Benjamin Goldman Quoted in Newsday on Long Island Court Revenue & Plea Deals

What Did Newsday Report About Long Island Justice Courts?

According to Newsday, Long Island’s 94 town and village justice courts generated $46.9 million in 2024, up 12.7% from the prior year. The increase was driven by higher fines, stepped-up enforcement, and technology that makes ticketing faster and more accurate. The bulk of revenue comes from parking and moving violations (e.g., speeding, stop signs). Nassau and Suffolk’s share of statewide justice-court collections has grown from 16.4% in 2019 to 23.3% in 2024.

• Revenue: $46.9M in 2024; 94 courts across Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End towns.
• Drivers: Fines and plea deals affect where the money goes—state vs. village/town.

Why Do Plea Deals Matter for Drivers and Courts?

When a moving violation under state Vehicle and Traffic Law is pleaded down to a local village or town code violation (e.g., a parking or non-moving offense), the municipality often keeps a larger share of the fine and the state may receive less or none. As Newsday reported, Benjamin Goldman explained that plea deals help municipalities keep revenue in-house—a practice that has been common for years. For drivers, a reduced charge can mean fewer license points and sometimes lower insurance impact, but it’s important to understand how the process works and to get advice from an attorney.

• Plea deals and revenue: Reducing a VTL moving violation to a local code violation can mean more revenue stays with the village or town.
• What drivers should know: An experienced traffic attorney can help you understand your options and advocate for a resolution that fits your situation.

Contact Benjamin Goldman Law Office

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