Don't delay! Follow the instructions on the ticket for the plea you wish to make, and act promptly. If you don't answer the ticket in the time allowed, your driver license will be suspended. Later, you could be found guilty of the charge because of your failure to respond (a default conviction). Your license would be suspended for not paying the fine and a judgment would be entered against you.

Driving with a suspended license is a crime. A felony conviction may result in fines of up to $5,000, jail, probation, or confiscation of your vehicle. As the number of suspensions you have increases, the penalties also increase. A driver is suspended for each ticket not answered and each fine not paid.

To Plead Not Guilty - Read the "not guilty" instructions and check the "not guilty" box on the back of the ticket. Fill in the requested information, sign it and within forty-eight hours of the recorded violation date, mail the ticket to Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency ("SCTPVA"). SCTPVA will send you a letter telling you when and where to go for a conference with a prosecutor. If you are hearing impaired and require an interpreter, include a request for one when you mail your not guilty plea. An interpreter will be assigned to your hearing at no charge to you.

To Plead Guilty - Read the instructions and check the "guilty" box on the back of the ticket. Fill in the requested information, sign it and, within 15 days, mail it to Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency ("SCTPVA"). A JHO will impose a fine and you will be notified by mail of the fine amount and date to pay said fine. You may pay the fine and surcharge by Discover, Visa or Mastercard, or by money order payable to the SCTPVA. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Include the total fines and surcharges listed on the ticket for your violation(s). Failure to pay said fine by the date specified may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

Your Address - If your mailing address is different from the address written on the front of the ticket, please write the correct mailing address in the space provided on the back of the ticket.

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You may request your traffic ticket conference to be postponed and rescheduled to a different date. This may be done one time without an appearance. TPVA must receive your request in writing at least 10 days before the date of the conference. Said request must be by certified mail return receipt and proof of receipt at the agency must be available if requested. Any further adjournments will be considered and granted at the sole discretion of the Agency. Your request for a second or subsequent postponement also must include a "good cause," which is the reason you want the conference rescheduled. Your "good cause" is subject to approval by TPVA.

Good Cause IS NOT, including but not limited to: You have not retained an attorney yet, Transportation issues, job responsibilities, other engagements (other than court appearances with proof of required appearance, which will be verified with that court, personal appointments or prior engagements, vacation or you believe you are not guilty and do not want to appear in court.

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You may request your traffic ticket trial to be postponed and rescheduled to a different date. This may be done one time. To request said adjournment you must submit a request in writing via certified mail to the court at least 10 days prior to the date of your trial and request that said trial be postponed for good cause. Your "good cause" is subject to approval by the TPVA Judicial Hearing Officer. TPVA must receive notice of your request at least 10 days before the date of the trail. No second requests for adjournments shall be considered by TPVA.

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You are considered innocent of the charge against you unless you are proven guilty. You cannot be found guilty unless there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the violation. If you do not speak and/or understand English, you may request am interpreter. Your request must be received 10 days prior to the date of trial, in writing or in person at the TPVA. The JHO will listen to sworn testimony from the police officer who will explain why you were given the ticket. Then, you or your attorney may ask the officer questions. You also may bring witnesses to testify for you and/or present other evidence. The judge may ask witnesses questions to better understand their testimony.

You do not have to testify but you may if you wish. You cannot be found guilty just because you do not testify. When all of the evidence and testimony have been given, the JHO will decide whether or not you are guilty. That decision will be based only on the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing and what the law states. If the JHO decides the charge against you was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, you will be found not guilty. If the charge is proven and you are found guilty, the judge will set a fine. Your license or registration also may be suspended or revoked, depending on the violation and your overall driving record.

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If wish to appeal the decision of a Judicial Hearing Officer, you or your attorney must serve one copy of the NOTICE OF APPEAL on the prosecution in person at the Agency (public safety will direct you to the prosecution) and file two copies of the NOTICE OF APPEAL along with an affidavit of service with the clerk at the Agency at Suffolk County TPVA Office, H. Lee Dennison Building, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, 11788, within 30 days from the date of sentence. You may not personally serve the prosecution. The affidavit of service must be sworn to by the person who served the prosecution.

Click here for the Civil Appeals Packet

Click here for the Criminal Appeals Packet

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