There is a lot at stake when you receive a traffic ticket in New Jersey. Working with an experienced New Jersey traffic ticket attorney can make a huge difference. Call us to find out how we can help you obtain the best results for your New Jersey traffic ticket.
Careless Driving (NJSA 39:4-97) vs. Reckless Driving (NJSA 39:4-96)
Careless driving is one of the most frequently issued traffic tickets in New Jersey. But, what does careless driving mean and how is it different from reckless driving?
Under NJSA 39:4-85, you can be found guilty of careless driving if you drive a vehicle carelessly and without caution and in a manner that is likely to endanger the lives of others or to cause damage to property. The statute leaves a lot of its interpretation up to the discretion of the officer who witnessed the conduct. Therefore, careless driving is often used to issue a traffic ticket for conduct that does not fit neatly under any other traffic violation.
On the other hand, NJSA 39:4-96 makes it clear that anyone who drives a vehicle with wanton disregard for the safety of others or property is guilty of reckless driving. The difference here is that with reckless driving is a more serious offense because the behavior is viewed as an intentional act, while with careless driving, the behavior is seen as unintentional.
Careless Driving (NJSA 39:4-97) vs. Unsafe Driving (39:4-97.2)
NJSA 39:4-97.2 simply states that it is unlawful to drive in an unsafe manner with regard to the safety of people and property. Unsafe driving is a lesser offense to careless driving and reckless driving and does not carry with it any points against your driving record. Therefore, defendants often plead down to unsafe driving in order to avoid points.
However, along with the fines and court costs, a conviction for unsafe driving will result in an automatic surcharge of $250. It is, therefore, important that you consult with an experienced attorney before choosing to plead down to unsafe driving.
An experienced attorney may be able to obtain a better plea bargain for you. What’s more, if you were issued a ticket in relation to a motor vehicle accident, pleading guilty to any traffic ticket may make you liable for damages resulting from that accident.
What Are the Consequences for Careless Driving in New Jersey?
The criminal and financial consequences of careless driving in New Jersey are as follows:
- A fine of $50 – $200 for each offense
- In the most extreme case, you may be sentenced to up to 15 days in jail at the judge’s discretion
- 2 points against your driver’s license.
- $34 courts cost
Furthermore, if you accumulate 6 points or more, you will be required to pay a surcharge of $150 (and an additional $25 for each point over 6) each year, for three years.
Moreover, a conviction for careless driving can result in your insurance premiums increasing by as much as 16%.
Why Hire an Attorney to Defend a Ticket for Careless Driving in New Jersey?
There are many good reasons why you should hire an attorney to defend a traffic ticket for careless driving in New Jersey:
- A traffic ticket conviction can increase the cost of your insurance
- A traffic ticket conviction may affect your employment, especially if you drive for a living or hold a commercial driver’s license
- Too many traffic tickets may result in a suspension of your driver’s license
- If you fail to pay the ticket the court will impose additional sanctions and penalties
- If your license is suspended because of traffic tickets and you drive anyway, you will be committing a criminal offense and be arrested and incarcerated.
Call us today to arrange a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey traffic ticket attorney, who can evaluate the circumstances of your careless driving ticket and explain just how we can help.