Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Atlantic County, New Jersey don’t just understand traffic laws; they’re deeply familiar with how they apply to individuals in the local area. They know the speed limits, traffic signals, and enforcement habits in areas like Atlantic City and Galloway, especially in school zones. These lawyers know the tactics of law enforcement and prosecutors, allowing them to negotiate more effectively for reduced fines or points. They skillfully present your case to local judges, offering targeted defense strategies. If you’re facing a traffic ticket, reach out to Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers. We’re here to help you fight your ticket and work towards the best possible outcome. Contact Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers by calling (855) 966-4931 or contacting us online for a consultation.
What is a Traffic Offense?
In New Jersey, traffic offenses range from minor infractions to serious criminal violations, each with its own set of penalties and consequences. A traffic infraction is a minor violation, such as speeding or running a red light. These are not considered criminal offenses and typically result in a fine, but no jail time. However, accumulating infractions can lead to more severe penalties, including points on your license and higher insurance rates.
A disorderly persons traffic offense is more serious than an infraction. It includes actions like careless driving or damaging a traffic sign. These misdemeanors can lead to fines, points on your license, and up to 12 months in jail. They are handled in Municipal Courts, and if you ignore these tickets, you could be arrested.
The most serious traffic offenses are indictable offenses, equivalent to felonies in other states. These include grave violations like vehicular homicide or driving while suspended due to a DUI conviction. Indictable offenses carry stiff penalties, including large fines, long-term license suspension, and prison time. They are tried in Superior Court, and if convicted, these offenses become part of your criminal record, affecting employment and more.
Hotspots for Traffic Offenses in Atlantic County
- Atlantic City Expressway: A major toll road providing a direct route to Atlantic City, often busy with travelers.
- Garden State Parkway: Running north to south, it connects several key communities in Atlantic County prone to high traffic volumes.
- U.S. Route 9: A long north-south route that traverses through various parts of Atlantic County including both urban and rural areas.
- U.S. Route 30 (White Horse Pike): An important east-west artery leading into Atlantic City, known for its commercial stretches and traffic congestion.
- U.S. Route 40 (Harding Highway): Running parallel to Route 30 in parts, it serves as a critical connector to many towns and cities.
- U.S. Route 206: Another north-south route that passes through the northern part of the County linking to several municipalities.
- New Jersey Route 50: Connecting to U.S. Route 9, it moves through the county’s eastern portion, serving local traffic.
- New Jersey Route 54: Feeds into Hammonton, connecting with several major roads and known for its local traffic.
- New Jersey Route 87: Primarily serving as an access road to Brigantine, it experiences seasonal traffic spikes.
- New Jersey Route 152: A short state highway linking to the Margate City area, known for local commutes.
- New Jersey Route 167: A small, less known state highway that plays a role in local traffic patterns.
These roads are essential for navigating Atlantic County but also represent areas where traffic offenses are more likely to occur due to higher traffic volumes, intersections, and varying speed limits.
Common Offenses in Atlantic County
In Atlantic County facing a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience, especially with the busy roads and strict traffic laws. At Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers, we understand this pressure and are here to assist you. Whether you’re driving through the main streets of Atlantic City or the quieter roads in smaller towns, we’ve got you covered.
Speeding tickets are a frequent issue for drivers in Atlantic County. These tickets not only affect your driving record but also lead to hefty fines and increased insurance rates. We use our knowledge of local traffic laws to challenge the evidence against you, aiming to reduce or even dismiss your speeding ticket. We examine the circumstances of your ticket, such as the accuracy of the speed measurement and the signage visibility, to build a strong defense.
Other offenses include running red lights, running stop signs, and illegal U-turns, particularly in urban areas where traffic controls are dense. We help by questioning the clarity of traffic signals at the time of the alleged offense or by presenting evidence that may justify the action, such as emergency situations. Our goal is to ensure that your side of the story is heard and considered fairly.
For drivers cited for distracted driving, such as using a phone while driving, we offer strategies to challenge these citations. We understand that proving distraction can be complex, and we work to highlight any inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the officer’s observations.
Additionally, we assist with more severe charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or without a valid license. These offenses carry significant penalties and require a strong defense. We guide you through the legal process, from gathering evidence to support your case to representing you in court, to protecting your rights and aiming for the best possible outcome.
At Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers, we believe in personalized support. Every traffic ticket case in Atlantic County is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit your specific situation.
