Most New Jersey drivers will be stopped by the police at some point in their lives and issued citations. Many people simply pay the penalties imposed without considering whether they can or should offer a defense. Traffic tickets can cause increased insurance premiums, however, and people that receive multiple citations may lose their driving privileges. As such, people should know what they can do to fight traffic tickets. If you were cited for violating a motor vehicle law, it is advisable to speak with a knowledgeable New Jersey traffic ticket defense attorney to discuss your options.  

Penalties Associated with New Jersey Traffic Tickets

The penalties associated with traffic tickets vary in severity depending on the seriousness of the underlying offense. For example, citations for reckless driving can result in a fine of up to $200 for a first-time offense, and up to $500 for a subsequent violation. In some cases, reckless driving can result in jail time as well. The fines associated with exceeding the speed limit begin at $85. They increase if when the person cited was driving well over the speed limit or in a construction zone, though.

In addition to fines and other penalties, traffic tickets often result in points being placed on a person’s license. Typically, insurance premiums increase with the number of points a person carries, and driving privileges are suspended for people with twelve or more points. 

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket

The first step in fighting a traffic ticket is to enter a not guilty plea. Generally, traffic citations including information regarding how to enter a plea, and in some instances, set a date for when the hearing associated with the citation will be held. Hearings are usually conducted in the town or city where the ticket was issued. 

As in criminal cases, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person who received the ticket is committed the act in question. In other words, if an officer cited a person with a speeding ticket for driving 25 miles over the speed limit, the State demonstrates that the evidence establishes the person’s guilt. A such, anything that calls the reliability of the State’s evidence into question can help to avoid a guilty verdict. For example, if the radar gun the officer used to determine the person’s speed was not properly maintained, calibrated, or inspected, the results obtained from the gun may be unreliable. 

In many cases, an experienced attorney will know how to obtain the information needed to defend a person who was issued a traffic ticket. Even if the evidence against the person is compelling, attorneys can often convince the prosecutor to seek lesser penalties. 

Speak to a Capable Traffic Ticket Attorney

People cited for motor vehicle violations often view them as minor annoyances, but traffic tickets can result in significant fines and increased insurance costs.  If you received a traffic citation, you should speak to an attorney regarding what defenses you may be able to set forth to avoid penalties. The capable New Jersey traffic violation defense attorneys of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall possess the skills and experience needed to help you seek the best outcome possible under the facts of your case, and if you hire us, we will work diligently on your behalf. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.