INTRODUCTION:
Since 1977, The Proskin Law Firm has been meeting the legal
needs of residents and businesses throughout the Capital Region.
Founded by Arnold W. Proskin, a former Albany County District
Attorney, Albany County Judge and New York State Assemblyman
representing Colonie and Southern Saratoga County, the firm has
added an additional four
attorneys, all with diverse backgrounds and talents.
The Proskin Law Firm is well-respected with deep roots in the
local and state communities. The firm represents a wide variety
of clients in many different matters. Current clients include
several local fire companies and many area businesses. The firm
provides a full-range of services in all of its clients’ legal
matters, including internal, local, regional and more
far-reaching matters.
On a local level, Mr. Proskin serves as appointed counsel for
the Colonie Area Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held for
over 20 years. Lisa Proskin is also the past chair of the
Chamber. The Colonie Chamber has served the Colonie business
community for the past twenty years as the buffer between Town
government and the area business community.
Whether you need an attorney for a civil matter, large or small
in any court, or you have been injured in an accident or you are
buying or selling a house or have a matrimonial or family
matter, or for a criminal matter ranging from traffic tickets
and minor crimes in all local courts or more serious felonies in
all courts, the experience and proven ability of the members of
the Proskin Law Firm are available for you.
Whatever your need, big or small, the resources of the Proskin
Law Firm and its experienced team are available to meet the many
needs of its clients.
One of ALBANY's Finest
for 2009
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM
THE PROSKIN LAW FIRM, PC consists of Attorneys Arnold W. Proskin
(former Albany County District Attorney & Albany County Court Judge),
Lisa Anne Proskin, Salvatore J. Rico, Marc D. Greenwald & Jeffry E.
Hines who are well-versed in the areas of law that affect you, your
family & your business.
The firm's five attorney's have the experience & skill to represent
their clients in general practice matters, and concentrate in the areas
of criminal defense & appeals, DWI, traffic violations, all felonies &
misdemeanors, personal injury & auto accidents, divorce & family law,
business & corporate, real estate, wills & trusts, estates & estate
planning, general civil litigation, elder law, landlord/tenant,
construction and labor law. All five belong to the local & state
bar associations and are licensed to practice in state & federal courts.
They emphasize that pressing legal issues demand immediate attention for
a quick resolution. Clients need assurance that their legal problems are
being handled properly and without delay. The Proskin Law Firm is
sensitive to this state-of-mind. Their experience & professional
approach, coupled with a no-nonsense & supportive style, helps resolve
their client's legal affairs in a timely & cost efficient manner.
Metroland - September 17-23 2009 |
LEGAL NOTICE:
Please be advised that this web site is maintained solely for the
purpose of providing general information about the Law Office of
The Proskin Law Firm. As such, it is not intended to offer legal
advice. Use of this web site, including e-mail, does not create an
attorney-client relationship with The Proskin Law Firm. You
should not send any confidential information to The Proskin Law Firm
until a formal attorney client relationship has been
established in writing. The Proskin Law Firm does not seek to
practice law in any state, territory or foreign country where The Proskin Law Firm
is not authorized to do so. The Proskin Law Firm does not seek
to represent anyone who has viewed this web site in a jurisdiction
where the same does not apply with applicable law and ethics rules.
The content on this site is intended but not guaranteed to be
accurate and current. Links to other web sites do not imply that
The Proskin Law Firm is affiliated with, associated with, or
sponsors those web sites. The Proskin Law Firm does not
control linked web sites and is not responsible for their contents.
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Legal News and Notes
Articles
Dealing with Traffic Tickets
By Lisa Anne Proskin, Esq.*
It happens suddenly…you are driving along and you see the red
flashing light in your rearview mirror. You curse under your
breath and pull to the side of the road. You think, “What
happens now? What should I do? Most importantly, what will this
cost me?” All of these are good questions and what you do
affects what the outcome will be.
First of all, roll down your window and leave your hands where
the officer can see them. Do not get out of the car; wait for
the officer to come to you. Keep in mind that the officer is
doing his or her job. Do not do anything to make them feel
endangered or threatened. I always recommend being pleasant no
matter how angry you may be.
Once the officer comes over, provide what is asked for. If you
need to retrieve the documents from somewhere (your glove
compartment or elsewhere), ask permission. This may sound silly
or insulting, but the officer does not know you and does not
know if you are a danger. Be pleasant and not nasty. When the
officer allows you to leave, pull away carefully and calmly.
Now, the real questions arise: What are you going to do with
that ticket? How much will it cost? What will it do to my
license? What about my insurance?
You should obtain a copy of your abstract. This can be done at
DMV or most lawyers can get it for you. You will need this
abstract to do anything other than plead guilty. If you do
choose to plead guilty, you can simply sign the back of the
ticket and mail it to the Court. This is usually not the best
thing to do, but obviously each case is different. The majority
of traffic citations are resolved by way of a plea agreement
without a trial.
If you choose to attempt to resolve the ticket without pleading
to the charge, you have a few choices. The first is to go to
Court and talk to the person prosecuting the ticket. Who this is
depends on what Court you are in; some Courts allow the officers
to prosecute their own tickets, some have a Town Attorney or
Corporation Counsel and others have an Assistant District
Attorney.
The other alternative is to obtain legal counsel. It is likely
that the attorney will know who will prosecute the ticket or
will be able to find out relatively quickly. I suggest that you
meet with the lawyer in the beginning and ask all of your
questions. He or she will handle the talks with the prosecutor
or officer and let you know what is worked out. Sometimes you
will not have to be in Court, but again this depends on the
jurisdiction. You should always ask what effect any plea (to the
charge or a reduction) will have on your license and on your
insurance. You should also ask any questions you may have before
you agree to enter any plea or go to trial. Hopefully you will
have chosen a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and who
understands your concerns.
Any plea, whether with or without a lawyer, must be approved by
a Judge. Once the ticket is resolved and any fine paid, the
matter will be closed although it will appear on your driving
abstract. You can also choose to take a defensive driving course
which reduces your insurance premium and takes four points off
of your license. Although getting a ticket is not the end of the
world, knowing what to do if you do get one makes it a lot
easier.
*Lisa Proskin is an attorney with the Proskin Law Firm, P.C., a
full service law firm at 423 Loudon Road, Loudonville. The firm
handles traffic infractions and DWIs, criminal matters, personal
injury, real estate, wills, trusts and most civil matters. You
can contact her at 436-0775 or at info@proskinlawfirm.com.
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