Rhinebeck, NY Speeding, DWI, Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Rhinebeck, NY Town Court Profile

DWI FAQ's

DWI & DUI

Title: Town of Rhinebeck Justice Court

County: Dutchess

Address: 80 East Market Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Phone: 845-876-3858 Fax: 845-876-8265

Traffic Calendar: Third Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m.

Criminal Calendar: First and Second Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m.

Traffic Tickets: Prosecuted by the officer who issued the ticket

Criminal Prosecutions: Dutchess County District Attorney's Office

Judges: Hon. William Sanchez and Hon. John Kane Jr.

Traffic Enforcement & Prosecution

The major thoroughfares in the Town of Rhinebeck are U.S. 9, NY Route 199, and NY Route 9G. Enforcement is handled primarily by the Rhinebeck Police, though the NYS Police have a barracks located in town. There is stricter enforcement near the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, which connects Ulster County with Dutchess County. Most speeding tickets are written for speeds more than 10 mph over the limit, though slower speed zones may be enforced more strictly. Traffic enforcement along the outskirts of town is shared with the NYS Police and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

Traffic Court

Both town justices have "traffic calendars," which are devoted to adjudicating traffic tickets. The NYS Police are prohibited from negotiating plea bargains on traffic violations. Unfortunately, no special town prosecutor has been appointed to deal with tickets written by the NYS police. As such, Trooper tickets will likely have to go to trial, since they are unable to negotiate. One of the judges is a former police officer.

Local police officers generally prosecute their own tickets. Most tickets are resolved through plea bargains.

The wait to speak to speak to the officers is typically not very long. Less than a 1 hour wait is usual. Attorneys are permitted to appear without their clients being present for traffic court.

For more information about speeding and other traffic offenses, click here.

To read some Frequently Asked Traffic Law questions, click here.

For information about having the Law Office of Glenn Magnell defend your speeding ticket or DWI charge,, click here.

Criminal Law Enforcement & Prosecution

All criminal prosecutions are handled by the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office. The Dutchess DA's office has taken a fairly hard line on DWI prosecutions. In 2009 there were more than 3000 alcohol related driving arrests impaired or intoxicated driving (DWI, DWAI, DWAI-D) in Dutchess County. Both the NYS Police and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department made numerous arrests. Most arrests occurred after dark with many taking place after midnight. Police officers assume that many drivers who are out after midnight have consumed alcohol and or drugs. As a result they are looking for any lawful reason to pull drivers over in order to investigate possible DWI incidents. Alcohol checkpoints were established several times by state and local police.

In addition to DWI and DWAI, numerous arrests were made for Driving While Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Driving With a Suspended Registration. All of these offenses are "criminal" violations of the law and, as a result are prosecuted by the Dutchess County District Attorney's office. Non-DWI cases are handled by local Assistant District Attorneys, but DWI cases are handled by three "DWI Prosecutors" working out of the DA's office in Poughkeepsie.

One judge in Rhinebeck Town Court is an attorney. Both judges also preside over the Village of Rhinebeck Court.

For more information about DWI, click here.

To read some Frequently Asked Questions about DWI, click here.

For information about having the Law Office of Glenn Magnell represent you, click here.

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Law Offices of Glenn W. Magnell

Defense Attorneys for Criminal, DWI, DUI & Traffic Offenses

Phone: 845-294-0585 Fax: 888-724-5470

Email: gmagnell@stormkinglaw.com

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