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Traffic Ticket Attorney New Jersey

Traffic Ticket Attorney New Jersey

When a police officer has charged you with reckless driving, one of the best things you can do in this situation is to get legal help to represent you in court. Instead of fighting on your own, let the lawyers from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. fight for you on your behalf. We know how the court system works, and we will guide you through developing an appropriate defense, examining the police officer’s charge in detail, and working hard to get your charge reduced or dropped. Do not try to face this battle on your own. A reckless driving charge can be incredibly overwhelming, and it can be tough to beat. Instead, rely on the caring and aggressive attorneys from our firm to represent you. Your future is important, and the attorneys at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. will work hard to keep your future wide open.

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If You Are Pulled Over, Remember the Following

Our traffic ticket attorney New Jersey residents recommend understands that receiving a ticket for a traffic infraction can be annoying. Many are left wondering whether they should fight the ticket in court or pay the fine and put the whole experience behind them. However, as our team at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. shares, it may make sense to fight your ticket with the assistance of a professional. If you face the potential consequences of a ticket, know that there can be a range of possibilities depending on your past driving record. Our team can assist in understanding the options that are available to you. It comes as no surprise that being pulled over by police can be nerve-wracking in this day and age. Keep the following in mind to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. 

When Pulled Over, Try to Remain Calm

Whether you’ve done anything wrong or not, being pulled over by law enforcement can fry your nerves. You may be feeling anxious and nervous over what you can expect from the interaction you are about to have. Try to remain as calm and rational as possible, and be sure to keep your hands on the steering wheel. It’s best not to reach for anything until they ask for your credentials. Law enforcement should be able to communicate with you regarding the reasons for being pulled over. To ensure that things go smoothly, follow directions provided by law enforcement. 

Determine How You Will Proceed

Depending upon the type of infraction or charge you are facing, it will be essential to sort out how you will manage the next steps expected of you. Will you pay for the traffic ticket without question? Or- will you choose to fight the ticket with the help of our New Jersey traffic ticket attorney? This will largely depend upon your side of the story, your previous driving record, and the possible consequences you could be facing. If the effects are substantial, it may be in your best interest to speak with our team about the services we provide. 

Understand the Possible Outcomes

It may appear more effortless for some individuals to take the path of least resistance by paying the fine. However, know that this may not be the case. While paying the fine may appear to be more effective in managing the situation, having an understanding of the outcomes you face should you essentially admit wrongdoing by paying the fine will be necessary. For example, you could receive points on your license, impacting your insurance rates and even your ability to maintain your license. 

Traffic Violations Are Not Criminal

When one is ticketed for a standard traffic violation such as running a stop sign, it is not a crime, despite the terminology often used that can sound as if it would be. Traffic violations of this nature are civil infractions, which may carry fines or points on one’s driving record, but there are no jail sentences handed down for these infractions. Since they are not crimes, they can generally not be expunged or erased if they are admitted (and their fines are paid). If a person is ticketed for a traffic violation, it can usually be handled in traffic court, with the assistance of a traffic ticket attorney New Jersey drivers count on.

This does not, however, mean that traffic violations should be treated lightly. Enough points on one’s driver’s license can cause the suspension or revocation of one’s license, after which it is a decidedly uphill battle to have it reinstated. The entire purpose of traffic violations is to warn the public about behaviors they may not believe to be dangerous and to punish appropriately when the behavior does not cease.

Criminal Offenses

Other infractions, such as leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, drag racing, or fleeing/eluding the police, are far more severe. While related to traffic infractions, these offenses are classified as criminal because of the potential to harm others and cause significant property damage. These offenses generally carry anywhere from a few months to years in jail, along with fines in the thousands of dollars. While some protest the over-application of jail time, ostensibly to the exclusion of all else, judges do have the discretion to impose a lesser sentence if they believe it will be sufficient.

Be advised, however, that the law is constantly changing, and sometimes a crime may be a crime that the public is largely unaware of. For example, if a person is pulled over doing 40 mph over the speed limit, this used to be a petty offense – but many states have changed it to a criminal offense called aggravated speeding. While receiving jail time for this is quite rare, it is a possibility, with up to 364 days in jail available as a misdemeanor. Having a traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey on one’s side who is knowledgeable about traffic laws can prove to be exceptionally helpful.

If you are concerned about a reckless driving ticket and would like to speak with an attorney about your charges, trust the lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. today to handle your case. We care about your future.

