Who Needs a Traffic Lawyer When They Have the Internet?
You rely on the internet for just about everything. For example, you’ve googled medical symptoms and decided on self-care. So what’s the big deal about combing the internet on how to handle your ticket? Who needs a traffic lawyer when they have the internet?
First, there’s the obvious. When it comes to health issues, you should never rely on internet research. You’ll either wind up thinking you’re about to die – or underestimate a severe illness that could be addressed with experienced medical attention.
Frankly, the same is true for retaining an experienced ticket attorney. For example, take this scenario. You just received a ticket for making an illegal U-turn. You had no idea when you turned the car around that it was an illegal move. Was there a posted sign prohibiting it? This can’t be happening.
Not only will the fine and surcharges ding your wallet, but a conviction will also add points to your driver’s license. You decide to fight the ticket and plan your defense by getting some free law advice from the Internet. Maybe there are loopholes. You start surfing to investigate.
You find yourself googling “how to contest an illegal U-turn ticket in New Jersey.” A host of web pages pop up. But which sites offer accurate, current information to help you beat the ticket?
Well, the old axiom “you can’t believe everything you read” also applies when it comes to researching New Jersey traffic ticket advice online. You might even be surprised – maybe your U-turn wasn’t even illegal!
Internet searching Can Lead to Difficulties
Receiving a traffic ticket can be stressful. If you decide to plead guilty, decline court, and pay your ticket online or through the mail, you will pay the maximum fine and your insurance rates will likely go up. The ticket will also go on your driving record.
If you decide to contest the ticket and conduct online research, it will probably be difficult to figure out by yourself which traffic tickets you can beat in traffic court and which ones you can’t.
Part of the problem is that not all websites and online videos have the most up-to-date, accurate information about traffic ticket laws in New Jersey.
For example, you might come across a webpage on moving violations that cites an outdated statute. Or you might read a blog that tells you that the blood alcohol content (BAC) in New Jersey for a DUI is .10 percent. In fact, we can point you to websites that actually say this.
On problem. New Jersey’s DWI laws consider blood alcohol content readings above .08 percent to constitute drunk driving. Imagine your embarrassment if you try to use this as a defense – and discover the statute changed in 2004!
If you plan to go before a traffic court judge, you better know your facts. And since the law is always changing, any defense loopholes described online that may have once worked in court might now be outdated.
Also, traffic laws posted online vary from state to state. Just because someone had a traffic ticket dismissed in New York, the same defense may not apply in New Jersey. Also, many so-called legal “experts” on the internet have no legal background and don’t have proper knowledge of the technical aspects of traffic law.
The other part of the problem in conducting your own online research is that New Jersey statutes for moving violations can be complex. It would be easy for a layperson to misinterpret their legal language and meaning.
Bottom line: there is no quick fix, no one-size-fits-all defense for New Jersey traffic violations that can be grabbed off the Internet.
It’s best to hire an experienced traffic ticket attorney who can provide you with the best legal options for your situation. This is especially true if you’ve had multiple traffic tickets or are facing jail time or a loss of driving privileges. If you go to court, a lawyer can fight for a lesser charge, reduced fine, or a dismissal.
Contact an Experienced Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Researching a traffic ticket is an investment of time. Hiring an experienced traffic attorney will save you time and give you a proper defense. At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we provide legal counsel to a number of individuals facing charges in municipal court. Give us a call to see how we can help!