New Jersey traffic offenses range from the trivial to the catastrophic. Few things in law are more trivial than parking tickets, or driving with an inoperative tail light. Like untreated sores or blisters, though, even “trivial” traffic tickets such as these, when ignored, can trigger consequences of disproportionate magnitude. These consequences can include loss of driving privileges and, in some cases, even jail.
At the high end of the spectrum are traffic offenses that, in all cases, expose the motorist to “consequences of magnitude.” Foremost among these offenses is driving while under the influence (DUI), also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI). Not quite as serious, but serious enough, are offenses such as driving with suspended license (or no license at all), driving without insurance, and leaving the scene of an accident. Reckless driving, and passing a loading or unloading school bus also count among the more serious traffic offenses. Even the more mundane traffic offenses such as speeding, careless driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, and failure to observe a traffic signal expose a motorist to a fine, motor vehicle points, and insurance points. Their accumulation eventually exposes drivers to loss of driving privileges, and huge increases in insurance premiums.
Traffic offenses that in ordinary situations might be nothing more than a metaphorical “bump in the road” threaten more ominous consequences for holders of a commercial driver's licenses (CDL). Traffic convictions can cause loss of CDL privileges. CDL privileges can be lost even when the offenses did not arise during use of a commercial vehicle.
Persons charged with traffic offenses in New Jersey have a huge arsenal of tools to avoid or lessen the consequences. But knowing what is in this arsenal and, equally importantly, how to most effectively use it, requires knowledge and experience. Lawyers in the New Jersey Law Offices of Allan Marain have the knowledge and experience to guide motorists charged with traffic offenses. The potential consequences of traffic offenses are too serious for motorists to try to “go it alone.”