Experienced Traffic Court Lawyer

Being pulled over by the police and receiving a traffic ticket is an experience that nearly all of us can relate to.  Receiving a traffic violation does not always mean that you somehow did something wrong and is not indicative of being a bad driver. There are many situations where law enforcement purposely sets up situations that allow them to target and trap drivers into moving violations for which they can issue tickets.  Depending on the violation, a traffic ticket can come with financial consequences such as fines and an increase in insurance costs.  Depending on the driving history of the individual receiving the traffic violation, these tickets can come with a potential loss of driving privileges and even jail time.

Traffic violations can include, but are not limited to:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Failing to stop at a stop sign
• Texting while driving
• Driving without a valid driver’s license
• Driving without a vehicle registration
• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving

What should I do if I receive a traffic violation?

Even if you feel that your traffic violation is minor, it is important to know that pleading guilty or being convicted of a traffic violation will add points to your driving records.  An accumulation of points may lead to fines, a suspension of your driver’s license or even having your driver’s license revoked altogether.    

Many people feel that hiring an attorney to represent them against a traffic ticket is unnecessary.  They are under the impression that they will simply go to court, speak to the Judge, pay a fine and be on their way.  Oftentimes people are unaware of the impact a traffic violation, or multiple violations, can have on their life.  Retaining an attorney who has experience defending these violations can help those charged with a traffic violation avoid the expensive, time-consuming and frustrating ordeal involving court appearances, fines, and forms that may have a significant impact on your finances and driving privileges.

How does the point system in New Jersey work?

The type of traffic violation you are convicted of will determine how many points will be added to your driving record.  

Two points will typically be added for minor offenses such as:

• Careless driving
• Running a red light
• Failure to use a turn signal
• Speeding (1-14 miles over the limit)

Four points are usually added for offenses considered more serious.  Such as:

• Improper passing
• Speeding (15-29 miles over the limit)

Traffic violations that are considered the most serious will received five points.  These can include:

• Racing
• Tailgating
• Speeding (30 or more miles over the limit)
• Reckless driving

The most serious offense, and the one that carries the highest number of points, is leaving the scene of an accident where an individual involved was injured.  For this type of violation, you can expect to receive eight points on your driving record.

It is important to note that these points will only be added to your driving record if you are convicted of these moving violations.  This is why retaining an experienced attorney is so important.  As a former Municipal Court Judge in Union Township from 1999-2005 (Union County), I have seen and ruled over innumerable traffic violations.  This paired with over thirty years of experience fighting these types of charges, have given me a great understanding of New Jersey traffic laws and the ability to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce these charges.  A reduction of charges may result in a lowering or entirely eliminating any points that might be otherwise added to your driving record.

Do I need to retain and attorney to fight a traffic violation?

Even the most minor traffic violations can result in point added to your driving record.  These points will typically remain on your driving record for three years.  Three minor violations within a three-year period can result in six points added to your record.  Six points on your record will result in a fine issued from the DMV.  Twelve points in a three-year period will most likely result in a suspension of your driver’s license.  

Even if you have a clean driving record, your insurance rates can increase if points are added to your driving records.  Because you are required to have car insurance, insurance companies can be very strict with their rates.  Even the smallest violation and the accumulation of only two points on your license can impact the cost of your car insurance.  

An attorney who is experienced in fighting traffic violations will protect your best interests and help you to avoid these frustrating outcomes. The Law Offices of John Paragano will defend your rights and provide you with the best defense. Over the course of my long career, I have successfully defended numerous Municipal Court traffic violations. I have achieved countless downgrades if not dismissals of charges for hundreds of tickets and summonses. Having the experience of a former Municipal Court Judge in Union Township (Union County) at your side can have a tremendous upside for both serious offenses such as felony DWI down to the less serious moving violations, such as speeding.

Can a traffic ticket from another state impact my driving record in New Jersey?

Yes!  Many states, including New Jersey, are part of an information exchange system called the Driver’s License Interstate Compact wherein the participating states exchange driving records/information with each other.  In the event that you receive a traffic violation and points from another state that also participates in the compact, then those points will be reported to New Jersey and added to your driving record.  It is important to note that, at this time, 45 states participate in the Driver’s License Interstate Compact so it is highly likely that a moving violation received in another state will be reported to New Jersey.

This also means that, should you live outside of New Jersey and receive a moving violation while here, that violation will likely be reported to your home state if they are also a member of the compact.  If you live out of state and receive a traffic violation in New Jersey, retaining an attorney who is experienced in fighting traffic violations. The Law Offices of John Paragano will defend your rights and provide you with the best possible defense. New Jersey Courts often allow a New Jersey attorney to represent an out-of-state client without them having to appear, meaning you can remain in your home state while I fight to protect your rights.

Choose The Law Offices of John Paragano for Your Municipal Court Offense

• Former Municipal Court Judge, Union Township, NJ, 1999-2005
• 30 Years Criminal Defense Experience
• Extensive Trial Experience at State and Local Levels
• Free Initial Consultation
• 24/7/365 Call Center and Availability
• Evening Hours for Personal Meetings

For a powerful Municipal Court lawyer serving all of Union County, Monmouth County and the entire state of New Jersey, contact John Paragano at The Law Offices of John Paragano. The initial consultation, as stated, is free. Telephone 908.687.5999 or click to send an email. All consultations and written correspondences will be kept strictly confidential.