Syracuse Petty Crimes Lawyers Defending Clients Accused of Low-Level Offenses

If you have recently been charged with a petty crime, you may think that because it is not labeled as either a misdemeanor or a felony, it is not serious in nature. Nonetheless, contrary to popular belief, petty offenses can be serious and could spell out jail time for you if found guilty.

It is true that petty offenses are considered to be the least serious of all charges that can be brought against an individual in New York. Petty offenses include traffic offenses and violations. If you are convicted of a petty offense, it is not considered to be a criminal violation.

Some of the possible punishments include a maximum of up to 15 days in jail. Additionally, possible penalties include fines, community service, or restitution. The maximum fine is $25 for a conviction of a petty offense in New York.

The law firm of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC has a proven track record of handling cases that involve petty offenses or violations. Contact our law offices by calling (315) 500-6425 and ask to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified attorneys who can assist you with your case.

What is Considered to be a Petty Offense Violation in New York?

Petty offenses are considered to be charges that are not criminal in nature but still require the assistance of the court in order to be resolved. Petty offenses are generally violations that are minor in nature as compared with misdemeanors or felonies.

Some of the most common petty offenses include the following:

Violations: A violation is considered to be an offense separate from a traffic infraction. When violation cases are heard before a judge, there is no potential for a jury trial. The matter is strictly decided by the judge who hears the case. The maximum punishment that a judge can hand down for a violation is 15 days in jail and/or a fine of $250.

It is important to be aware of the fact that if you are charged with a violation, you are not being charged with a crime. There is always the option for law enforcement to arrest an individual for committing a violation, but typically individuals are issued a desk appearance ticket that states the time and place that they are required to appear in court.

Some examples of violations in New York include the following:

Disorderly conduct
Unlawfully posting advertisements
Offensive exhibition
Loitering
Failing to respond to an appearance ticket
Trespass

Are Most Traffic Offenses Considered to be Petty Offenses?

Traffic offenses are considered to be petty offenses and generally do not include any type of jail time. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as if you are caught and charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol or drugs or leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

The typical procedure in most petty offense cases is for the officer to take all of the necessary information from the individual who is thought to be in violation of the law and issue a desk appearance ticket.

Traffic infractions considered to be violations include the following:

Tailgating
Passing a red light or stop sign
Speeding
Failing to stop or yield to other motorists

Will a Traffic Offense Show Up On a Background Check?

Since speeding tickets are not considered to be a criminal offense, they are typically not disclosed on background checks. If you pay a speeding ticket, you are essentially pleading guilty to the offense. Even so, this is not considered to be a criminal conviction and, therefore, does not appear on a background check.

Usually, potential employers are most concerned with criminal offenses and not traffic offenses. However, if your prospective employment includes driving as part of your duties, an employer could also check for traffic violations.

If you are charged with one petty offense and no other violation in New York, your fingerprints and photo will not be taken by the law enforcement agency you are interacting with.

If you are convicted of a petty offense, in most cases, the conviction is sealed, Additionally, if the original charge that was brought against you was reduced to a petty offense, the information pertaining to the offense will be sealed, and any fingerprints or photos that were taken will be most likely be destroyed.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney to Help Me With My Petty Offense Charges?

Even though the offense you have been charged with may not seem serious, it is always best to consult with an attorney if you are required to appear in court. An attorney has the skills necessary to access all of your legal options and recommend how to best handle your case.

An experienced attorney could potentially have your charges dismissed or reduced. This could save you the possibility of having to spend time in jail, depending on the charges, or having to pay a fine.

The attorneys of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC are proud to serve the citizens of Syracuse, New York, and surrounding areas. We offer our clients a high degree of professionalism and are committed to treating each case with the same amount of attention no matter what the charges may be.

Contact our law firm by calling (315) 500-6425 and scheduling a free strategy session with one of our knowledgeable attorneys who can review your case, answer your questions, and work with you to determine the best course of action for your case.