Freehold Traffic Violations Lawyer
A speeding ticket or other traffic violation can be more than an inconvenience. It can lead to a hefty fine, the loss of your driver’s license and even a jail sentence. Instead of pleading guilty to traffic offenses and accepting the penalties for traffic tickets, drivers in New Jersey can call upon a traffic violations attorney to represent them.
At our firm, The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger, we understand the impact that traffic violations can have on your life and future. Our attorneys work diligently to resolve charges with minimal impact on your driving record, insurance premiums and personal life. You might have better options than simply paying the ticket or pleading guilty. We will advise you on how to address the charge to limit the damage to your driving privileges and financial stability.
Understanding New Jersey Traffic Laws
New Jersey has specific laws governing traffic violations, which can vary significantly from other states. Our lawyers are well-versed in these regulations, including those outlined in New Jersey Statutes Title 39 for Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation. For detailed information on traffic orders and regulations, you can refer to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Traffic Regulation Orders page.
The following is a list of common traffic violations and the penalties they carry.
Common Traffic Violations And Their Consequences
- Speeding tickets: Exceeding posted speed limits can result in fines, points on your license and increased insurance rates. For instance, driving 15–29 mph over the limit can add 4 points to your license.
- DWI and drinking while driving: New Jersey takes a strict stance on drunk driving. First-time offenders may face license suspension, fines and potential jail time. Our DWI attorneys can help defend you in court against these serious charges.
- Reckless/careless driving: This charge often results from aggressive driving behaviors. It can lead to significant fines, license suspensions and even imprisonment in severe cases.
- Driving without a license: Operating a vehicle without a valid license can result in fines and potential jail time, especially for repeat offenders.
- Driving without insurance: New Jersey law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. Violations can lead to fines, license suspensions and community service requirements.
- Driving with drugs or a gun in your vehicle: These serious offenses can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines, license suspensions and potential criminal charges.
As experienced traffic violation lawyers, we at The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger have successfully represented clients facing various traffic infractions. Whether you’re dealing with a simple speeding ticket or more complex charges like careless driving in New Jersey, our attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and pursue effective strategies for a positive outcome.
If you’ve received a New Jersey traffic citation or are facing charges at the Division of Motor Vehicles in Freehold, New Jersey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of skilled attorneys for traffic tickets is ready to assist you in protecting your driving privileges and minimizing the impact of traffic violations on your life.
How Technology Can Be Used In Determining Speeding Tickets
Technology can do many things, but sometimes technology, such as that used in speed-measuring laser guns or improper maintenance or use of such tools, can lead to false readings. For example, a roadside DWI breath test device must be properly calibrated before each use, or it could produce an inflated reading that leads to an unjust arrest. Similarly, the radar guns police use to establish a reasonable suspicion that a driver is speeding must also be regularly calibrated to produce accurate measurements.
Technology can also help you. If your speedometer was broken and you did not realize it, and it appeared to show you traveling at the legal limit, that could show a lack of intent to speed. If you have a dashcam, its footage could help exonerate you.
At The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger, we are focused on success. We use the law to help our clients keep their driver’s licenses and stay on the road.
Focused On Helping You Fight The Charge
When we represent clients charged with traffic violations, we have four objectives. We work to:
- Save your driver’s license
- Reduce the points applied to your license
- Keep your fines at a minimum
- Keep you out of jail
We will listen to your side of the story and carefully examine the evidence. Combined with our formidable knowledge of New Jersey traffic laws and how state troopers and local police operate, we will build a strategy on your behalf. For example, intent is an element of many moving offenses. This means the prosecutor must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you meant to commit the violation. Depending on the facts of your case, we could be able to create doubts about your intent.
We might also challenge the validity of the traffic stop. Legally, the officer needed to have a reasonable suspicion that you were breaking the law before they could pull you over. Lack of reasonable suspicion can make the evidence the officer gathered during the stop inadmissible in court and ruin the prosecutor’s case against you.
