Examples of Reckless or Careless Driving in New Jersey
New Jersey law regards reckless driving as a criminal offense that involves a motorist driving in a manner that willfully endangers the lives or property of others. Reckless driving is a serious violation that can cost you big money and your freedom. The consequences associated with a New Jersey reckless driving charge includes expensive fines and court fees, loss of your driver’s license, probation, and an increase in insurance premium rates.
If you have been charged with a reckless or careless driving charge, it is imperative to immediately consult with an experienced New Jersey reckless driving defense attorney. In a state where driving is more of a necessity than a luxury, you cannot afford to lose your license over a reckless driving charge.
Common Examples of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is often mistaken as the same as careless driving. Although most people believe both charges are the same, they are not. The most significant difference between these two charges is intent. Careless driving assumes that the motorist has no intention to break a law, but rather was not careful. On the other hand, reckless driving assumes that the driver is acting on purpose and with intent to drive recklessly. As such, you may get both a careless driving ticket and a reckless driving ticket in the same stop.
It should be noted that reckless driving accompanies harsher penalties than a careless driving charge. One major difference in the penalties is that a careless driving offense will add 2 points to your driving records, while a reckless driving offense will add 5. As such, it is important to clearly understand the difference between the two. Common examples of reckless driving reckless driving include:
- Excessively speeding (such as driving 100 mph on the highway)
- Driving through an intersection with a red light with an alcohol blood content below the legal limit of 0.08
- Running a stop sign while people are in the midst or crossing the street
- Driving erratically through congested traffic
Fighting a Reckless Driving Charge
New Jersey Reckless driving charges can easily be blown out of proportion, especially if you don’t have an experienced reckless driving defense attorney in your corner. If you have been charged with reckless driving, you can’t afford making the mistake of thinking these charges are no big deal. Spending two months in jail and paying expensive fines is nothing to play around with. You need to consult with and ultimately hire an attorney who has the experience to successfully fight your fight and get the charges dismissed or at least reduced.
Call a Reckless Driving Defense Attorney in New Jersey
If you or someone you know has been charged with reckless driving in New Jersey, an experienced attorney can help. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey reckless driving defense attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo, please call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.