Why NYC Traffic Court is So Challenging - A 1st Hand Account
A recent visitor to NYC Traffic Court note their experiences:
If you have the misfortune of receiving a traffic ticket in New York City, you'll have to face the confusing, overcrowded and fast-paced traffic court system. I learned first-hand recently just how difficult it can be when I tried to contest a speeding ticket I received on the Brooklyn Bridge. Here's why you should prepare yourself for an extremely frustrating experience if you plan to fight your NYC traffic violation in court.
Mass Confusion Upon Arrival
I thought I had prepared adequately by looking up the address of the courthouse online. However, when I arrived, I stumbled into a e room jam-packed with people. There were minimal signage, officers to assist were nowhere to be found, and no one provided guidance on where to go. The chaos left me feeling lost and overwhelmed within minutes.
Overcrowded Courtrooms
When I finally found the correct courtroom, it was crowded . I crammed into a small space between other people disputing their tickets. Standing was not allowed. There were more people in that tiny room awaiting their 60 seconds before the judge then the seating capacity. I felt like a sardine in a can!
Lightning Fast Proceedings
The court proceedings flew by at dizzying speeds. The judge rapid-fired through case after case without pause. When my name was finally called, I barely had time to present my defense before being ushered out of the room just minutes later. It was such a brief, disorienting whirlwind.
Good Luck Finding Your Way Out
After my hearing, I embarrassingly couldn't locate the post hearing cashier. Signage continued to be extremely limited and there was no one to ask for directions. I wandering through the hallway until I finally maDE it outside, exhausted and stressed.
Contesting your NYC traffic violation in court is not for the faint of heart. You have to be prepared for total mayhem in an antiquated, complex system that makes you feel insignificant. My advice? Lawyer up. Braving traffic court solo is overloaded, confusing, and painful. Don't put yourself through it!
Note: this is a conglomeration of how some visitors feel when visiting Traffic Court. Each visitor has a different experience.
