If you have received a traffic ticket in New Jersey recently, you have probably been inundated with letters and solicitations from other attorneys. This is a result of fairly recent attorney ethics opinions and the New Jersey Open Public Records Act which allows attorneys to obtain municipal court records and send direct mail solicitations to your home offering their services. It is very unsettling to me how threatening some of those letters seem to be.
The fact is, you do not necessarily need an attorney to represent you in Municipal Court, however, you will invariably be better off with an attorney representing you, because the attorney is familiar with the policies and procedures of the court, knowledgeable about the law as it applies to your situation, will be better qualified to raise defenses on your behalf that you may not otherwise have thought of, be able to negotiate more effectively with the prosecutor on your behalf, and be better able to plead mitigating circumstances to the judge during sentencing. As a former municipal prosecutor and public defender with over 20 years of Municipal Court experience, I can assure you that you will be well represented.
Many violations have points and surcharges attached to them. For example, speeding in excess of 14 mph and less than 30 mph over the limit is a four point violation. Careless driving carries two points. Reckless driving, passing a school bus, or tailgating carry five points. For a complete and up to date schedule of points assessed by the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicle Services, visit www.nj.gov/mvc/Violations/penalties_pointSchedule.htm
The dilemma is whether or not the cost of legal representation is a good value when compared to the penalties you will likely face. My fees run from $350.00 to $1,200.00 depending on the seriousness of the offense, the type and location of the court, and the potential penalties you face. In most instances, I can give you an accurate cost estimate over the telephone. Contact me via email or call 609-654-5489 or Toll Free at 888-336-8417 to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.
Gary F. Woodend & Associates
5 N. Main St., Ste C
Medford, NJ 08055
Toll Free: 888-336-8417
Telephone: 609-654-5489
Fax: 609-654-5703
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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