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Traffic Ticket Plea Offer

Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Traffic Ticket Plea Policy

The Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office has the authority to prosecute all traffic infractions that occur in Chautauqua County.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PLEA REDUCTION OFFER?

  1. There may be a reduction of fines and points on your license.
  2. You may not need to appear in court, but instead take care of the matter online.
  3. You may be able to quickly resolve your ticket, instead of taking several months to appear in court while you are awaiting a trial.

WHAT IF I DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR A PLEA OFFER?

  1. You have a right to a trial on your traffic violation and the trial will be in-person at the court in the jurisdiction where your traffic offense occurred.
  2. You may hire an attorney to represent you in all proceedings.
  3. You should contact the court and tell the court that you do not want a plea offer so that they court may schedule your matter as soon as possible.
  4. If you do not want a plea offer and you do not want a trial, you may plead guilty to the traffic violation(s) and ask the court to impose a sentence as soon as possible.

WHAT “IS”  AND “IS NOT” ELIGIBLE FOR PLEA REDUCTION

“IS ELIGIBLE”

  1.  Traffic ticket(s) that are Violations and Infractions

“IS NOT ELIGIBLE”

  1. Traffic ticket(s) marked as Felony or Misdemeanor
  2. Any offense under VTL Article 20 §§ 510-518 or any offense of VTL Article 31 §§ 1192-1199
  3. If the ticket was issued after being involved in a serious injury or fatal accident.
  4. If the ticket is written under a law other than the VTL “Vehicle and Traffic Law”

For example, “Transportation Law.”

  1. If you have a lengthy record of violating the vehicle and traffic law (lengthy as determined by the prosecutor).
  2. Towns/Villages/Cities with local prosecutor’s (i.e. City of Jamestown or City of Dunkirk)

HOW DO I APPLY?

  1. Traffic ticket plea offer request must be submitted online 
  2. You should submit the online form with all the necessary information as soon as possible well in advance of your next scheduled court date. 
  3. Once your plea offer request is submitted you may receive an offer.  
  4. If you wish to accept the offer, then please sign it and submit it to the court
  5. If you reject the offer, please notify the court and the court will inform you of your trial date.   The court is the final arbiter of your case it will decide whether to accept your plea and the amount of the fine.   A court adjournment request must be made by contacting the court. 
  6. If you hear nothing, you will need to appear in court on your scheduled court date and be advised by court at that point on how to proceed, unless the court tells you otherwise.  

*Plea offer reductions by the District Attorney’s Office WILL NOT be processed by telephone, mail, fax or by any other means than indicated here. Please allow two (2) weeks for your request to be processed. 

PLEA offers will only be considered through the online submission. If you must speak with the prosecutor about your case, do so at court on your scheduled court date.  Please call the court with your questions.  Thank you

Click here to submit a plea request

FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)

What is a Drivers Abstract ( AKA Drivers History)?

If you have a NY driver’s license, an abstract of your N.Y. driving record is available at any DMV office.  If you have a non-New York driver’s license, please contact your state’s licensing department for an abstract of your driving record. 

What if I cannot find my Traffic Ticket?

Please call the court for a copy of your ticket or send our office a copy of the court’s letter with your traffic tickets listed.  The District Attorney’s Office does not keep tickets. 

Will the Court contact me on the amount of my fine and payment method?

Yes,  the court will send you a fine notice in the mail with details.

Can I hire my own attorney?

Yes, You may hire an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of New York to handle court  matters for you. 

Can I call or email the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office directly with traffic ticket questions?

PLEA offers will only be considered through the online submission. If you must speak with the prosecutor about your case, do so at court on your scheduled court date.  Please call the court with your questions.  Thank you