what a lawyer charges for reckless driving in nj

by Jessie Beier DVM 8 min read

Other potential penalties for reckless driving include a fine of between $50 and $200, and jail time of up to 60 days. A person convicted of a second offense, as your New Jersey reckless driving lawyer will tell you, can spend up to 90 days in jail and receive a fine of up to $500. A New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer Can Help Fight Your Charge

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Is reckless driving a reckless driving charge in NJ?

Nov 05, 2018 · If you have been charged with reckless driving in New Jersey, you are facing suspension of your driver’s license, heavy fines, 5 points on your license, and even possible time in jail. In addition, the consequences for reckless driving worsen if you have prior convictions on your driving record. The most important thing you can do now is seek help from an experienced …

How much is the fine for reckless driving in Florida?

Jul 04, 2021 · This is only one point below the threshold (6 points) to be hit with a state surcharge. Fine: A first conviction for reckless driving carries a fine of $50 to $200. A second or subsequent offense carries a fine of $100 to $500. Court costs: New Jersey courts impose a fee of $33 for those charged with reckless driving.

What is the penalty for careless driving in New Jersey?

Apr 23, 2021 · A fine of up to $200 License suspension It is important to note that points on your license can lead to increased insurance premiums and even the loss of your license. If a person breaks the law and drives recklessly for a second time, the consequences they face will be harsher. This can include: Fines of up to $500 Imprisonment up to 90 days

Can I plea bargain my New Jersey DUI case down to reckless?

For a first conviction, reckless driving carries up to 60 days in jail and/or $50 to $200 in fines. Repeat offense. For a second or subsequent reckless driving offense, a motorist faces up to three months in jail and/or $100 to $500 in fines. A reckless driving conviction will also add five demerit points to a motorist's driving record and ...

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How do I fight a reckless driving ticket in NJ?

It is possible to fight your careless driving charges with the help of an experienced attorney. Often, an attorney can help get charges dropped or downgraded so that the driver can avoid the fines and license points. Leon Matchin is a New Jersey attorney who has helped many drivers get out of careless driving charges.Apr 9, 2021

How many points is reckless driving in NJ?

5
NJ Points Schedule
NJSA SectionOffensePoints
39:4–96Reckless driving5
39:4–97Careless driving2
39:4–97aDestruction of agricultural or recreational property2
39:4–97.1Slow speed blocking traffic2
60 more rows

Is reckless driving a felony in New Jersey?

Reckless driving is a major traffic offense and New Jersey courts do not take it lightly. Even though it is considered a motor vehicle offense the consequences resulting from a conviction are akin to those of a criminal offense.

Can you go to jail for careless driving in NJ?

The penalties for careless driving are two points on your driver's license, a fine of $50 to $200, and a possible prison term of up to fifteen days. Careless and reckless driving charges are often accompanied by charges for other offenses.Mar 2, 2016

Can you lose your license for reckless driving in NJ?

In addition to the driver's license points, a first conviction for reckless driving can also result in a sentence of up to 60 days in jail, a fine of $50 to $200, and a potential driver's license suspension of up to 90 days imposed in the court's discretion.Sep 10, 2020

How long does a reckless driving stay on your record NJ?

Rules vary by state laws, but generally, a reckless driving charge can stay on your record for up to 11 years or, in some cases, until you successfully petition for its removal.Mar 27, 2019

What speed is considered reckless driving in NJ?

A reckless driving charge will often be given in addition to a speeding ticket when a person is driving more than 30 mph higher than the speed limit or over 90 mph. In addition to points you may obtain on your license if you are convicted of speeding, you must also pay a fine.

What is the difference between careless and reckless driving in NJ?

The primary distinction between reckless and careless driving is that a reckless driver is well aware they are driving dangerously, while a careless driver has no ill intent.

Is reckless driving a criminal offense?

Damages and Injuries as a Result of Reckless Driving

According to DOJ, "depending on the extent of damages caused, a person may be charged with crimes such as physical injuries, damage to property or even homicide and murder."
Sep 30, 2018

Should I fight a careless driving ticket in NJ?

Careless driving is prosecuted as a traffic violation under New Jersey law. If you have received a careless driving ticket, you will need to fight your ticket in municipal court.

What are the penalties for careless driving in NJ?

