New Jersey Speeding Ticket Lawyer

If you have been cited for violating a traffic law, and would like to learn more about your legal options -- including your right to go to court to fight the ticket -- one of the first steps you should take is to contact Prosper Bellizia, Esq. Even convictions for minor traffic offenses like making an illegal u-turn can have a negative impact on your driving record and car insurance rates. In addition, more serious offenses like reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident can also impact your driving privileges, so having an experienced attorney on your side can help ensure that your interests are protected to the fullest extent possible. As you know, too many traffic violations add up to too many drivers license points. Six points and you’re on probation. 12 points and you lose your license. Traffic violations lawyer Prosper Bellizia can help you negotiate a plea or defend you against the charges. With a lawyer who knows the rules and options and knows how to explain your circumstances, you may receive fewer points, no points, or a lower fine.

At your first meeting, he will gather facts and information from you, evaluate all aspects of your traffic offense charge with you, identify your options, and explain what you can expect. If you decide to challenge your traffic violation in court, at every stage of your case he will represent you zealously -- by gathering evidence related to your traffic violation, researching all legal issues, interviewing witnesses, and working with law enforcement and traffic court officials -- all with the goal of protecting your legal rights and ensuring the most favorable outcome for your situation.

If you are from another state and have a moving violation traffic ticket in New Jersey, we can represent you in North Jersey courts. Moving violations in New Jersey affect drivers licenses in most other states.

What is a Traffic Violation "Point System"?

The individual states each have a system that assigns a point value to traffic offenses. More serious offenses have higher point values, whereas minor violations are assigned minimal points. Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign might be worth two points, for example, while driving 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit might be valued at four points. Points can be accumulated over time and can affect driving privileges and insurance rates. Attorneys experienced in traffic law can explain the point values of the various traffic violations in your state and what impact they may have on your driving future.

What to Do When Stopped for a Traffic Violation

You hear the sirens blaring and see the red lights flashing in your rear-view mirror. You hope that the police are after someone else, but then, with a sinking feeling, you realize that it is you they are after. With this realization, your heart starts to race and your hands start to sweat. It can sometimes be hard to think fast and rationally when under the inherent stress of a police stop, but acting appropriately in that nerve-racking situation can actually save some aggravation, and maybe even some money, in the long run. If you do come away from the stop with a ticket, a criminal defense lawyer with experience in traffic law can advise you on what to expect thereafter.

The best thing to do in the scenario described above is to cautiously and slowly pull over to the side of the road, stay calm, and remain in the vehicle unless told to do otherwise by the police officers. You may also want to roll down the window and, if it is dark, turn on the interior dome light, which will let the officer know you have nothing to hide. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, and do not make any sudden or suspicious movements. You should not reach for the glove compartment or under the seat unless directed by the officer to do so.

If an officer pulls you over, he or she will generally ask to see your driver's license, the registration of the vehicle (in some states) and proof that the vehicle is insured. You must comply with these requests. Drivers should pull their documents out slowly and hand them to the officer. If the officer asks if you know the reason for the stop, while it is important to be polite and honest, it also makes sense to be careful about admitting too much, since any admissions may be used against you in a later proceeding. The officer may also inspect the vehicle for equipment code violations. Any objections to this inspection should be made cautiously or not at all.

Although it may be tempting to offer excuses for any alleged violations, it is better not to tell the officer that you are running late for work or an appointment or have children waiting at home for you, for instance, since these statements could be deemed to support a charge of speeding or aggressive driving. On the other hand, it is important to respond honestly and politely to the officer's questions. Do not give any false information at any time. If, however, you do not know the answer to a particular question, it is permissible to respond, "I do not know," or "I am not certain." In addition, if the officer asks a question that you could answer but prefer not to because it may be used against you, you may not have to answer. In many instances, you have the right to tell the officer that you would rather talk to a lawyer about the situation first, or that you would rather not discuss the matter at this time.

If the officer issues a citation or a warning, some states require that you sign it. Signing a ticket or warning notice is not an admission of guilt, but simply an acknowledgement of receipt. If you believe that the ticket was unjustified, you should hold your tongue in the officer's presence and take your protest to court, where you can explain your case to the judge. Receipt of a ticket does not automatically mean that you are guilty, or will be found guilty, or that you will have to pay a fine. You usually have the right to go to court and to have the judge hear your explanation. If you do not agree with the judge's decision, you can appeal your case to a higher court.

Under the stress of a traffic stop, many people divulge too much information, or they become belligerent or argumentative. Either of these approaches can lead to further trouble. The best approach is to remain calm and cooperative, while refraining from offering more details than necessary. If the officer does issue a ticket or citation, call Mr. Bellizia at once, to get all your traffic law questions answered.

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