Question regarding first traffic ticket.
traffic attorney New York Jul 21, 2026
Location: New York State. Hey all, I have a question regarding an out-of-date inspection stop/ticket, along with it being my first ticket/stop. The situation was that my car broke down earlier in the day. I was able to limp it back home due to what ended up being a dead alternator. I had to take my 81-year-old relative to work, so I used their car, thinking nothing of it. I dropped them off, then went about my way, and a few minutes later I got pulled over and was told about the inspection. I explained the situation and that I wasn't aware of the issue, but I still received a ticket and now have an upcoming court date. Sadly, I really don't know how to go about the Guilty/Not Guilty plea. I did get the car inspected, so that was rectified, but as I said, I'm not sure how to plead. I wasn't aware of the issue at the time, and the family member has memory problems, you could say. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you so much! Edit: I guess this would actually be phrased as a Appearance/Pre-Trial Conference, This conference will give you the opportunity to discuss your case with the prosecutor to negotiate a disposition. If a disposition can not be agreed uponby all three parties a trial date will then be set.