Courts in Atlantic County
In Atlantic County, Municipal Courts primarily handle minor traffic violations. These violations include but are not limited to speeding, running a red light, failure to stop at a stop sign, improper passing, and driving without insurance. Municipal Courts are the first level of court in the New Jersey court system and deal with cases where the potential penalty does not exceed a certain level of seriousness. For most traffic offenses, this means that if the offense does not involve a serious injury or fatality, it will likely be handled at the Municipal Court level. Below is a list of Municipal Courts in Atlantic County:
- Absecon City Municipal Court
- Atlantic City Municipal Court
- Brigantine City Municipal Court
- Buena Borough Municipal Court
- Buena Vista Township Municipal Court
- Egg Harbor City Municipal Court
- Folsom Borough Municipal Court
- Hammonton Town Municipal Court
- Longport Borough Municipal Court
- Margate City Municipal Court
- Mullica Township Municipal Court
- Pleasantville City Municipal Court
- Somers Point City Municipal Court
- Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County (Corbin City, Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor, Galloway Township, Hamilton Township, Linwood, Northfield, Port Republic, Ventnor, Weymouth Township)
The Superior Courts in Atlantic County deal with more serious offenses, including those traffic violations that could be considered criminal offenses. This includes cases such as assault by auto, reckless driving that results in serious injury or death, and vehicular homicide. The Superior Courts have more authority than Municipal Courts and handle matters that require more severe penalties, including state prison sentences. In Atlantic County, there is one Superior Court, which handles all serious criminal matters, including the more severe traffic violations as previously mentioned. The Superior Court in Atlantic County is located in the Atlantic County Civil Courthouse. It is part of the Vicinage 1 of the New Jersey Superior Court system, which serves Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
Police Departments in Atlantic County
- Atlantic County Sherrif’s Office
- Atlantic City Police Department
- Ventnor City Police Department
- Brigantine Police Department
- Margate City Police Department
- Longport Police Department
- Pleasantville Police Department
- Absecon Police Department
- Egg Harbor Township Police Department
- Galloway Township Police Department
- Hamilton Township Police Department
Fighting a Traffic Ticket in Atlantic County
If you receive a traffic ticket in Atlantic County and decide to contest it, the process begins with notifying the court. This is your plea of not guilty. You need to do this before the date listed on your ticket. After you plead not guilty, the court will schedule your initial hearing, often called a pre-trial conference.
At this hearing, you’ll have the chance to speak with the prosecutor. You can discuss the details of your case and any evidence you might have that supports your defense. It’s a good opportunity to negotiate, and you might be offered a deal to reduce your charges or penalties.
If you and the prosecutor can’t reach an agreement, or if you choose not to accept the offer, your case will go to trial. During the trial, both you and the prosecutor will present your evidence and arguments. This is where having a lawyer can really benefit you. A lawyer familiar with the local legal system and traffic laws in New Jersey can help present your case in the best light.
The possible outcomes of a trial include being found not guilty, which means your ticket gets dismissed, or guilty, where you might have to pay fines, face points on your license, or other penalties. In some cases, the court might offer alternatives like traffic school to help reduce or eliminate points from your license.
Fighting a traffic ticket in Atlantic County can seem daunting, but understanding the process makes it less so. Whether negotiating with the prosecutor or going to trial, knowing what to expect at each step allows you to prepare effectively. And remember, having an experienced traffic lawyer by your side can impact the outcome.
Questions and Answers About Atlantic County Traffic Violations
What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Atlantic County?
Contact the court listed on your ticket to plead guilty and pay your fine, or plead not guilty and prepare to contest it.
Can I contest a traffic ticket without going to court?
In some cases, you must appear in court if you wish to contest your ticket, unless the court allows for a virtual appearance.
What are the consequences of a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
Consequences can include fines, points on your license, insurance rate increases, and possibly driver’s license suspension.
How can I pay my traffic ticket?
Tickets can be paid online, by mail, or in person at the issuing court.
Is traffic school an option for me?
Traffic school may be an option to reduce points on your license, depending on the court’s decision.
What happens if I do nothing about my traffic ticket?
Ignoring a ticket can lead to a warrant for your arrest and suspension of your driver’s license.
Can a lawyer really help with a traffic ticket?
Yes, a lawyer can negotiate to reduce charges, dismiss the ticket, or represent you in court.
How many points until my license is suspended in New Jersey?
Your license can be suspended after accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record.
What’s the difference between pleading guilty and not guilty?
Pleading guilty means you accept the charges and penalties. Not guilty means you wish to contest the charges in court.
Can I reduce the number of points on my driving record?
Yes, through traffic school, or over time with no new violations, points can be reduced.
We Serve the Following Cities in Atlantic County
- Hamilton Township
- Atlantic City
- Galloway Township
- Egg Harbor City
- Pleasantville
- Hammonton
- Somers Point
- Ventnor City
- Brigantine
- Margate City
- Absecon
- Northfield
- Linwood
- Buena
- Folsom
- Egg Harbor City
- Estell Manor
- Corbin City
- Port Republic
- Longport
Reach Out to Atlantic County Traffic Ticket Lawyers
Facing a traffic ticket in Atlantic County? Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers brings over 200 years of collective experience in fighting traffic violations just like yours. Our team has a deep understanding of local courts and has worked on both sides of traffic law. Don’t let a traffic ticket disrupt your life. Get in touch with Marshall Traffic Ticket Lawyers by calling (855) 966-4931 or contacting us online for a consultation.