NJ Ticket advice
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 266
From: NJ
NJ Ticket advice
so i got my first ever ticket yesterday for not coming to a dead stop before turning right on a red light
2 points as far as i can work out.
I have lived in NJ for only a year and so I am completely unfamiliar with how the whole system works. Do I just sign the form and take it like a man or do I go and argue my case (that I did slow significantly, and I had clear line of sight of the empty road so knew it was safe to continue).
Secondly, whats the likely impact on my insurance if I take the points.
2 points as far as i can work out.
I have lived in NJ for only a year and so I am completely unfamiliar with how the whole system works. Do I just sign the form and take it like a man or do I go and argue my case (that I did slow significantly, and I had clear line of sight of the empty road so knew it was safe to continue).
Secondly, whats the likely impact on my insurance if I take the points.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 4
From: New City, New York
If you have the time.....I would send it in as a not guilty plea...do not ask for any supporting documentation if there is a box for that. When you get a trial date....there should be a prosecutor in court who will offer you a plea bargain. Possibly no points, and with that, you'll have no negative impact on your license.
The less points, the better....ALWAYSSSSS.
Good luck,
J
The less points, the better....ALWAYSSSSS.
Good luck,
J
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Norman, OK
I don't know the system in NJ, but if you actually go to traffic court and plead guilty, the judge will allow you to make a statement. If you tell him/her that you have a clean record, they **normally** will give you a reduced fine and sometimes even 6 months probation instead of points on your license.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Seems like your best bet is just asking for a break. Based on your statement above, you're factually guilty (I'm pretty sure the law requires you to stop, not "slow significantly").
The judge certainly won't make the fine higher than the pay-by-mail option, so all you're risking is the time off from work.
I recommend you consult with someone admitted to the practice of law in New Jersey. I am not, and cannot offer you legal advice - just common sense advice.
The judge certainly won't make the fine higher than the pay-by-mail option, so all you're risking is the time off from work.
I recommend you consult with someone admitted to the practice of law in New Jersey. I am not, and cannot offer you legal advice - just common sense advice.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 266
From: NJ
Oh, I'm guilty, I accept that. Just that this cop was a bit over zealous in my opinion and nobody stops dead on a right turn on red......i could see the oncoming traffic very clearly. Or rather I couldn't cos there wasn't any.
I'm not about to get a lawyer involved in such a minor issue as it sems like total overkill, so I guess I will see if I can go along and plead stupidity
I'm not about to get a lawyer involved in such a minor issue as it sems like total overkill, so I guess I will see if I can go along and plead stupidity
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 8
From: New Jersey (Southern)
You will be getting solicitations from lot's of attorneys in the mail. Pick one pay him (mine was $ 300) and they plead you down to a no points violation. With Insurance surcharge etc this is the cheaper route.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 4
From: New City, New York
Hi again,
You shouldn't be receiving any solicitations in the mail...considered unethetical here up north (unless there has been a recent ethical code change). I know in the south...it's very common. Anyhow, I am admitted to practice law in NY....and I do a TON of vehicle and traffic cases.
If you don't want to spend the money to get an attorney, I suggest you take my advice above. That is exactly how things work in NJ. You can call the Court to ensure how that particular court works. You will 99% get a reduction in court.
Best of luck,
J
You shouldn't be receiving any solicitations in the mail...considered unethetical here up north (unless there has been a recent ethical code change). I know in the south...it's very common. Anyhow, I am admitted to practice law in NY....and I do a TON of vehicle and traffic cases.
If you don't want to spend the money to get an attorney, I suggest you take my advice above. That is exactly how things work in NJ. You can call the Court to ensure how that particular court works. You will 99% get a reduction in court.