The penalties for careless driving are $85 and two points on your New Jersey State Driving Record. If their are aggravating circumstances, such as a previous license suspension, a judge may add the addition of jail time and license suspension.

What are the penalties for careless driving?

The penalties for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving are up to 5 years in prison, and a driving ban for a minimum of one year.

Is reckless driving a crime in New Jersey?

Reckless driving is a traffic violation that is treated as a crime. It is often referred to as “quasi-crime.” Unlike in New York and other states,...

What speed is considered reckless driving?

A NJ reckless driving charge is not solely dependent on one’s speed, although speeding can be a factor in determining if a driver was acting reckle...

Is driving drunk also considered reckless driving?

State v. Stanton establishes that “Intoxication in combination with other evidence or standing alone may satisfy the recklessness element” of a rec...

Is reckless driving worse than careless driving in NJ?

Yes. Reckless driving carries more points, a higher fine, and a longer jail sentence than careless driving.

Is DUI worse than reckless driving in New Jersey?

Both are serious but a DUI charge carries far more serious penalties than a reckless driving charge. In some serious cases, an attorney may recomme...

What happens if you are convicted of reckless driving in New Jersey?

In fact, if you are convicted of reckless driving, you could face jail time, a license suspension, and hundreds of dollars in fees.

Is reckless driving a crime in New Jersey?

Because reckless driving is a dangerous act that, by its definition, puts others at risk of injury, the traffic violation is harshly punished in the state of New Jersey. According to the same section of code cited above, reckless driving is punishable by:

How long is reckless driving in jail?

According to the same section of code cited above, reckless driving is punishable by: Imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 60 days ; A fine of not less than $50.00 and not more than $200.00; and. A period of license suspension.

Can reckless driving be proved?

Because securing a charge of reckless driving requires the prosecution to prove that you knew you were violating traffic laws (hence the wanton and willful requirement), you may be able to prove that you had no idea that you were breaking the law .

What are some examples of reckless driving?

The following are examples of behavior that could result in a charge of reckless driving: Excessively speeding, typically at a speed of 20 miles or more above the speed limit; Excessive speed for conditions, i.e. traveling at a speed that may be within the limit, but is excessive for the situation (i.e. a snow storm); ...

What is reckless driving in New Jersey?

Reckless driving is one of the most serious traffic offenses one can commit in New Jersey. In addition to jail time, a person can face serious fines and points. Like many serious traffic offenses in New Jersey, reckless driving can also have a devastating impact on one’s auto insurance rates. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the impact ...

Can a reckless driver go to jail?

In addition to the fine, court costs, and possible surcharge, a driver can also receive a jail sentence. It is possible to defeat a reckless driving charge or get it reduced to careless driving, but doing so would be more likely with the help of a skilled attorney.

Is careless driving a violation of the law in New Jersey?

Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is often confused with reckless driving in New Jersey. However, they are distinct violations with very different penalties. Careless driving is far less serious than reckless driving, although its penalties are significant in their own right.

Can reckless driving be dismissed?

A reckless driving charge can be reduced or dismissed if a driver or his/her attorney can disprove or prevent the prosecution from establishing the two key facts mentioned above: that the driver’s actions were detrimental to the rights and safety of others and that he/she was acting in willful disregard for the safety and/or rights of others.

What does it mean to be careless driving?

Careless driving means a person has been operating a vehicle “without due caution and circumspection”; in other words, the person is not willfully putting others at risk, but rather not taking specific precautions needed to ensure the safety of others.

What are the Consequences of Reckless Driving?

While speeding tickets are common, it is important to know that a reckless driving ticket is not the same as a typical speeding ticket. The consequences of reckless driving can vary depending on the circumstances. For a first time offender, this can include the following:

What is a Combination Offense?

A combination offense occurs when a person commits more than one offense at a time. A common example of this occurs if a person drives 40 miles over the legal speed limit while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Another example may be if they drive recklessly after committing a criminal act.

Contact our Firm

If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need strong legal defense. Contact the Law Office of Carl Spector for dedicated representation. With over 30 years of experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, he offers a unique perspective on how both sides think, and how to best approach each aspect of the case.

What are the penalties for reckless driving in New Jersey?

