Reckless driving is a form of negligent driving, and ultimately it is one of the most common causes of car accidents on New Jersey roads. If you are found to be the at-fault party, the penalties you will face can be quite severe, whether it be a ticket, a fine, a license suspension, or even jail time. Read on to discover what is considered reckless driving by New Jersey law and how a seasoned Morristown traffic violation lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can help you effectively fight off these penalties.
What is considered reckless driving in the state of New Jersey?
Essentially, in the state of New Jersey, you may receive a reckless driving ticket if you were allegedly operating your motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road. More specifically, you can be charged with reckless driving if you are caught driving over 30 miles per hour over the speed limit, damaging property with your vehicle, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Is there a chance I will go to jail over a reckless driving ticket?
A reckless driving ticket has several consequences tied to it, and the ones your receive will depend on the circumstances of your incident. That said, for your first-time offense, you may be facing up to 60 days in prison. In addition, other penalties you may face include the following:
- A $200 fine.
- 5 points on your driving record.
- A suspension of your driver’s license.
Inevitably, the consequences may be more severe if it is your second-time offense. That is, the time you may spend in jail may increase to up to 90 days. Other consequences include the following:
- A $500 fine.
- 5 points on your driving record.
- A suspension of your driver’s license.
What is a combination offense with a reckless driving ticket?
A combination offense is applicable if you are found to be committing more than one crime at a time. For example, if you are driving 30 miles per hour over the speed limit while also being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be convicted of a DWI in addition to receiving a reckless driving ticket.
All in all, if you find yourself in this situation, you must be fully aware of your rights to protect your future and avoid having these penalties follow you for years to come. For help with this, you must employ a competent Morristown criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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