Being charged with a traffic ticket doesn’t seem like a huge deal. Everyone gets them at some point. Many people just pay the fine and not think again about the ticket. However, traffic tickets, especially when they become cumulative can wreak havoc on your insurance as well as leave you with some hefty fines. Not only can your insurance increase with point but you can have surcharges from MVC. These charges can quickly add up and cost you a significant amount of money. Additionally, even when you pay all your fines, you might have to pay a surcharge to MVC to get your license restored. This is why it is imperative to hire a traffic ticket defense attorney like Jenna Casper Bloom when you are facing a traffic ticket.
What are the examples of some type of traffic tickets and points involved?
- Leaving the Scene of an accident with injury
- 8 points
- Reckless Driving
- 5 points
- Speeding (30 mph over the limit)
- 5 points
- Tailgating
- 5 points
- Improper Passing of a School Bus
- 5 points
- Improper Passing
- 4 points
- Speeding (15-29 mph over the limit)
- 4 points
- Improper Turn
- 3 points
- Unsafe Lane Change
- 3 points
- Speeding (1-14 mph over the limit)
- 2 points
- Careless Driving
- 2 points
- Leaving Scene of an accident – no injury
- 2 points
- Failure to stop at a traffic light
- 2 points
If you accumulate more that twelve points in two years on your license, your license can be suspended. If you drive with a suspended license, you could be looking at a fourth degree charge with a mandatory period of six month incarceration and it is required you do every day of the six months. The state and Judge do not have discretion in reducing this jail time if you plead guilty to this offense.
Additionally you could be looking at:
- Fines
- DMV Surcharges
- Insurance premium increase
- Jail Time
- Court Costs
How these points affect car insurance is one of the biggest concerns when dealing with a
traffic. It might not seem like a big deal to plead guilty to one of these offense you’re your car insurance can still be affected. Insurance.com looked at car insurance to determine how these traffic tickets raised the car insurance premium.
Below is an example of some of their findings.
- Reckless Driving
- 73% increase
- Speeding 30 mph over the limit
- 30% increase
- Careless Driving
- 26% increase
- Texting while Driving
- 23% increase
- Failure to Stop
- 19% increase
Being charge and pleading guilty to any traffic offense can affect your insurance which is why it is important to hire an experienced traffic ticket attorney like Jenna Casper Bloom.
Ways to reduce points on your record in Flemington, New Jersey
Defensive Driving Course
- 4-8 hours in the course
- Must pass a final exam
- Have to pay a fee
- Up to three points removed
Probationary Driver Program
- Only open to drivers with a provincial license
- 4 hour course
- $75 fee
- Up to three points removed
Driver Improvement Program
- $75 fee
- Up to three points removed
- Every year, two points will be removed from your driving record
What happens when I hire a Flemington attorney for a traffic ticket?
The first thing that happens when you hire Jenna Casper Bloom is she will enter her appearance with the municipal court and enter a plea of not guilty on your behalf. Next, she will request discovery from the prosecutor. Once she has discovery, she will forward it to you and discuss with you any potential issues and missing discovery. She will then meet with the prosecutor and discuss the case with them. After that point, the case will either head to trial where Jenna Casper Bloom has extensive experience in or an agreement will be worked out with the prosecutor where she will go in front of the Judge and enter a guilty plea on your behalf.
But I wasn’t using a cell phone while driving?
One of the most common traffic tickets is being charged with using a cell phone while operating a vehicle. Again, while this doesn’t seem like a big deal, for every subsequent violation, you are looking at a heftier fine as well as potential loss of license. Using a cell phone while driving does not only mean talking on the phone while driving but also texting, choosing a song to listen to, or looking at the phone for directions. If the cell phone is anywhere in your hand, you can be charged with this offense.
What are my defenses to a traffic ticket?
One such defense is obviously that you didn’t commit the offense that you were charged with. This can be a difficult defense to prove because usually the facts against you are just the observations of the officer saying you committed the offense. Jenna Casper Bloom is skilled at challenging the credibility of the officer and providing you with an aggressive defense.
