Town Of Granby: Courts: Granby Justice Court [Digital Towpath]

Regular Court Night Mondays at 7; Office hours Monday - Friday 10-2, Tuesdays 4:30-6:30.

Bruce Wells () Town Justice Phone: 315-598-2958
Edwin Winkworth () Town Justice Phone: 315-598-2958

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR A TRAFFIC VIOLATION?

Plead Guilty

If you are charged with a traffic infraction you can plead guilty by mail, using the reverse side of the ticket, Part A. Follow the instructions and send the completed form to Granby Town Court, 820 County Route 8, Fulton, NY 13069. Note that the form contains space for you to include an explanation for the violation should you wish to do so. Upon receipt of your guilty plea a judge will determine the fine and the court will notify you of the amount by mail.

Plead Not Guilty

You can plead not guilty by mail, using the reverse side of the ticket, Part B. Follow the instructions and send the completed form to Granby Town Court, 820 County Route 8, Fulton, NY 13069.. You have the option of requesting a supporting deposition which is a sworn statement from the ticketing officer that contains a more detailed explanation of the basis for the charge than is provided on the ticket. If you mail a not guilty plea you do not need to appear in court on the date stated on the ticket. Upon receipt of your not guilty plea the court will schedule a trial and you will receive notice of the date by mail. A trial is the proceeding at which a judge will make a determination whether you are guilty or not guilty. At the trial the officer who issued the ticket will testify and you will have the opportunity to cross-examine him/her. Thereafter you and your witnesses if any will have the opportunity to testify. The Assistant District Attorney can cross-examine your witnesses and you. When the testimony is completed the judge will make a decision and will usually announce it in court at the trial. If you are found not guilty, the matter is completed. If you are found guilty, the judge will determine the fine and arrangements for payment will be made.

Appear in Court

A third option is to appear in court on the date designated on the face of the ticket. At that time you can enter a plea and/or ask for a trial. You will have the opportunity to provide any explanation you would like the judge to hear. Your explanation will be considered in the resolution of the case.

HOW MANY POINTS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO ME?

If you are convicted of a violation that occurred while your car was moving (e.g. speeding, failing to stop for a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, etc.), points will be assigned to you based on a schedule adopted by the New York State legislature. If you accumulate three speeding violations or 11 points within an 18 month period, the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license. The number of points attributed to various infractions are as follows:

Violation Points

Speeding (mph over posted limit): 1 to 10 3 Points

Speeding (mph over posted limit): 11 to 20 4 Points

Speeding (mph over posted limit): 21 to 30 6 Points

Speeding (mph over posted limit): 31 to 40 8 Points

Speeding (mph over posted limit): More than 40 11 Points

Reckless Driving 5 Points

Failing to stop for school bus 5 Points

Following too closely (Tailgating) 4 Points

Inadequate brakes (While driving employer's vehicle) 4 Points

Failing to yield right-of-way 2 Points

Violation of traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign 3 Points

Railroad crossing violation 3 Points

Improper passing or lane use 3 Points

Leaving scene of an incident involving property damage or injury to an animal 3 Points

Child safety restraint violation 3 Points

Any other moving violation 2 Points

SHOULD I SEE LEGAL ADVICE?

Whether or not you need an attorney to handle your traffic infraction is a personal decision that only you can make. If your license is in jeopardy based on the point system or if a traffic charge resulted from an accident, you are well advised to consult an attorney.