If not handled properly, a traffic violation can significantly impact your driving record and even become a serious legal problem. Many motorists mistakenly believe that they should just pay a fine and move on, only to suffer long-term consequences.
Pleading guilty of a traffic violation in New Jersey can cost you monetary fines, jail time, loss of your driving privileges, and significantly higher auto insurance premiums. If the violation resulted in an accident with serious injuries, you could also be sued and held responsible for the crash.
If you or someone you know has gotten a traffic ticket, it is imperative that they immediately contact an experienced New Jersey traffic ticket attorney to learn about their legal rights and avoid the serious consequences of the violation.
Traffic Offenses Impacting Your Driving Record
Below are some common traffic violations in New Jersey:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Parking tickets
- Driving without insurance
- Eluding law enforcement
- Leaving the scene of the accident
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
How a Traffic Ticket Attorney Can Help
Most traffic violations are heard by the New Jersey Municipal Court within the city or town where the violation or charge was issued. Similar to a criminal case, you will either plead guilty or not guilty, in which case the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you violated the law to obtain a conviction. You will have the right to hire a New Jersey traffic ticket attorney to challenge the charges against you.
In many cases, a skilled lawyer can help you get the charges dismissed or reduced, especially if you have a clean record or there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If a charge cannot be dismissed, your attorney may be able to reduce it.
An alternative to dismissing a traffic violation charge is Conditional Discharge. This is a New Jersey probation program that you may qualify for if you meet certain requirements:
- You have no previous convictions
- You have no prior diversion on your record
- You have not been charged with or any disorderly conduct offenses or petty disorderly conduct offenses under New Jersey’s Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987
If you meet the requirements, you will need to remain arrest-free for one year and comply with the other requirements during the period, such as paying any fines and court costs. Once you have completed the probationary period, the court will remove the original charge from your record.
Call a New Jersey Driver’s Traffic Ticket Attorney Today
If you or someone you know has gotten a ticket and wants to avoid a conviction, an experienced attorney can help. Fighting traffic violation tickets are especially important if you are a CDL license holder.
Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-355-7100 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team today to see how we can help you fight your ticket.
