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Traffic Law
If you own a car and drive, you may be pulled over to the side of the road by a police officer at any time. It happens to the best of us, and you may have a defense that allows an experienced traffic lawyer to minimize or even eliminate your charges. Fighting your ticket is usually a wise idea because practically every traffic offense in New Jersey may result in license points and hefty costs. As a result, you should contact an attorney right away. When it comes to defeating your traffic charges and saving money, having the Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff on your side may make all the difference.
Many people who get traffic tickets make the mistake of thinking they should simply pay a fine and move on, only to suffer costs and other consequences they did not anticipate — and could have avoided.
Being guilty of any traffic law may subject you to a fine and court costs, driver’s license points, increased auto insurance rates, and, in some cases, loss of driving privileges and/or jail time. If you drive as part of your job duties, your ability to earn a living could be threatened as well.
Typical Traffic Law violations
You might be charged with one or more of the following driving offenses:
- Driving While Suspended
- Speeding
- Reckless Drivng
- Careless Driving
- DUI/DWI
- Equipment Violations
Conviction of a traffic offense can result in significant penalties, a suspended driver’s license (removal of driving privileges), or possibly jail time, depending on the circumstances. You have the right to a complete and fair hearing regardless of the nature of your traffic offense (moving infractions, DUI, speeding, etc.).
Driving While Suspended
When a driver is pulled over for a regular traffic stop, they are often astonished to learn that their license has been suspended. The state of New Jersey has the authority to suspend or revoke your driver’s license for a variety of reasons.
Driving with a suspended license in New Jersey or any other State is a serious offense that carries stiff penalties, including a minimum fine of $500, plus surcharges and other penalties, such as extra license suspension periods. The length of time your license is suspended or revoked varies depending on the circumstances. After your period of suspension or revocation expires, you generally have to pay a reinstatement fee and might have to meet other conditions before you’ll be able to lawfully drive again.
Speeding
Under the default laws, a person cannot drive faster than 50 miles per hour (“mph”) unless they are in a 65-mile-per-hour (“mph”) speed zone generally. Certain regions have special speed limitations laid forth in the default laws. Unless the county, state, or municipality adopts a different restriction in that region, there are baseline speed limits that apply. Speeding tickets accrue points on your driver’s license, which are tracked by insurance providers. Your premiums will be affected by the number of points you have, and this might wind up costing you a lot of money. A speeding ticket that appears to be minor might wind up costing you big bucks.
The prosecution must show that the speed restriction indicated on the sign complies with the state legislation governing speed to achieve a conviction for speeding. A skilled defense attorney can argue that the speed limit on the sign was never approved by the state, county, or municipality, which is a simple approach to fight a speeding charge. The speeding charges must be withdrawn if a skilled attorney can prove it effectively. Fighting a speeding ticket successfully requires the assistance of an expert traffic ticket defense attorney.
DUI/DWI
There are serious consequences for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Huge penalties, license suspension, community service, and even jail time may have a catastrophic impact on your personal and professional life. Not to mention the possibility of being forced to utilize an ignition interlock device.
The punishment is determined by several variables, including whether it is a first or repeats crime, prior traffic convictions, the amount of blood alcohol content (BAC) beyond the legal limit, and the circumstances surrounding the charge.
In addition to being charged with DUI, those apprehended for driving while intoxicated are frequently charged with further offenses such as:
- Driving when intoxicated with a minor as a passenger is illegal.
- DUI with an open container and injury or death caused by an automobile
- Violations of implied consent include refusing to submit to a breath test.
- Underage drinking and driving
Reckless driving
A ticket for reckless driving can be issued if you drive in a way that puts other persons at risk. This frequently entails driving at a high rate of speed. The first violation of reckless driving can result in a two-month prison sentence, a $200 fine, and a three-month license suspension. A reckless driving violation will also result in five points on your driver’s license.
Reckless driving
A ticket for reckless driving can be issued if you drive in a way that puts other persons at risk. This frequently entails driving at a high rate of speed. The first violation of reckless driving can result in a two-month prison sentence, a $200 fine, and a three-month license suspension. A reckless driving violation will also result in five points on your driver’s license.
Driving Without Insurance
In most cases, NJ state law requires all drivers to have insurance coverage of at least $15,000 for single-person injury or death, $30,000 for multiple-person injury or death, and $5,000 for property damage. Driving without insurance can result in a 14-day prison term, a $5,000 fine, and a two-year suspension of driving privileges, depending on the number of past convictions. This may affect your ability to go to and from the workplace.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
The severity of any injuries and property damage caused by the accident determines the penalty. A first offense of leaving the scene of an accident carries a six-month license suspension and the possibility of prison time. You might also face fines and penalties.
The Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff have successfully helped many clients get their traffic violation tickets reduced or dismissed. To schedule a consultation, please contact one of our law offices.