New Jersey Traffic Ticket Infographic

reckless infographic

Five Reckless Driving Behaviors You Need To Know

Many people do not know that reckless driving can lead to time behind bars. In New Jersey, reckless driving is considered a crime with jail time of 60 days with a fine of up to $200 for the first offense alone. Subsequent offenses can go up to three months of imprisonment and a $500 fine. Fighting a reckless driving charge in court can be difficult without legal representation, which is why you should trust a reliable traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. to help with your fight.

What constitutes reckless driving is not always obvious. We know about things such as driving under the influence and driving 20 mph over the speed limit. But, here are five things that motorists may be unaware of regarding reckless behavior.

Distractions

Actions like putting on makeup, eating, or drinking are forms of reckless behavior; even holding a conversation with someone in your car can temporarily take your eyes off the road and can be considered reckless driving should you have an accident. So, the next time you are running short on time, you may want to wait until you reach your destination before taking a bite of food or putting on makeup.

Adjusting Your Car Settings

Your husband or teenager drove your car the night before and adjusted the driver’s seat. You head to the office, but you decide to adjust your car seat midway down the road while driving. This could be considered reckless driving.

Road Rage

Tailgating, attempting to overtake another car, or making threats to another motorist can be considered a form of aggressive or reckless behavior. If you have been accused of such acts, contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. to help you settle the matter.

Donuts

Spinning donuts and drag racing are popular among teenagers. This activity is considered by law enforcement as reckless driving.

Obstructed View

Say you have had a fun day out shopping, and your vehicle is loaded with bags up the roof of your car, your rearview will be obstructed. This can be considered reckless should you get into an accident. Likewise, having too many people piled up in one car can also be hazardous.

New Jersey traffic laws do not clearly define all forms of reckless driving, and it is left up to law enforcement to determine if the motorist exhibited reckless behavior. Therefore, a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. can help in your battle should you require legal representation.

New Jersey Traffic Ticket Law Statistics

One of the most common reasons why drivers get traffic tickets is speeding. According to an analysis conducted by Forbes Advisor, a speeding ticket can cause your insurance rates to increase by just under 25 percent. In dollar amounts, that can mean a spike of almost $400 annually. And depending on what other violations you may have on your driving record, it can be a few years before your premiums are lowered.

4 Reasons Why You Should Fight Traffic Tickets

1. Fines Are More Expensive Than You May Think

Some people wonder if fighting a speeding ticket is worth it. You may be surprised by how expensive tickets in New Jersey can be depending on the circumstances of the traffic violation. Sometimes, fines can set you back over $1,000! Working with an experienced traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey can end up saving you a lot of money, not to mention the benefits from not having the ticket show up on your record.

2. Gaining Points on Your License Is Serious

Agreeing to pay a ticket is basically the same as pleading guilty to the charge. This results in having the violation on your driving record for 3–7 years. Speeding tickets usually also come with a two-point penalty for your driver’s license. If you accumulate too many points on your license, you can lose it. Traffic violations such as reckless driving can add six points or more.

At Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., we’ve helped many drivers keep points off their driver’s licenses completely. Winning your case gets rid of these points from your driving record.

3. Traffic Tickets Make Your Insurance Rates Spike

Fines related to speeding tickets aren’t the only costs you need to worry about. Even seemingly minor traffic tickets can cause your insurance premiums to go through the roof. You lose your discount for being a good driver, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to your insurance costs. It’s better to keep these traffic violations off your driving record with the help of a traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey.

4. A Suspended License Affects Your Entire Life

Certain serious traffic violations can result in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license. This can be temporary or for a longer period. This can happen in cases of driving without insurance, reckless driving, DWI charges, or hit-and-run charges where injuries happened. At Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., we want to help you avoid these problems because we know how hard it can be on your life after a conviction.

Losing your license can make it practically impossible to get to work, potentially causing you to lose your job. Not having a driver’s license affects your relationship with your kids, your spouse, and your friends. Even simple things such as buying groceries can become major hurdles. The way to avoid this situation is to get the assistance of a trustworthy traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey to fight for you.

New Jersey Traffic Ticket Law FAQs

What is reckless driving?

When police officer charges you with reckless driving, they do so because they believe that you were dangerously operating your vehicle either to your—or someone else’s—life, limb, or property. While the exact definition will vary state by state, a police officer can charge you with reckless driving if you were excessively speeding or if you got into an accident that caused damage to someone else physically or their property.

Is a reckless ticket the same as a speeding ticket?

A reckless driving ticket is not the same as a speeding ticket, and you should take it very seriously. Unlike a speeding ticket, if a judge convicts you of reckless driving, you could be facing either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. This means you will have a criminal record.