Best of luck,
J
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 8
From: New Jersey (Southern)
JB Can't argue the ethics but I got a ticket with-in next few weeks I got over 30 mailings. When I pled not gulty I got antother 30. For awhile there they outnumbered the credit card solicitaions.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 8
From: New Jersey (Southern)
JB Can't argue the ethics but I got a ticket with-in next few weeks I got over 30 mailings. When I pled not gulty I got antother 30. For awhile there they outnumbered the credit card solicitaions. I am in NJ
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Lawyers who need the work (read that anyway you want) will have their staff go into municipal court offices once a week or so to review summons issued. They will then send out the letters that have already been refered to. If I where you I would plead not guilty. Your call on weither or not to retain an attorney. On the day of your court apperance, go early and ask to speek to the prosecutor. Tell him you are willing to plead guilty to "unsafe movement". This violation carries no points but the fine is pretty stiff. This violation was made just for cases like this, first offense, etc.... You can only use this "defense" every 2 or 3 years. Check with the court to make sure you will be able to talk to the prosecutor before court starts. An attorney is not necessary to make this request. I have seen many cases where the driver themselves made the request and it was granted. Having an an attorney will more then likely insure that it will be granted. Your call.....good luck
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 4
From: New City, New York
Ddun,
Thanks for the info....I guess soliciting is a go in NJ. Very interesting. In NY....a huge NO NO. However, I have been hearing talk about some allowing it in the future....nothing concrete tho. I hope that doesn't happen, as it will most likely dig into my incoming business, with all the competition being able to send mailings. Oh well :-(
Yes....go to court....it WILL be reduced. You really don't need an attorney for that offense....just the larger citations.....or if your license is getting points racked up. Worst case scenario.....if you feel like you are being railroaded...politely ask the judge for an adjournment in order to seek counsel if you need to.
Best,
J
Thanks for the info....I guess soliciting is a go in NJ. Very interesting. In NY....a huge NO NO. However, I have been hearing talk about some allowing it in the future....nothing concrete tho. I hope that doesn't happen, as it will most likely dig into my incoming business, with all the competition being able to send mailings. Oh well :-(
Yes....go to court....it WILL be reduced. You really don't need an attorney for that offense....just the larger citations.....or if your license is getting points racked up. Worst case scenario.....if you feel like you are being railroaded...politely ask the judge for an adjournment in order to seek counsel if you need to.
Best,
J
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 44
Likes: 10
From: New Jersey
Find out who the local public defender is in the town and talk to them. They know all the officers, who's willing to bend, who'll give you a break, etc.
Talking to the prosecutor is one thing, but the officer who gave you the ticket has his say. The best person to talk to is the town public defender as he/she is friends with most of the officers in town.
Where in NJ do you live? I'm in Northern NJ, Pequannock. Luckily I've only had to go to court once in the past 10 years. Before that, my record was pretty ugly. I got more speeding tickets driving a 1988 Ford Bronco then I did driving a Porsche!
-Richie
Talking to the prosecutor is one thing, but the officer who gave you the ticket has his say. The best person to talk to is the town public defender as he/she is friends with most of the officers in town.
Where in NJ do you live? I'm in Northern NJ, Pequannock. Luckily I've only had to go to court once in the past 10 years. Before that, my record was pretty ugly. I got more speeding tickets driving a 1988 Ford Bronco then I did driving a Porsche!
-Richie
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
do exactly as JBRipps says above, but I'll add this as well.
while your waiting for the prosecutor to speak to you if you see the officer, pull him aside, introduce yourself, shake his hand,and tell him you would really appreciate it if he'd drop it to no points since you slowed significantly, had a clear view of the oncoming traffic and posed no danger to anyone at any time. also tell him you have a clean driving history with no points in XXX years (don't lie).
when he says yes , he'll then tell the prosecutor he spoke to you before you even get in there to see him..
while your waiting for the prosecutor to speak to you if you see the officer, pull him aside, introduce yourself, shake his hand,and tell him you would really appreciate it if he'd drop it to no points since you slowed significantly, had a clear view of the oncoming traffic and posed no danger to anyone at any time. also tell him you have a clean driving history with no points in XXX years (don't lie).
when he says yes , he'll then tell the prosecutor he spoke to you before you even get in there to see him..