The consequences of a New Jersey reckless driving conviction depend on the circumstances. But generally, the possible penalties are: 1 First offense. For a first conviction, reckless driving carries up to 60 days in jail and/or $50 to $200 in fines. 2 Repeat offense. For a second or subsequent reckless driving offense, a motorist faces up to three months in jail and/or $100 to $500 in fines.

How long is reckless driving in jail?

But generally, the possible penalties are: First offense. For a first conviction, reckless driving carries up to 60 days in jail and/or $50 to $200 in fines. Repeat offense. For a second or subsequent reckless driving offense, a motorist faces up to three months in jail and/or $100 to $500 in fines. A reckless driving conviction will also add five ...

What is reckless driving?

Careless driving—which is a "lesser included offense" of reckless driving—is defined as driving a vehicle "carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property.". The difference between careless and reckless driving is a matter of degree—and ...

What is the penalty for assault by auto?

Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum of $500 in fines.

Is assault by auto a disorderly person?

Assault by auto is a "disorderly persons offense" if the injuries were minor. Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum of $500 in fines. If someone was seriously injured, assault by auto is a crime in the fourth degree.

Can you plea bargain for a DUI in New Jersey?

When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a " wet reckless .". In New Jersey, ple a bargaining is generally prohibited in DUI cases.

What is assault by auto?

Assault by Auto. A driver who injures another person while driving recklessly can be convicted of "assault by auto.". Assault by auto is a "disorderly persons offense" if the injuries were minor. Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum of $500 in fines.

What is reckless driving in New Jersey?

New Jersey statute 39:4-96 defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle “heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights and safety of others.” The statute further qualifies reckless driving as that which is likely to place a person or property in danger. It is important to note that the law does not require that someone actually is placed in danger. In other words, there does not need to be a victim for a charge of reckless driving.

Is reckless driving a serious charge?

Motorists are often reluctant to turn to a reckless driving lawyer for assistance with what they regard as a mere traffic ticket. However, a reckless driving charge is a serious matter. Moreover, an effective attorney can help you fight the charge.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving refers to driving in a manner that you know (or should know) endangers others or is likely to endanger others. Reckless driving can take many forms, but it commonly involves wantonly ignoring traffic laws. Examples include:

Calculating Your Damages

If a reckless driver leaves you injured, you may face nearly insurmountable damages that can include:

Careless vs. Reckless Driving

In the State of New Jersey, careless driving is a lesser charge than is reckless driving. Careless driving refers to driving without the caution and/or attention necessary to driving safely, but it lacks any element of intent or foreknowledge.

An Experienced New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer Can Help

If a reckless driver leaves you injured, the New Jersey reckless driving lawyers at Leonard Legal Group in Morristown and Franklin Lakes have the skill and resources to build your strongest case and to help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

What is reckless driving in New Jersey?

In the state of New Jersey, drivers can face a careless driving or a reckless driving charge. Careless driving charges come with less severe penalties. Careless driving is when a driver operates their vehicle without due caution in a way that could endanger others. Reckless driving, on the other hand, is when someone drives a vehicle ...

What is reckless driving?

Reckless driving, on the other hand, is when someone drives a vehicle with “willful or wanton” disregard for the safety of others. A careless driving charge comes with fines and driving record points. It is possible to fight your careless driving charges with the help of an experienced attorney. Often, an attorney can help get charges dropped ...

What are the consequences of careless driving?

First, drivers will owe a fine between $50-$200 depending on the circumstances of the situation. Second, the driver will receive two points on their driving record. Third, there is the potential that the driver may face a maximum of 15 days in jail.

How do points affect insurance?

Points can increase your insurance rate. If you have received points on your record, it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance company to determine if your monthly rates will be increasing. Also, drivers who get six or more points within three years will be given a surcharge.

Is it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving?

For example, talking on a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal in the state of New Jersey and could lead to a careless driving charge. Twenty-five other states share this same law in regards to handheld phones while driving.

What is the difference between reckless driving and careless driving?

Keep in mind this is different from a reckless driving charge. Reckless driving is more severe; it’s “wilful and wanton disregard” for others, while careless driving is more based on negligence. Reckless driving comes with harsher penalties, including higher fines and longer jail time. If you have received a careless driving charge ...

Who is Leon Matchin?

Leon Matchin is a New Jersey attorney who has helped many drivers get out of careless driving charges. If you or a loved one has received a careless driving charge and need help, contact him today.

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