[NY] How do I defend myself against a parking ticket I received?
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With pro se representation, one of the main challenges is following all of the court’s rules and procedures carefully.
Here are a few key points:
- Dress professionally and be respectful at all times.
- Speak only when the judge directs you to do so.
- Be prepared — gather all evidence or documentation supporting your position.
- Stay factual — avoid emotional arguments; clearly explain why you’re contesting the charge.
- Use clear language, and if possible, refer to any supporting laws or local ordinances.
You’ll need to present yourself the same way an attorney would — respectful, organized, and informed.
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Hi, I’m a semi-truck driver who got issued a parking ticket on an off-ramp. The ticket was issued in New York, and I live in Wisconsin. I don’t know what to do. Do I legally fight it and plead not guilty, or do I plead guilty in hopes of just getting a fine?
I understand the situation can be frustrating. Were you parked on the off-ramp for a specific reason, or was it unintentional?
I don't know.
Have you received any parking tickets in New York before this incident?
No.
Is there anything else the traffic lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your parking ticket.
Yes.
Hi there! Welcome to AskALawyer. My name is Liz, and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade. I’m here to assist with your concerns.
So I can best help, what is the basis for the ticket?
I parked at an off-ramp with my semi-truck in New York, and the officer gave me a ticket — but there’s no “fine amount” listed on it.
Understood. Does it have an option to plead not guilty? Paying it — even if you knew the fine — is considered pleading guilty.
It does have a “plead guilty” and a “not guilty” option.
So just to be a little clearer — is it better to not plead guilty, or to plead guilty?
Or is the only option to not plead guilty?
To plead guilty means you can’t fight the ticket at all. You would be admitting fault and accepting any judgment or fine the court imposes.
To plead not guilty allows you to make a case in your own defense.
Oh okay — and if I make a case in my own defense, I would likely seek legal counsel, correct?
You can defend yourself without an attorney — it’s called appearing pro se.
What are the main do’s and don’ts of being pro se? I’ve never done this before.
With pro se representation, one of the main challenges is following all of the court’s rules and procedures carefully.
Here are a few key points:
- Dress professionally and be respectful at all times.
- Speak only when the judge directs you to do so.
- Be prepared — gather all evidence or documentation supporting your position.
- Stay factual — avoid emotional arguments; clearly explain why you’re contesting the charge.
- Use clear language, and if possible, refer to any supporting laws or local ordinances.
You’ll need to present yourself the same way an attorney would — respectful, organized, and informed.
Perfect, thank you so much.
