1, 2022
    By: Passalacqua & Associates

    … READ MORE about What is the Red Flag Law in New York?

    What if I Am Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident at Someone’s Home?

    October 27, 2022
    By: Passalacqua & Associates

    … READ MORE about What if I Am Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident at Someone’s Home?

    Testimonials

    Brian Davis
    Personal Injury Attorney

    Nick has been a great resource helping to evaluate cases in New York. I know and have witnessed Nick to be an excellent advocate for his clients. He is ethical, hardworking, and thorough.

     
    Dawn P
    Satisfied Client

    I called this law firm for a consult, after considering other legal Representation. And was sold! They called me back on a Sunday night and discussed my case, very professional, no beat around the bush kind of guys. Well worth the money and rep (...)

     
    Sheila F
    Satisfied Client

    Nick and Chris are a formidable force for any of your legal challenges. They are passionate about the law and passionate toward their clients. They understand circumstances, fight for your case and are extremely gifted. Also a huge shout out to (...)

     
    Read More

    Footer

    Passalacqua & Associates
    • 315-500-6425
    • officeadmin@cnytriallaw.com
    • 7 Hopper St, Utica, NY 13501

    Connect With Us!

    © 2023 Passalacqua & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved | Terms of Service | Sitemap
    Legal Advertisement. Prior Results Do Not Predict Future Outcomes.