For traffic ticket defense matters, call the Freehold speeding ticket lawyers at The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger. When representing a client in a traffic matter, we look at all the ways by which we might overcome the charge or mitigate the penalties.
Reducing MVC Points In New Jersey
Pleading guilty or being convicted of a traffic violation will add points to your license. 12 points on your record means an automatic driver’s license suspension. Even having fewer points can result in an expensive surcharge, higher premiums on your auto insurance and larger fines for future violations. There are ways to get points taken off your license, such as remaining violation-free for one year and taking a defensive driver course.
The number of points you get for a violation depends on what you are convicted of. For example, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries two points. Passing in a no-passing zone will put four points on your license. And driving 30 mph or more over the limit is worth five points.
If the MVC has suspended your license, you might still have a chance to get your driving privileges back. Our Freehold traffic ticket attorneys can work to restore some or all of your privileges or reduce the suspension period. Time is limited to take action after a license suspension, so you should contact us as soon as possible after receiving notice from the MVC.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Traffic Violations
If you’re facing traffic violations, you probably have a lot of questions. Is there a way to fight a ticket? What are the fines? We can help you answer these common questions so you feel less confused and overwhelmed by this stressful situation. If the following FAQ still doesn’t address your concerns, please reach out to us via email or by calling 732-702-0333 to further discuss your case.
How do I fight a reckless driving ticket?
Reckless driving includes behaviors such as excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals or signs. If you’ve received a ticket for reckless driving in New Jersey, you may face penalties such as up to 60 days in jail, hefty fines and five points on your driver’s license.
To fight a reckless driving ticket, you need a skilled traffic violations attorney who can build a strong defense. An attorney can question whether you were appropriately charged or if the police can properly identify that anyone was endangered by your driving. They can help you gather evidence such as witness statements, video footage and other evidence to fight your case, such as missing traffic signs or unidentified speed limit changes.
What happens if I miss the deadline to pay a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you generally have up to 30 days to pay a ticket. It’s important to make this payment on time if you’re not willing to fight the ticket in court. If you fail to pay your ticket by the deadline, you may face serious consequences, including:
- Additional penalties or interest on your original fine
- Driver’s license suspension
- A Failure to Appear (FTA) notice will be issued, which may give you a new deadline to make your payment
- A bench warrant for your arrest may be issued if you once again fail to make your payment after the FTA notice
- Potential jail time of up to three months with a $20 fine for every day served
These penalties can have a significant impact on your life and only worsen your case. It’s crucial to take action as soon as possible after you receive a traffic ticket, whether that’s paying the fine or consulting with an attorney to help you fight the charge against you.
Do I have to go to court to fight a traffic ticket?
If you want to fight your traffic ticket, you may need to appear in court to properly dispute the charge and advocate for yourself. Your traffic ticket may include information regarding a court date or a deadline by which you must plead not guilty. Once you have pleaded not guilty, you will receive a court date notice by the court clerk. If you cannot appear in court on this date, you may be able to resolve your case through a “plea by mail” option, which allows defendants the opportunity to resolve traffic tickets without appearing in person due to specific circumstances, such as being from out of state.
Whether you resolve your case in person or through mail, you may receive a plea deal from the prosecutor, especially in cases that involve losing driver’s license points. A prosecutor may offer a lower point deduction in a plea deal. However, this does not guarantee you won’t face other consequences, such as fines or jail time.
If you accept a plea deal, you will have to appear in court before a judge. A judge is responsible for approving plea deals and setting fines. You should be prepared at this time to pay your fines and any court fees on the same day of your court appearance.
Navigating the traffic court system can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first offense. An experienced traffic violations attorney can help you make sure you don’t miss important court dates and negotiate fair plea deals on your behalf.
Contact A Freehold Speeding Ticket Lawyer For Help
For a free consultation with a New Jersey traffic violations attorney at The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger, please call our Freehold or Point Pleasant offices at 732-702-0333 or contact us online.