Another defense is that the officer had faulty radar equipment or was not trained properly in how to use the radar gun. It is important to have an attorney like Jenna Casper Bloom who can properly read all the technical evidence supplied by the State. If any of this information is incorrect or outdated, then your ticket can be dismissed.
One of the last defenses is that you committed a traffic violation but not the one you are charged with. This involves intense negotiations by Jenna Casper Bloom with the prosecutor. This can result in pleading guilty to a lesser charge which means less fines and less or no points on your record.
Traffic Ticket Attorney in Flemington & Hunterdon County, NJ
The Law Offices of Jenna Casper Bloom is located at 4 Walter E. Foran Blvd, Suite 402, Flemington, NJ 08822. Call (908) 388-9310 for a free consultation about your traffic ticket.
Whether you were pulled over on Route 202, Route 31, or anywhere in Hunterdon County, Jenna Casper Bloom handles traffic ticket cases in Flemington Municipal Court and municipal courts throughout New Jersey. With over 20 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, she understands how traffic violations connect to more serious charges — a suspended license can lead to a fourth-degree indictable offense with mandatory jail time.
If your traffic stop also involved a DWI charge, learn more about how Jenna can help on our DWI Defense page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets in New Jersey
Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket, but it is almost always worth it. A traffic ticket attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss charges, which can save you thousands of dollars in fines, insurance surcharges, and MVC penalties over time. Even a simple speeding ticket can add points to your license, raise your insurance rates, and lead to surcharges from the MVC. Jenna Casper Bloom offers free consultations for traffic tickets in Flemington and throughout Hunterdon County — call (908) 388-9310 to discuss your case.
Related reading: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in New Jersey?
How much does a traffic ticket lawyer cost in Flemington, NJ?
The cost of a traffic ticket lawyer varies depending on the type of violation, the court where your case is being heard, and the complexity of your case. Many traffic ticket attorneys charge a flat fee rather than an hourly rate, so you know the cost upfront. When you consider the potential savings — avoided points, lower insurance premiums, and reduced fines — hiring a lawyer often pays for itself. Contact the Law Offices of Jenna Casper Bloom at (908) 388-9310 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
Can I fight a speeding ticket in Hunterdon County?
Yes, you can fight a speeding ticket in Hunterdon County. Every traffic ticket can be contested in municipal court, and there are several effective defenses available. Your attorney can challenge the accuracy of the radar or lidar equipment, the officer’s training and certification, or the conditions under which the speed was measured. In many cases, an experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a no-point violation, saving you from insurance increases and MVC surcharges. Jenna Casper Bloom handles speeding ticket cases in Flemington Municipal Court and municipal courts throughout Hunterdon County.
What happens if I don’t pay a traffic ticket in NJ?
Ignoring a traffic ticket in New Jersey can lead to serious consequences. The court may issue a warrant for your arrest, suspend your driver’s license, and add additional fines and penalties to your case. The MVC can also impose surcharges on top of court fines. Once your license is suspended, driving on that suspended license is a separate offense that carries mandatory jail time — up to 180 days for a first offense. If you have an unpaid traffic ticket, contact an attorney as soon as possible to address the situation before it escalates.
How many points before my license is suspended in New Jersey?
Your driver’s license can be suspended if you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period. Points are added based on the specific violation — for example, speeding 1-14 mph over the limit adds 2 points, while reckless driving adds 5 points. Once suspended, you must pay a restoration fee to the MVC to get your license back. Driving on a suspended license is a serious offense in New Jersey that can result in additional fines, extended suspension, and mandatory jail time.
Will a traffic ticket raise my car insurance in NJ?
Yes, a traffic ticket conviction will likely raise your car insurance premiums in New Jersey. The amount of the increase depends on the violation. Industry data shows reckless driving can increase premiums by up to 73%, speeding 30+ mph over the limit by about 30%, careless driving by about 26%, and texting while driving by about 23%. These increases can last for three to five years. This is one of the biggest reasons to hire a traffic ticket attorney — getting the charge reduced to a no-point violation can prevent the insurance increase entirely.
