Traffic Violations

Hamilton traffic ticket lawyer Leon Matchin is devoted to defending clients charged with traffic violations. Mr. Matchin represents clients in all varieties of traffic-related proceedings before New Jersey’s civil and criminal courts. Whether the case involves speeding, drunk driving, or driving without insurance, preserving your license is crucial. Mr. Matchin protects the driving privileges of motorists, as well as the rights of other clients, in the Municipal and Superior Courts of Mercer, Monmouth, and Middlesex Counties, and in other surrounding areas.

New Jersey’s motor vehicle statutes are codified in Title 39 of New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.39:3). This section governs all roads and highways within the state; N.J.S.A. 27:23-29 applies specifically to traffic offenses on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Under these statutes, New Jersey motorists are placed on a “point schedule” that assigns points for each violation. Examples of this system include:

Drivers accumulate points on their record for each violation. Motorists with 6 or more points are required to pay a $150 insurance surcharge and $25 for each additional point for 3 years. Drivers with 12 or more points will have their license suspended. To avoid these types of consequences, you should consult a traffic ticket lawyer in Middlesex County who can present your case. Although points remain on driving records, they are offset by “credits” earned for completing courses and good driving. Up to 3 points may be deducted from the total after 1 year without violations or suspensions.

Speeding in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 exposes motorists to traffic tickets and fines. Traffic fines may double when motorists exceed 20 mph or more over the speed limit, even in a 65 mph zone. The basic fine for speeding 20 to 24 mph over the legal limit is $193. Exceeding 40 mph or more over the posted limit requires a court appearance. Because moving violations can be successfully fought and dismissed, motorists should think seriously about hiring experienced counsel to fight their traffic tickets and maintain a clean driving record.

Drunk driving is defined in N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. But motorists can still be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) at levels below this limit. Penalties for DUI include:

• Up to $400 fine
• 30 days’ imprisonment
• 3 months’ license suspension
• Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
• $1,000 auto insurance surcharge for 3 years

Conviction for DUI or other traffic violations may result in the suspension or loss of driving privileges, as a traffic ticket attorney in Middlesex County can explain. New Jersey law provides no conditional/special work licenses for DUI suspensions. As such, motorists cannot drive at all during the suspension. If they do, N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 imposes an additional year of suspension, 90-day jail sentence, $500 fine, and a 3-year, $250 surcharge.

Under N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2, driving uninsured is a strict liability offense with mandatory penalties that exceed those imposed for a first offense DUI. In addition to court costs and insurance surcharges, motorists automatically lose their license for one year. They must also pay a fine, complete community service, and produce proof of insurance in a court hearing.

If you were ticketed or charged with a traffic violation, Jackson traffic violation attorney Leon Matchin can help. For over 10 years, we have successfully challenged all types of traffic violations, resulting in the dismissal of all charges in many cases. Because violations can permanently affect your criminal history, insurance rates, and driving record, they require immediate action. Do not accept defeat when relief is within reach. Call (833) 732-7320 today for a free consultation or contact us online.