Jersey City Traffic Ticket Lawyer
If you are convicted of a traffic violation in Jersey City, it could add points to your driving record, raise your auto insurance premiums, and even carry the possibility of going to jail or prison. Hence, you should contact a lawyer immediately to have your traffic ticket dismissed or your fine reduced.
At William Proetta Criminal Law, you will find a Jersey City traffic ticket lawyer who is fully dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals charged with traffic violations and helping them understand their options for avoiding the long-term consequences of a ticket. Mr Proetta has successfully defended hundreds of clients in traffic-related cases. He has a Super Lawyers certification and a perfect rating on Avvo and Google.
To discuss how we could help you, contact us today and receive a free consultation with a traffic violation attorney in Jersey City, NJ.
Check out what our previous clients are saying about our law firm. For example, Brian Lopes writes, “Amazing lawyer got my 9 horrific tickets reduced to a small little fine. Had no faith in the case going in my favor until Mr. Proetta came in the picture. Thanks to him my license is saved.” Another client, Shanrol Nelson, writes,” …. Mr Proetta was able to have my careless driving ticket dismissed. He gave me his word and in the end I was satisfied. I Highly recommend!”
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket in Jersey City?
A knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Jersey City can help you in many different ways after you get a traffic ticket. For instance, at William Proetta Criminal Law, we will:
- Help you understand your case — We can analyze the traffic citation, your driving record, and your insurance policy with you and explain the potential penalties and long-term consequences you could face if you are convicted of the violation.
- Explore your options — Instead of pleading guilty to the charge, you may have other options. For example, if you were charged with speeding, it may be possible to enter a plea to a non-moving violation or enroll in a driver improvement program, which could keep your insurance rates from going up.
- Challenge the traffic ticket — Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to fight the traffic ticket on grounds such as a violation of your constitutional rights or the use of an improperly calibrated radar gun, for example.
- Ease your stress as much as possible — So you don’t have to miss work or school or travel back to Jersey City from your home, we can make all court appearances for you. Even if you do not appear in court, you will not be left in the dark. We will keep you informed and answer any questions you have.
Meet Your Jersey City Traffic Defense Team
When your license is on the line, you need a team with proven experience. Our attorneys focus on New Jersey traffic and criminal law and have a deep understanding of the procedures at the Jersey City Municipal Court.
William A. Proetta, Founding Partner
With over a decade of experience, William Proetta has successfully handled thousands of criminal and traffic cases. He possesses unique credentials, including being certified in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and trained on the Alcotest 7110, the breathalyzer device used in New Jersey. This specialized knowledge gives our clients a distinct advantage, especially in DWI-related traffic stops.
Keith G. Oliver, Partner
Keith Oliver dedicates his entire practice to criminal and traffic defense. His focused experience and reputation for a relentless work ethic have earned him recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for multiple years. He takes a hands-on approach, personally guiding clients through every step of the legal process to build the strongest defense strategy possible
Types of Traffic Violations Our Firm Handles in Jersey City
Our experience allows our Jersey City traffic ticket lawyers to assist clients in a wide range of cases, including:
- Speeding: A speeding ticket can add 2 to 5 points to your license. We analyze the evidence against you, including the calibration of the radar device and the officer’s report, to challenge the charge and protect you from points and insurance hikes.
- Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96): This is a serious offense carrying 5 points and the possibility of a license suspension and even jail time. We work to demonstrate that your conduct did not meet the legal standard for “reckless,” often negotiating for a downgrade to a less serious offense like careless driving.
- Careless driving: The penalties for these violations are severe, including mandatory license suspension and significant fines. We explore all possible defenses, such as proving you were not properly notified of the suspension or had valid insurance at the time.
- Use of a cell phone while driving
- Failure to observe a traffic signal
- Failure to follow the Move Over Law
- Improper passing of a school bus
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Driving without auto insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Racing on the highway
While most traffic violations are handled in Municipal Court in Jersey City, more serious charges will go through Hudson County Superior Court. No matter what type of traffic ticket you receive, you can count on our dwi lawyers in Jersey City to aggressively protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for you and your future.
