You are likely among the numerous people in New York who drive a vehicle on a regular basis. Though you try to remain a safe and courteous driver the majority of the time, everyone can have a lapse in judgment while behind the wheel. Hopefully, your actions have never caused a car accident, but they may have raised the suspicions of a police officer.

If an officer conducts a traffic stop involving your vehicle, you may worry about what the outcomes will be. Though citations are common after traffic stops, an officer pulling you over does not necessarily mean that you will receive a ticket. Still, it is important to understand how to handle the various outcomes of a traffic stop.

Possible citations and how to handle them

The outcomes of your particular situation will depend on the details of the incident. The reason for the stop, the officer’s views on the matter, the severity of the suspected wrongdoing and many other factors could affect your traffic stop. Some outcomes you could face include the following:

Receiving a written warning: In some cases, an officer may stop your vehicle for a relatively minor reason, and rather than facing serious consequences, you may receive a warning. If you receive a written warning, you do not face any potential legal consequences, but you should fix the issue as soon as possible.
Receiving a citation with penalties: Of course, not all situations warrant just a warning, and you may receive a citation that could lead to fines or other penalties. If so, you could agree to pay the fine and essentially plead guilty, or you could plead not guilty and contest the citation in court.
Arrest for criminal violation: In some cases, a traffic stop could result in an arrest if an officer believes that a serious criminal violation has occurred, like DUI. In this case, you would have to go to court in order to address your situation.
The manner in which you choose to address the results of a traffic stop is entirely up to you. However, it may prove useful to ensure that you understand your legal options for properly handling a traffic ticket or other charges. Consulting with an attorney experienced in handling traffic law cases may prove useful to you by allowing you to gain information on your particular predicament.