Speeding Tickets

Have you been issued a ticket for speeding in Newark NJ or any other city in Essex County New Jersey? There are a multitude of major roads that wind through Essex County, including the NJ Turnpike, I 95, Garden State Parkway, Rt. 280, Rt. 24, and 78. These heavily traveled roads provide both State and local police many opportunities to issue revenue generating speeding tickets. The following is a guideline to the possible penlaties one may face if issued a speeding ticket in NJ. Remember, this is just a guide. In addition, the article will discuss some possible defenses to a speeding summons. You should contact a New Jersey traffic ticket attorney to discuss the particulars of your alleged offense. If you are questioning whether you need to hire a lawyer for a speeding ticket or other moving violation, please check out my “Should I hire a lawyer for my NJ traffic ticket?” page. Not all lawyers are alike when it comes to speeding tickets. Just like anything else, experience and training separate the best from the rest.

Points

The possible number of points assessed depends upon the mph that you are accused of exceeding the speed limit by.

up to fourteen mph over the speed limit, 2 points
15 to 29 mph over limit, 4 points
30 an over, 5 points

If you are convicted of driving 30 mph or over, the court will frequently suspend your driving privileges. It is important to obtain legal representation in all legal matters, but particularly in cases where your ability to drive, work, etc. may be at risk.

Insurance Eligibility Points and Motor Vehicle Surcharges.

For more information on this topic please visit my Insurance Eligibility Points and Motor Vehicle Surcharges Page

Fines

Fines are determined by the court. The following is a guideline that provides the typical fines upon conviction of a speeding violation. The fine is typically based upon the mph the defendant was driving over the speed limit. These fines do not include court cost, should you choose to fight the ticket in court. Court cost can vary, but are usually $33. In addition, fines may double if the offense occurs in a Safe Corridor, Construction Zone, or 65 mph zone

exceeding limit by 1-9 miles per hour: $81. If the violation takes place in a Safe Corridor, Construction Zone, 65 mph zone speeding: $136.

exceeding limit by 10-14 miles per hour: $91. If the violation takes place in a Safe Corridor, Construction Zone, 65 mph zone speeding: $156.

exceeding limit by 15-19 miles per hour: $101. If the violation takes place in a Safe Corridor, Construction Zone, 65 mph zone speeding: $176.

exceeding limit by 20-24 mph: $196. NOTE, ALL FINES DOUBLE FOR SPEEDING VIOLATIONS 20 MPH or MORE. If the violation takes place in a Safe Corridor, Construction Zone, 65 mph zone, COURT APPEARANCE REQUIRED.

exceeding limit by 25-29 miles per hour: $216. FINES MAY BE DOUBLED.

exceeding limit by 30-34 miles per hour: $236. FINES MAY BE DOUBLED AND POSSIBLE LICENSE SUSPENSION.

exceeding limit by 35-39 miles per hour: $256. FINES MAY BE DOUBLED AND POSSIBLE LICENSE SUSPENSION.

Techniques and instruments used by law enforcement to determine mph.

The two most common methods to determine mph are radar and pace. The radar instrument employed must be tested prior to and after use, and periodically calibrated in accordance with factory specifications. If speed was determined by pace, it must be established that the speedometer of the police vehicle employed was properly calibrated prior to the issuance of the violation. Frequently, a “fifth wheel” device is used to prove the accuracy of the speedometer. When speeding tickets are issued via vehicle pace, the police are taught to catch up with the suspected speeder, then maintain a constant distance for a period of time to determine the rate of travel. Very scientific.

How to Defend a Speeding Ticket Offense

Well, I can’t reveal all my secrets, but initially, take a look at the proceeding section. Remember, it is the state’s burden to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the state is unable to establish that the equipment employed on a certain occasion was working properly, it will be very difficult to prove the case against you. You may be asking, “how do I get this information?” In my experience, many traffic ticket attorneys underestimate the procedural aspect of traffic ticket defense. I have won numerous cases by backing the prosecutor against the wall with pleadings. motions, and discovery demands. This aspect of representation is as important, if not more than actual trial representation. It can also be the most difficult. Bottom line, the unrepresented defendant will be expected to follow the rules and procedures of court. No one will tell you how to do it, and if you can’t, there are no redoes and very few second chances. Translation, the prosecutor’s job becomes much easier.

In addition to the foregoing, there are numerous defenses that can be alleged. Some of these defenses are legal and some are equitable. What ever the case may be, an experience traffic ticket lawyer will almost always be able to negotiate a better deal with the prosecutor than you can for two simple reasons. 1) the prosecutor knows that you paid your hard earned cash to hire a lawyer 2) The prosecutor knows that I will zealously defend my client at trial if necessary, with the know how of a seasoned attorney.

Remember, there are very few non-consequential traffic offenses. Most speeding tickets will expose you to insurance hikes if points are assessed. If you were traveling at a high rate of speed, your license could be suspended. If you accumulate too many points, your license can be suspended. If you accumulate too many points, the motor vehicle commission will assess surcharges. Take the steps to avoid the penalties and contact a New Jersey speeding ticket attorney today.