The Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek serves clients facing traffic violations and other legal matters in Rockland County and the Greater Hudson Valley. Two of the courts the office serves are Clarkstown Justice Court and Orangetown Justice Court. Navigating the court system can be challenging, and Kristine helps clients navigate unfamiliar procedures and make informed decisions about their next steps.
Courts We Serve in Rockland County
Kristine A. Ciganek’s office is in New City, and it serves the needs of clients from Rockland County and the greater New York area in all county, city, town, and village courts. Clarkstown Justice Court is at 10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956. Orangetown Justice Court is at 26 W. Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962. The courts we serve page lists the contact information and official court website for each court, so you can locate the appropriate courthouse for your case.
What to Expect at Clarkstown Justice Court
From understanding a citation to preparing for a court appearance at Clarkstown Justice Court, Kristine helps clients navigate unfamiliar procedures and make informed decisions about their next steps. She takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances, explain available legal options, and help them navigate the legal process with greater confidence.
Her approach emphasizes clear communication, careful attention to detail, and practical legal guidance tailored to your situation. Whether you are dealing with a commercial driver DUI, a red light violation, or a traffic ticket, Kristine is committed to protecting your rights and helping you understand the potential consequences of your case. At the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek, you can expect attentive service, straightforward answers, and support throughout your legal matter.
What to Expect From the Orangetown Court Process
Orangetown Justice Court is also on the list of courts the office serves. The Orangetown court process is one more of the unfamiliar procedures Kristine helps clients navigate. The office’s objective is to give clients an experience that is stress-free from start to finish. Although promises or guarantees of a specific outcome can never be made, the goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for each client.
What a Ticket Can Cost You
The combination of fines, surcharges, and insurance increases that result from a speeding ticket can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
A cellphone ticket carries 6 points per violation, assessed upon conviction. Here is how that compares with other common violations:
- Speeding 1–10 mph over: 3 points
- Speeding 11–20 mph over: 4 points
- Speeding 21–30 mph over: 6 points
- Cell phone / texting violation: 6 points
- Reckless driving: 5 points
A person who collects 6 or more points within an 18-month period will be assessed a driver responsibility assessment. The assessment is $300, paid over three years at $100 per year. A guilty plea to one speeding ticket may result in this assessment if the points assessed are 6 or more.
The fine for a first offense is $50 to $150. For a second offense within 18 months, the fine is $50 to $200, and for a third or subsequent offense within 18 months, it is $50 to $400. On top of the fine, there is a surcharge of $88 in City Court or $93 in Town or Village Courts.
Your insurance rates may increase after your first offense if you plead guilty to a cellphone ticket. Insurance companies look at the date of conviction and can raise rates, by roughly 20 percent, for three to five years.
Fines are subject to the traffic judge’s discretion and fall within a range that is authorized by statute. The surcharge is required by New York State law and is imposed in addition to any fine.
Do You Have to Go to Court Yourself?
When you hire Kristine for a speeding ticket, your New York speeding ticket lawyer will appear for you, and, in most cases, your personal appearance will not be necessary. You can eliminate the need to wait at the DMV or waste time in traffic court.
Some types of speeding tickets in New York may require you to appear in court. This means that you or your lawyer must show up to court with you or on your behalf. This may be required if you are pleading guilty to your speeding ticket online or by mail.
Why Should You Fight Your Speeding Ticket?
If you plead guilty to a New York speeding ticket, you forfeit your opportunity to plea bargain. A speeding ticket lawyer will know how to negotiate on your behalf and understand the effect the point system will have on your license. A lawyer can possibly help keep your license, save you fine money, and help reduce or avoid costly DMV assessments. The office recommends you fight speeding tickets issued in New York.
Before you plead guilty by mail to a cellphone ticket, call the office for a free consultation to find out how Kristine can help you fight your Rockland County traffic ticket.
DWI and Suspended License Charges
DWI is a criminal matter in New York, which entitles you to a trial by jury. Once you are arraigned before a judge on your DWI charge, your license will be suspended pending prosecution if your alleged BAC is .08 or above. If the police claim you refused a chemical test, your license will be suspended immediately at arraignment, although you are entitled to a refusal hearing.
It is a crime to drive with a suspended license in New York. There are three degrees of driving with a suspended license, and the third degree is a misdemeanor with a fine of between $200 and $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
Kristine is a former prosecutor and a practicing defense attorney. Her practice is focused on criminal defense, with an emphasis on traffic and alcohol-related offenses.
Your Rights Matter. Your Case Deserves Attention.
When you need legal guidance for a traffic violation or driving-related charge, Kristine A. Ciganek is here to help you understand your options and move forward with greater peace of mind. Visit the Courts We Serve page to find the courthouse for your case, whether it is Clarkstown Justice Court or Orangetown Justice Court. Get a Free Consultation with the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek.