My ticket says “general reckless.” What does that mean?

A general reckless ticket is one of the most common ways a police officer will charge a reckless driving ticket when there was an accident, even if no one was injured. Thus, when a police officer shows up at the scene of an accident (whether they were driving by or whether someone called them), they will typically charge someone for it. It is important to note that the police officer likely did not witness the incident in this type of accident.

Do I need to show up to court for a reckless driving charge?

The short answer is yes; you typically have to show up to court when you face a reckless driving ticket because it is a criminal charge. That said, there are a few circumstances where a court will allow your attorney to show up on your behalf. If this is your case, we can discuss your options with the court to see if you must be there. 

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?

If you are found guilty of reckless driving in New Jersey, you may receive five points on your driver’s license. You may also receive up to 60 days in jail and a fine between $50 and $200. If the judge decides you are a road hazard, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 90 days. If you get convicted a second time, you may go to jail for up to three months and pay a fine between $100 and $500. Additionally, your license could be suspended for up to six months. If you are facing reckless driving charges, an attorney at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. may be able to help.

What Is the Difference Between Reckless Driving and Careless Driving?

The main differences between reckless and careless driving are the severity of the infraction and the knowledge and intent of the driver. Careless driving is not as serious as reckless driving. Careless drivers may be negligent, but they may not be aware that their driving behavior could result in harm. By contrast, reckless drivers know their actions could result in harm, but they drive recklessly anyway. 

Careless driving carries less severe penalties than reckless driving. You may get two points on your license and a fine of $85 for careless driving. However, if you have a bad driving record, the judge may impose more severe penalties, such as jail time or a license suspension. If you have been charged with careless driving, you may want to talk to an attorney at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.

Is Unsafe Driving Different From Reckless and Careless Driving?

Unsafe driving is a less serious offense than careless or reckless driving and carries less severe penalties. Some drivers can get a careless driving charge reduced to unsafe driving. A traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey may be able to help you negotiate lesser charges.

What Are the Defenses for Reckless Driving?

A traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey may be able to help you get a reckless driving charge reduced or dismissed if you can prevent the prosecution from proving that your actions were a danger to others and that you were acting with a willful disregard for other people’s safety. 

What legal services can a traffic ticket attorney provide for me? 

Traffic ticket attorneys can provide you with various legal services. They can assess your case and give you an in-depth consultation so that you can better understand the facts of your situation and understand your legal rights. You can depend on them to carefully review the facts of your case and give you effective legal counsel. The lawyer can review your paperwork and explain the law to you, and how they apply to your case. They will be there to support you at every stage of the process. 

What counts as reckless driving? 

The term reckless driving refers to driving that endangers yourself and others around you, exhibiting a wanton disregard for people’s safety and property. Intent is key in a reckless driving charge. If the driver knows that the way that they are driving can inflict harm upon others, then they are driving recklessly, opposed to carelessly. Examples of reckless driving include weaving in and out of lanes at unsafe speeds and racing other vehicles on a freeway. 

Will my insurance rate go up?

A traffic ticket not only can result in hefty fines and possible jail time, but it can also affect your insurance rate. A bad driving record can result in higher insurance costs, so this is another reason to be mindful of your driving so that you can avoid even more unnecessary expenses. Many insurance companies increase the rate if a driver has violations on their record. Contact a trusted and qualified traffic attorney to learn more about other possible consequences a ticket can cause. 

Can I have my charge reduced or dropped? 

Fighting your traffic charges is easier with the help of a skilled and experienced traffic ticket attorney. They will examine your case and develop legal strategies to have your charge reduced. A traffic ticket attorney will examine the police report and come up with a persuasive argument so that you can have your charge classified to a less severe violation. If possible, they will see if they can have the charge dropped. It takes an especially skillful attorney to effectively fight traffic tickets and reckless driving charges. To obtain quality legal assistance, schedule a risk-free consultation with a trusted traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey like one at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. to discuss your situation. 

Can I Lose My License Because of Reckless Driving?

The law doesn’t specifically instruct judges to suspend or revoke licenses because of reckless driving. However, the judge can do either thing. A traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey may be able to help you keep your license.

Are Criminal Traffic Charges Serious?

A traffic violation is an offense for which one is usually ticketed, or in some circumstances, asked to appear before the relevant traffic court before being assessed a fine or community service time. However, there exists another category of traffic-related offenses, and in these cases, actual criminal charges may be assessed. It is critical to understand the difference, lest one underestimate or misunderstand the potential consequences of a conviction. A traffic ticket attorney New Jersey residents trust can answer your specific questions. In the meantime, the following is an overview of traffic violation charges.