Navigating the Jersey City Municipal Court
All non-indictable traffic matters in Jersey City are handled at the Jersey City Municipal Court, located at 365 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306.
Our attorneys are regulars in this court. We are familiar with the court staff, prosecutors, and judges, which allows us to navigate the system efficiently on your behalf. In many cases, especially for minor infractions, we can appear in court for you, saving you the time and stress of a personal appearance.
Our Proven Process for Fighting Your Ticket
- Free Case Review: We start by listening to your side of the story and reviewing your ticket to identify all potential defense strategies.
- Evidence Gathering: We request and analyze the state’s evidence (the “discovery”), including the officer’s notes and any available dashcam footage.
- Negotiation: We leverage any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case to negotiate for a favorable plea agreement, such as a reduction to a no-point ticket.
- Trial Representation: If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and challenge the state’s evidence before a judge.
Do I Have to Appear in Court for a Jersey City Traffic Ticket?
In many types of traffic ticket cases, you can resolve the matter without having to appear in court. Instead, you can plea by affidavit, allowing your attorney to appear in court on your behalf. That can be highly convenient if you live in a different part of New Jersey or another state.
However, if you are charged with a serious traffic violation such as driving under the influence or leaving the scene of an accident, or if you face the possibility of a driver’s license suspension or jail sentence if convicted, you cannot plea by affidavit and must appear in court.
When you receive a traffic ticket in Jersey City, pay close attention to the date and time for your court appearance, which will appear on the ticket. If you fail to plea by affidavit or otherwise appear as required, it could lead to consequences such as a bench warrant issued for your arrest or the suspension of your driver’s license.
Potential Penalties for Traffic Tickets
If you are convicted of a traffic violation in Jersey City, after entering a plea or going to court, the potential penalties you face could include:
- Fines and court costs — Depending on the traffic violation, the fines and court costs can be hefty. For instance, the fine for a speeding ticket in New Jersey can range from $85 for going 1-9 mph above the posted speed limit to $260 for going 35-39 mph over the limit.
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation — If you are convicted of a traffic violation, it will add points to your driving record. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your license will be suspended.
- Incarceration — For the most serious offenses, such as a DWI or repeat offenses, you could also face time in jail or prison.
- Insurance surcharges — If you pile up six or more points in three years, it will lead to an insurance surcharge, which increases your premiums.
New Jersey Traffic Ticket Point System
When you are charged with a traffic violation, you should know how many points could be added to your driving record if you are convicted of the offense and the total number of points on your record.
According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the points for some of the most commonly charged traffic offenses are:
Two points
- Failure to observe traffic signals
- Careless driving
- Exceeding maximum speed 1-14 mph over limit
Three points
- Use of a handheld cellphone or electronic device while driving
- Driving in an unsafe manner (third or subsequent offense within five years of most recent conviction)
- Improper U-turn
Four points
- Exceeding the maximum speed 15-29 mph over the limit
- Improper passing in a no-passing zone
- Improper passing on the right or off the roadway
Five points
- Exceeding the maximum speed 30 mph or more over the limit
- Racing on highway
- Reckless driving
- Improper passing of school bus
Eight points
- Leaving the scene of an accident which resulted in personal injury
You can also remove points from your New Jersey driving record. For instance, if you go a full year since your most recent traffic offense without getting any additional traffic violations, you can have three points removed from your record. You can also get points taken off by completing a driver improvement program, defensive driving course, or probationary driver program.
Get Help from a Jersey City Traffic Ticket Lawyer Now
With more than a decade of experience defending clients charged with traffic violations in Jersey City and surrounding areas, founding partner William A. Proetta knows how to develop an effective strategy that is aimed at keeping points off your driving record and keeping your insurance rate from going up.
To learn more and discuss your case in a free consultation, contact us today.