Avoiding a Speeding Ticket

1. Know your surroundings. Make sure you are not driving excessively through a school or work zone. Points are assessed double in such zoned areas so be sure to stay odometer-alert when passing through.

2. Don't assume the "Within 10 Miles an Hour Rule." This mythical unwritten rule can come back to haunt those who take faith in it. Many people are under the wrongful assumption that the police will not pull a driver over if they are speeding within 10 miles over the posted limit. This is simply not the case so be careful and try to keep that needle as close as possible to what the signs say.

3. Keep your car in good working order. Make sure both headlights are functioning and that all tail and brake lights are working. Also, make sure that all windows are within the legal tint limit. Nothing infuriates a police officer more than a car with tint that is too dark and violates NY's rules against such cosmetics. Cops often look for little things such as a broken tail light and expired registration in order to issue a ticket to the poor unsuspecting driver. Be proactive and be sure to keep your car registered, inspected and in all around tip top shape.

4. Don't give a police officer attitude if they pull you over. Again, nothing makes a cop more likely to issue a ticket than a mouthy, obnoxious driver. Simply ask the officer why they pulled you over and remain calm, cool, and collected. You still may receive a ticket, but by remaining civil, the officer is less likely to issue further penalties and fines.

5. Go with the flow of traffic. Don't insist on being the rabbit of the pack. Simply remain in check with the surrounding vehicles and all will remain status quo.

For more information or if anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to visit us at www.carbonelawyer.com

Carbone & Carbone LLP, Martin A. Carbone, Esq., Attorney at Law

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www.lakegeorgelawyer.com

Filing in Family Court

Dealing with a family court matter can be one of the most stressful experiences a person may face. More than any other court, family court involves all sorts of emotions stemming from a plethora of different angles. When faced with a family court issue such as custody, neglect or family offense, the first thing one must do is be aware that they themselves may file at any time within the applicable family court.

For those who are not familiar with the family court process, fear not. Most clerks at the family court level are very much aware that most people are filing for the first time and that their stress level may be at an all time high.

The family court clerk will provide you with the appropriate paperwork, free of charge and with the needed guidance that goes along with it. They can not give you legal advice, but in terms of what to fill out and how to go about doing so is what they are there for.

Most family court petitions provided by the clerk are fill in the blank style so don't worry if you are not up on your legalese. Once the applicable petition is filled out, someone from the court will notarize your signature and file accordingly. From there, a court date will be assigned to your case. If at any time after you file a petition and wish to seek legal counsel, one has every right to do so. The petitions filed can always be amended and modified so don't worry if something is filed in error.

Family court matters can be an emotional roller coaster. However, do not let the initial filing of papers hinder you in fighting for what you believe is in the beat interest of yourself and your children.

For more information or if anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to visit us at www.carbonelawyer.com

Carbone & Carbone LLP, Martin A. Carbone, Esq., Attorney at Law

http://www.facebook.com/carbonelawgroup
http://twitter.com/carbonelaw1
www.lakegeorgelawyer.com

Making a Good Impression in Court

Top 5 Ways to Make a Good Impression in Court

1. Dress for success! Make sure you wear something appropriate for the situation. I know a lot of people are the "T-Shirt and Jeans" type, but that is not the proper attire for court. One does not have to wear a 3 piece suit, however, just something neat and professional looking. A good fail safe outfit for males would be a pair of dress pants and a shirt and tie. That look never goes out of style and it is appropriate for just about any situation. For the ladies, I am less versed in women's fashion, but something conservative is most always a safe bet.

2. Body language is key when appearing in court. Do not give the judge attitude and do not act disrespectful toward the other parties. Nothing turns a judge off more when parties start arguing with each other in open court. When addressing the judge, always end your statement with "Your Honor" or "Judge." When asked a question, answer by stating yes or no. Do not say "Yeah," Uh Huh," and other similar slang phrases.

3. Be prepared. When appearing for court, regardless of what type of matter it is, always do your homework and be ready to address the issues head on. Looking as if you are hearing the case for the first time will not only annoy the judge, but will also show the other party that you are ill prepared and not taking things seriously.

4. Show the court staff respect. Most courts have officers that assist with the overall procedure of the court. When entering the court building, litigants are often required to go through a metal detector for security purposes. Even the lawyers must abide by this. When doing so, do not roll your eyes at the officer and give him or her a hard time. Time and time again I see people arguing with the court officers because they do not want to be bothered with taking everything out of their pockets and taking off their belts, etc. By acting this way, it gives off a negative impression and will translate in the court room because you are now in a foul mood. Plus, the court officers will not show you any leeway as it pertains to who gets to see the judge first and so on. It pays to be nice to everybody, and that includes the court officers and clerks who are there to simply to their job and nothing more.

5. Communication. By communicating with the other party in a positive and productive manner, the judge will appreciate your decorum. Most court cases can be settled more efficiently if the opposing parties simply have a meeting of the minds prior to court and then put their settlement on the record. Regardless of the their differences, if parties keep the lines of communication open during negotiations, it will make way for an easier way to resolve the issues when appearing before the judge. Judges hate to have to sort through the minutia during a hearing. If the parties thoroughly communicate with the another, the judge will be able to better assess what is at the heart of the matter and will be able to adjudicate more efficiently.

For more information or if anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to visit us at www.carbonelawyer.com

Carbone & Carbone LLP, Martin A. Carbone, Esq., Attorney at Law

http://www.facebook.com/carbonelawgroup.com
http://twitter.com/carbonelaw1
www.lakegeorgelawyer.com