More than 6 million driver's licenses were issued in New Jersey in 2015, with drivers traveling more than 75 million miles, according to the Federal Highway Administration. With so many people sharing the road on so many trips, it’s not surprising that traffic violations are common. Many individuals find themselves facing a wide range of infractions, from speeding tickets to DUI charges.
While it may be easy to dismiss a traffic violation as a minor offense, this is not the case. These charges can carry severe consequences, and many drivers do not fully understand their rights. After a traffic charge, what will happen? Can't you just pay the ticket? Should you? Will you have to appear in court? How much will it cost? At my firm, the Law Office of Charles E. Tempio, I am here to help New Jersey drivers get informed and face these charges with confidence. Committed to attentive service and tenacious representation, I'm a dedicated advocate who can help drivers obtain the best possible legal outcome.
Types of Traffic Charges This Wayne Attorney Handles
There is a wide range of traffic violations that can propel a driver into municipal court in New Jersey. I have helped many people successfully address these charges, and I can help you understand your rights and work with you through the legal process if you are facing charges related to:
- Speeding
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving without a license
While some of these violations may seem somewhat trivial, the consequences associated with these infractions can have a significant impact on your daily life. Restrictions on your driving or the loss of driving privileges entirely can affect your employment, your daily activities, your family, and much more.
Consequences of New Jersey Traffic Violations
The state of New Jersey considers driving a privilege, not a right. They will impose a variety of consequences on drivers for a wide range of offenses. While it can be possible in some cases to pay a ticket and move forward, this is not always the case. Additionally, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences of a traffic violation conviction, which can include:
- Fines. Traffic tickets for speeding, improper passing, failure to stop, and other infractions are typically accompanied by fines, which range in amount according to the severity of the violation.
- Points. Driving behavior is monitored through a points system, in which a driver accumulates points for different violations and is penalized when enough points are accrued.
- Surcharge. When a driver has accumulated six points in three years or convicted of DUI or driving on a suspended license, he may be forced to pay an annual surcharge. This can range from $150 for simple infractions to $4,500 for more serious offenses.
- License Suspension. It is possible to lose driving privileges with a license suspension, either from one serious violation or the accrual of 12 or more points. The length of the suspension can depend on the severity of the offense and driving record.
- Driving Class. The state offers courses that can be used to deduct points from a license. In some cases, drivers can elect to pay for and take these classes on their own, while other drivers may be required to complete a course as a traffic violation consequence.
- Jail Time. In some serious cases, traffic violations result in jail time.
- Increased Insurance Rates. As a driver accumulates violations and points to his driver’s license, auto insurance companies may raise the price to insure a vehicle. Auto insurance is mandatory in New Jersey, and failure to maintain a policy is met with legal consequences.
- Immigration Issues. For non-citizens, traffic violations can have serious implications for legal status in the U.S. Immigration officials can issue a change in status or deport individuals who fail to comply with traffic law.
Reach out to me to more fully understand your charges and your legal options. Protect your rights and your driving privileges by calling my Wayne office today, or taking a moment to fill out the online contact form on this page.
Our Wayne, NJ, Traffic Violation Attorney Can Help in Municipal Court
We all make mistakes behind the wheel. Whether we are running late, distracted, or make an error in judgment, it’s not difficult to find yourself facing a traffic violation in municipal court. At those times, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Do you need an attorney? What are your options? My office is here to help individuals in New Jersey get the information they need to make the best choices for their future. We work hard to provide attentive, effective representation to help every client obtain the best possible outcome.
If you are facing a traffic violation in New Jersey, contact me to learn more about how he may be able to help. Call my Wayne office or fill out the contact form on this page to get in touch.
