Traffic Violations Defense Lawyer

Traffic offenses in New Jersey add up, and not just in terms of the financial impact. Each traffic violation adds points to your driver's record, and those points can lead to driver's license suspension among other consequences. Plus, some traffic violations are criminal offenses. If you ignore or do not fight traffic violations with criminal consequences, you could end up with a criminal record. For someone with a clean history, you do not want to make this mistake. All the same, for someone with a driving or criminal record, you do not want to add to it.

At Villamor Law Offices, our traffic violation defense attorney will help you with traffic offense. We know and have seen how these seemingly inoffensive violations can cause real problems for people. To make sure you minimize or avoid the consequences of a traffic ticket today, call us at (888) 538-2111 to schedule a consultation.

Traffic Offenses 

Traffic offenses involve a motorist's unlawful conduct while they are in control or operating a vehicle. Also referred to as traffic violations, these offenses are prosecuted at the state or local level. 

There is often a distinction made between traffic offenses committed while a vehicle is moving and while it's stationary. Moving traffic violations include speeding and running a red light. Some examples of non-moving traffic violations include illegal parking and displaying expired plates. 

The term traffic offense describes a wide range of conduct from minor infractions to more serious crimes.

Common examples of traffic infractions include:

• Speeding (under a certain limit)
• Using a mobile phone while driving
• Failing to stop or signal
• Following too close to another vehicle
• Failing to wear a seatbelt
• Disobeying a road sign
• Driving uninsured
• Parking illegally

The majority of traffic infractions are strict liability offenses – the prosecution does not need to prove any criminal intent, only that the violation occurred. This means you are liable even if you did not know, for example, that the place where you parked was a no-parking zone or did not realize you were driving over the speed limit. 

Some common examples of traffic offenses that may include a jail term and/or license suspension:

• excessive speeding (typically 30 or more miles over the speed limit)
• reckless driving
• hit and run
• driving with a suspended or revoked license
• operating a vehicle while under the influence (DWI) of a chemical substance
• driving without auto insurance

Examples of traffic offenses usually charged as a crime with possible long term prison terms include: 

• reckless driving causing injury or death
• repeat (DWI)
• vehicular homicide

Potential penalties for traffic crimes include but are not limited to fines, probation, community service, rehabilitation, parole, and/or incarceration. You're more likely to receive time behind bars if you are charged with a felony or you have a history of committing traffic violations. 

A conviction for a traffic crime can also result in the suspension or loss of your license, demerit points, and your vehicle being impounded.

Three Reasons to Fight Traffic Offenses

Whether a traffic offense is minor or major, civil or criminal, you want to fight it. Here are three good reasons why that's the case.

1. Clean driving record. If you pay the fine, plead guilty, or ignore a traffic offense, you will destroy any clean driving record or you will add points to an already-existing driving record. The more points you obtain, the closer you are to license suspension. Further, with each traffic violation, you reset the clock used to erase old offenses from your record. It can take three to seven years to wipe a driving record clean – it all depends on the circumstances and seriousness of the offense.
2. Car Insurance Increase. The more points you have on your license, the higher your car insurance will be. Many times you will save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by spending the money on an attorney to fight the traffic tickets instead of just pleading guilty and paying the traffic tickets.
3. Increase options. To pay a traffic ticket is the same as declaring guilt. If you request a hearing, however, you have more options to plead to a lesser offense or may be able to get the ticket or criminal charge dismissed.

Contact a Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney Today

The law around driving offenses can be technical and is also constantly evolving. Especially if you're considering challenging the allegations, it pays to speak with an experienced traffic defense lawyer who will review your case and explain your options. 

For many people, the ability to drive is essential to their daily life. While the majority of traffic violations result in a small fine and some demerit points, if you are charged with a serious traffic violation, you may be at risk of imprisonment and losing your license. Call Villamor Law Offices at (888) 538-2111 to schedule a consultation with an attorney today.