Seek Legal Help from a New Jersey Traffic Ticket Attorney

Traffic violations are not a joke, and criminal traffic offenses can be severe, costing those charged with their time, money, and considerable peace of mind. Our team of professionals is well-versed in this tricky, ever-evolving area of law and is available to assist. Contact our office today to see how we can help.

Is a reckless driving charge serious?

Our team from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. can help you if you have been charged with reckless driving. Reckless driving is considered a criminal offense in most states rather than a traffic or moving violation. This means that when a person drives at a speed or in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person, he or she could be charged with reckless driving. Although there are actions that constitute reckless driving, it will be up to the police officer to decide whether they will cite you.

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you should consider consulting a traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey for legal guidance. Reckless driving charges are not taken lightly, as a conviction can impact your life for many years. To speak with a traffic ticket attorney New Jersey motorists turn to, call us today.

Isn’t reckless driving the same as speeding?

Every state has its definition of speeding; this also pertains to any potential consequences. Speeding is a traffic infraction, whereas reckless driving is a criminal offense. For example, if you drive 15 mph over the speed limit, you may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. By contrast, reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor criminal offense. The notable difference between the two is that the latter may come with a permanent, public criminal record and jail time. This is why it is essential to hire a traffic ticket attorney New Jersey residents to choose from our firm. We may be able to assist with avoiding these serious consequences.

Behaviors or actions that constitute reckless driving may include:

  • Driving a vehicle despite knowing it has faulty brakes
  • Driving an overloaded vehicle
  • Driving a vehicle that obstructs controls or views
  • Driving beside a vehicle in one lane
  • Failing to signal
  • Driving too fast for current conditions
  • Driving over 20 mph above the posted speed limit
  • Failing to stop or yield the right of way
  • Driving to intimidate
  • Endangering a person or property on a road, parking lot, sidewalk, or public area
  • Racing
  • Burning tires
  • Illegal passing such as passing two vehicles at once or at a railroad crossing
  • Not stopping for a school bus

The above list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive case evaluation and to learn more about reckless driving, please call Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. at (908) 353-0800 and request a free consultation with a New Jersey traffic ticket attorney.

Benefits of Working with Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.

For nearly two decades, our reckless driving lawyers have helped people fight traffic charges. We are confident in our ability to defend every type of reckless driving case adequately. When you work with us, we may:

  • Examine your arrest record and circumstances to look for violations or defects
  • Analyze any legal documents
  • Review whether or not you were properly charged
  • Review the procedures that law enforcement used during your ticketing or arrest
  • Determine what defenses could be used
  • Assess whether or not there are any opportunities for a dismissal
  • Go over your legal rights and options
  • Negotiate with the prosecutor or judge
  • Prepare your case to go to trial
  • Aggressively fight for you

When You Need a Traffic Ticket Attorney New Jersey Drivers Trust

To schedule a consultation with a traffic ticket attorney New Jersey offers, contact Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. today for a free initial consultation.

New Jersey Traffic Ticket Statistics

In the United States, there are over 41 million traffic tickets are issued each year. This is equal to about 125,000 tickets per day. The most common traffic violations include:

  • Speeding
  • Driving without a license
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt

    • Rispoli & Borneo P.C. New Jersey Traffic Ticket Attorney


    Allow Our Team to Assist You

    It comes as no surprise that there is a cost associated with hiring a lawyer to represent you. Know that in many cases, their services for this type of representation can be relatively affordable, especially when considering the possible ramifications. Our team can help by:

    • Getting the ticket dismissed
    • Reducing the consequences associated with the ticket
    • Applying our knowledge and experience to your case
    • Protecting your rights throughout each step of the process

    Still unsure? It’s best to start by meeting with a member of our team. We can help by understanding your situation, providing our recommendations, and offering you a clear idea of the cost associated with our services. Please don’t put yourself at risk for potential consequences that could have been mitigated by our team from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.. Learn more by contacting our New Jersey area traffic ticket attorney today!

    Failing to pay attention to traffic laws on the road can result in major consequences, as a traffic ticket attorney can tell you. Speeding and other traffic violations should not be taken lightly, as they are still serious charges. You can have your license suspended or you could even be handed prison time. If you want to avoid these types of penalties it is strongly recommended that you talk to a qualified lawyer who can defend you. A lawyer can help prepare a defense for you so that you do not have to suffer the worst consequences. The experienced team at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. has been helping people fight their traffic tickets for years and has built a strong record of achieving excellent case outcomes.  

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