Firm Offers Experienced Assistance With New Jersey Traffic Tickets
North Bergen attorney helping clients fight charges related to driving offenses
Traffic citations are an unfortunate fact of life in New Jersey. Even when they believe they’re in the right, some drivers choose to accept their punishment because they don’t think they can defeat the charges brought against them. This can lead to unfair fines, license points and higher insurance costs. At The Law Office of Joseph A Rutigliano, L.L.C. in North Bergen, I know the types of mistakes that police officers make when handing out tickets. Drawing on nearly 20 years of legal experience and extensive knowledge of Hudson and Bergen County municipal courts, my firm is prepared to defend you against unwarranted allegations.
Effective lawyer handles cases stemming from speeding tickets and other citations
For nearly 20 years, North Jersey residents have relied on me, Joseph Rutigliano, to defend their legal rights and challenge authorities that act improperly. I handle a full range of traffic violation cases on behalf of area motorists, including matters where they’ve been accused of:
- Speeding — Operating your vehicle over the speed limit can trigger a significant fine and as many as five license points if you’re traveling 30 miles per hour or more faster than the posted rate. Your fine can run as high as $260 if convicted. Radar guns are not foolproof though, and visual cues can be misleading as well. If you think you were charged without proper justification or overcharged, my firm will review the circumstances to see what potential defenses exist.
- Careless and reckless driving — Various types of road behavior can lead to a careless or reckless driving citation, such as weaving between lanes or driving at an excessive rate of speed. Reckless driving is the more serious charge, resulting in five license points while a careless driving count is only a two-point sanction. Sometimes, the difference between the charges hinges on whether the reporting officer believes the driver was consciously putting others in danger. Should you feel that you’ve been falsely accused of reckless conduct behind the wheel, I’ll fight back on your behalf.
- Running a red light or stop sign — Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign is a two-point offense, as is leaving the road in order to avoid a stop signal(for example, cutting through a corner gas station so that you can make a turn without waiting). Fines for these violations range from $50 to $200.
- Using a handheld cell phone or other electronic device — A first offense for driving while using a handheld electronic device carries a fine of up to $400. Penalties increase with subsequent violations even though it can be very difficult for a police officer to determine if someone is actually using their phone. When appropriate, I gather the records necessary to demonstrate that the vehicle operator was not using their device unlawfully.
Under New Jersey law, someone who accumulates 12 license points loses their driving privileges. Each year that you go without a violation, three points are removed from your record. In addition to the penalties imposed by the government, license points usually prompt an auto insurance company to raise a policyholder’s rates, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars more. I push back against unsupported claims by law enforcement officers and work to achieve the best possible result for clients whether that is a dismissal, acquittal or a favorable plea agreement.
Contact a skillful North Jersey traffic violation defense lawyer regarding your case
The Law Office of Joseph A Rutigliano, L.L.C. in North Bergen advocates on behalf of New Jersey drivers who have been charged with traffic offenses. For a consultation concerning your legal options, please call 201-201-7377 or contact me online.