Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
Q: How long will it take to get a response on my reduction request?
A: It can take up to 30 days to receive a response from the District Attorney’s office.
Q: The ticketing officer made an error on my traffic ticket. Can the ticket be dismissed due to the error?
A: If an error was made on your traffic ticket, please contact the issuing police agency and request that the error be corrected. An error on a traffic ticket does not automatically invalidate the ticket.
Offers:
Q: I submitted a traffic reduction request by mail, email or fax before the District Attorney’s office transitioned to the OneidaCountyTraffic.com website and received an offer based on that request. Is my offer still valid?
A: Any offers that were generated before the District Attorney’s office transitioned to OneidaCountyTraffic.com are no longer valid. Only offers generated through OneidaCountyTraffic.com are valid. If you have an offer that is no longer valid, you must submit a new request through OneidaCountyTraffic.com. If you have completed elements of a now expired offer, like an administrative fee or defensive driver’s course, they can be used toward the completion of a new offer.
Q: How do I pay my administrative fee?
A: Please be aware that we no longer accept cashier’s check or money order payments for the TRU Administrative Fee anymore. In order to pay the administrative fee for the diversion program, you MUST click on the link that was emailed to you that is labeled “View Offer”. You will then need to click “Accept the Offer.” You will then be required to upload the required documents specified in your offer letter (these may include defensive driving courses, proof of donation, proof of corrections, etc.). Once these documents are uploaded, you will then be directed to the payment screen. This is the only way that the administrative fee can be paid. There are numerous payment methods that are accepted on this page, including but not limited to debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Cash App Pay, or linking directly to your bank account.
Q: I would like an extension on my offer. How do I go about getting an extension?
A: Our office is only able to grant one 45-day extension for completion of an offer. To request an extension, you must wait the full 45-days for your offer to expire. On the 46th day, you will no longer be able to accept or decline the offer. Instead of being able to accept an offer, you will see an option to request an extension in the online traffic system. To request an extension, click on the option to request an extension. Please be advised that even if our office allows for an extension, you must keep in contact with the court and make them aware of the extension that you received from our office. Rescheduling of court appearance dates must be arranged between you and the court.
Any additional extensions beyond the first extension must undergo a thorough review and a decision will be made by the District Attorney as to whether or not the extension can be granted. Please be advised that additional extensions beyond the initial extension are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the D.A.
Q: I am not satisfied with my offer. Can I resubmit my request to get a better offer?
A: If you are not satisfied with the offer provided to you by the traffic resolution unit, you may appear in court to discuss your ticket with an Assistant District Attorney.\
Q: What criteria does the District Attorney’s office use when determining if I am eligible to receive a reduction on a traffic ticket?
A: The District Attorney’s office takes several factors into account when making a determination, including the nature of the violation, any aggravating factors, and the defendant’s driving history.
Required Documents:
Q: I don’t have a copy of my traffic ticket. Do I need it to request a reduction?
A: Yes, you must have a copy of your traffic ticket in order to request a reduction. If you do not have a copy of your ticket, you may obtain a copy by contacting the court or the police agency that issued it.
Q: I don’t have a copy of the accident report. How do I obtain one?
A: Most insurance companies can request the accident report on your behalf. If the ticketing agency is the Utica Police Department, Rome Police Department, or the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, you can use https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ to obtain your accident report. If the ticketing agency is the New Hartford Police Department, Yorkville Police Department, or the Village of Whitesboro Police Department, you can use www.crashdocs.org to obtain your accident report. For all other ticketing agencies, including New York State Police, please use https://dmv.ny.gov/records/order-and-access-motor-vehicle-crash-accident-reports to obtain your accident report. PLEASE NOTE: Some of these methods require a fee to obtain an accident report.
Q: I was involved in an accident and received traffic ticket. I would like to request a reduction, but my insurance company cannot yet provide me with a letter that all damages have been paid because the insurance claim is still pending. Do I need the insurance letter to submit a reduction?
A: Yes. Our office is unable to process a request for tickets involving accidents without a letter from your insurance company stating that all damages have been paid in full. Please wait until the insurance claim is resolved and a letter can be obtained before submitting your request for a reduction.
Court Appearances/Contacting:
Q: I have submitted a reduction request to the District Attorney’s office. Do I still need to go to court?
A: Please be advised that we cannot advise that you miss a scheduled court appearance, even if you have a reduction request pending with the District Attorney’s office. You are still required to attend all scheduled court appearances unless and until a ticket has been fully satisfied with the court or you have received an adjournment from the court. You must contact the court if you wish to receive an adjournment.
Q: Do I need to contact the court in order to request a reduction on my traffic ticket?
A: Please be aware that the court will accept a plea from you, even if you are requesting a reduction on your traffic ticket. Failure to enter a plea with the court can result in the suspension of your license. Please also note that entering a plea of guilty will make you ineligible to receive a reduction on your ticket.
Q: I missed a court appearance and now my license is suspended. Can the District Attorney’s office lift the suspension?
A: All license suspensions are issued by the court. The District Attorney’s office cannot lift your license suspension. In order to lift a license suspension, you must contact the court.