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Experienced Camden County Traffic Violations Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Driving Privileges

New Jersey law enforcement officers take their jobs very seriously. In communities throughout Camden County, cops are on the lookout for drivers who don’t obey the rules of the road. If you are suspected of drunk driving or distracted driving, for example, you may be pulled over, ticketed and facing stiff fines, loss of your driver’s license and possibly jail time if convicted.

Don’t ignore the ticket, and don’t just plead guilty and pay it. Moving violations convictions attach points to your driving record – increasing your insurance rates and putting you at risk for suspension of driving privileges. Contact my firm, The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, for aggressive legal defense of your traffic charges.

Ready To Fight Your Traffic Ticket

I am attorney Stephen R. Piper, and I have the experience necessary to challenge a variety of traffic violations. As a former Camden County assistant prosecutor, I understand how the state of New Jersey builds traffic violations cases. I know how the actions you take today can protect your license down the road. Most importantly, I understand how a failure to fight your ticket aggressively today can come back and haunt you for a long time to come.

Contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, when you are facing any of the following traffic ticket offenses in Camden County or anywhere in South Jersey:

DUI/DWI
Underage DUI/DWI
Distracted driving (cellphone tickets)
Speeding tickets
Driving with a suspended license
Driving without insurance
Driving without a valid driver’s license
Failure to yield or stop
Reckless driving
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations
Careless driving or other moving violations

I have been working on a regular basis in municipal and traffic courts throughout southern New Jersey for more than 10 years. I know the prosecutors and the court staff. This knowledge of inner workings of the court system give me an advantage as I work with the prosecution to negotiate your charges down to a nonmoving violation (no points). When possible, I will do what it takes to get your ticket dismissed entirely.

Traffic Statutes/Codes In Camden County, New Jersey

Many traffic violations in New Jersey impose penalties in the form of fines and motor vehicle points. The amount of motor vehicle points imposed depends on the specific offense; anywhere between two and eight points can be imposed for a particular offense. Examples of traffic offenses and their points include:

Two points: Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk; driving through safety zone; failure to obey traffic signals; failure to keep to the right; failure to obey officer directions; driving the wrong way on a one-way street; failure to yield to overtaking vehicle; failure to observe traffic lanes; failure to yield at intersection; failure to yield to emergency vehicles; careless driving; slow speed blocking traffic; exceeding speed limit by 1 mph to 14 mph over limit; failure to give proper signal; leaving the scene of an accident with no personal injury; and any moving violation committed out of state.
Three points: Improper turn at traffic light; improper right or left turn; improper U-turn.
Four points: Improper passing; third or subsequent conviction within last five years for driving in an unsafe manner; exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph to 29 mph over the limit.
Five points: Racing; failure to pass to the right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction; tailgating; reckless driving; exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph or more over the limit; improper passing of a school bus.
Eight points: Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury.

Accumulating points on your driving record can have consequences. If you accumulate six or more points within three years, you will be charged a surcharge of $150 for up to three years plus $25 for each additional point over six. If you accumulate more than 12 points in three years, your driver’s license will be suspended for 180 days. Points come off your record at a rate of three points per year, provided you do not commit any new violations in the year.

Finally, certain traffic statute violations can carry more severe penalties, including hefty fines and jail or prison time. For example, a reckless driving conviction, in addition to a fine and points on the driving record, can result in a jail sentence and suspension of one’s driving privileges, the length of which depends on how many convictions one has. Of course, serious traffic offenses, such as DWI or vehicular homicide, can lead to incarceration and potential extended or permanent loss of driving privileges.

Penalties For Driving With A Suspended License In New Jersey

Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-40, driving with a suspended license is a serious violation that can lead to steep fines, additional suspensions and possible jail time. Penalties include:

First offense: A fine of $500, additional license suspension up to 6 months and possible jail sentence up to 15 days
Second offense: A fine of $750, jail time up to 5 days and further suspension up to 6 months
Third or subsequent offense: A fine of $1,000, mandatory jail term of 10 days and extended suspension up to 6 months
If related to DWI, refusal or no insurance: Stricter penalties, including longer jail sentences and extended suspension periods

It’s understandable that losing the ability to drive can severely impact a person’s livelihood. Many individuals depend on driving to maintain employment and meet daily responsibilities. Seeking legal help early can prevent additional penalties and guide you toward reinstating your license properly.

Common Questions About Traffic Offenses In Camden County

Traffic violations in New Jersey can have lasting financial and legal effects, even when they seem minor. Many drivers are unaware that a simple speeding ticket or lane-change violation can impact more than just a fine. Below are answers to common questions about how traffic statutes and codes work in Camden County and throughout New Jersey.

Can violating traffic statutes/codes affect my car insurance rates?

Yes. When auto insurance companies provide you with a rate quote, they will invariably review your driving record. Every traffic violation you commit in New Jersey will appear on your driving record. Even having one traffic violation can raise your insurance rates by as much as 10% to 15%. Committing traffic violations can affect your insurance rates for the rest of your life since New Jersey does not permit traffic violations to be expunged from your driving record. However, over time, insurance companies may afford less and less importance to a traffic violation, provided you do not commit other violations in the meantime.

What is a ‘strict liability’ traffic offense?

A strict liability offense is one where the state is not required to prove that you intended to commit the offense or that you had some other level of culpability or means with respect to the offense or the consequences of the offense. Many traffic statute/code violations are considered strict liability, since it is not necessary for a police officer or the state to prove that you intended to commit the traffic violation to cite you for it. For example, a police officer does not need to prove that you intended to drive over the speed limit or commit an illegal left turn, only that you did so. Even accidental violations of many traffic statutes/codes can result in citations.

Traffic statutes in New Jersey are designed to promote safety and accountability on the road, but even a minor ticket can have significant long-term consequences. Understanding how these laws work helps drivers make informed decisions and protect their driving record.

Schedule A Consultation Today With A Seasoned Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer

When you are slapped with a moving traffic violation, your driving privileges – and sometimes even your freedom – are at stake. I understand how important your driver’s license is to you. Without it, you may not be able to get to work, school or other obligations. A traffic court conviction in New Jersey can wreak havoc with your quality of life.

Don’t fight your New Jersey traffic ticket without the assistance of a qualified defense lawyer who will fight for you in court. Contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, online or call me at 856-333-3586 for a consultation about your charges. My Moorestown law offices offer flexible scheduling options and free parking. I accept credit cards, too.