Can I go to traffic school to remove points in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not have a traditional “traffic school” program, but there are courses that can help reduce points on your record. The Defensive Driving Course is a 4-8 hour program that can remove up to 3 points upon passing a final exam. The Driver Improvement Program costs $75 and can also remove up to 3 points. Additionally, New Jersey automatically removes 2 points from your record for every year you go without a violation or suspension. An experienced traffic ticket attorney can advise you on the best strategy for managing points on your record.
What happens at Flemington Municipal Court for a traffic ticket?
When your traffic ticket is heard at Flemington Municipal Court, you will have the opportunity to enter a plea and contest the charges. If you hire Jenna Casper Bloom, she will enter her appearance with the court, file a not guilty plea on your behalf, and request discovery from the prosecutor. She will review the evidence with you, identify any weaknesses in the State’s case, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Many cases are resolved through a plea to a lesser charge with fewer or no points. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case can proceed to trial. You do not need to attend most court appearances when you have an attorney representing you.
How long does a traffic violation stay on my record in NJ?
Traffic violations and their associated points stay on your New Jersey driving record permanently, but points can be reduced over time. The MVC automatically removes 2 points for each year you go without a violation or suspension. You can also take a Defensive Driving Course or Driver Improvement Program to remove up to 3 additional points. Insurance companies typically look back 3-5 years when setting your rates, so even if points remain on your MVC record, older violations may stop affecting your premiums after that period.
Can a traffic ticket be dismissed in New Jersey?
Yes, a traffic ticket can be dismissed in New Jersey under certain circumstances. Common reasons for dismissal include defective radar or speed-measuring equipment, an officer who fails to appear in court, errors on the ticket itself, or insufficient evidence. Even when outright dismissal is not possible, an experienced attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge — such as a no-point violation — which significantly reduces the impact on your driving record, insurance, and finances. Jenna Casper Bloom has over 20 years of experience getting traffic tickets dismissed or reduced in Flemington and throughout New Jersey.
What is the difference between careless driving and reckless driving in NJ?
Careless driving and reckless driving are different charges in New Jersey with very different consequences. Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) means driving without due caution in a way that endangers people or property — it carries 2 points and fines of $50-$200. Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) means driving with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others — it carries 5 points, fines of up to $200 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses, and possible jail time of up to 60 days. Because of the significant difference in penalties, one of the most common negotiation strategies is getting a reckless driving charge reduced to careless driving.
Should I just pay the ticket or fight it?
In most cases, fighting your traffic ticket is the better choice. When you simply pay the ticket, you are pleading guilty, which means the points go on your record, your insurance rates may increase, and you may owe MVC surcharges on top of the fine. An experienced traffic ticket attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge with fewer or no points, which saves you money in the long run even after accounting for legal fees. The only way to know for sure is to consult with an attorney about your specific case. Jenna Casper Bloom offers free consultations — call (908) 388-9310 to discuss whether it makes sense to fight your ticket.
Contact An Experienced Flemington Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney
Jenna Casper Bloom has over 20 years of experience handling all criminal matters including thefts, drug offenses, weapons offenses, sexual assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, Megan’s Law offenses, Graves Act, DWI/DUI, traffic tickets, Pre-trial intervention, gun cases, marijuana charges, and expungements. She has handled cases from all stages and hearings including motions to suppress, Miranda hearings and has extensive trial experience. She provides an aggressive defense for any crime that one is charged with which results in her clients receiving favorable outcomes. Additionally, many times Jenna Casper Bloom gets cases dismissed for her client or plead guilty to a lesser offense. She has also argued probation and parole violation hearings which resulted in her clients being able to stay on probation or parole and not return to prison. She especially has experience with detention hearings, allowing her clients to be released pending their trial instead of languishing in jail.
If you can be charged with the crime, Jenna Casper Bloom has experience in defending it. She practices in Mercer County, Hunterdon County, Warren County, and Somerset County as well as in the towns of Trenton, Flemington, Clinton, Raritan, Annandale, Union, Pennington, East Amwell, West Amwell, Lawrenceville, Ewing, and Princeton.
Jenna Casper Bloom will treat you as the person you are, not the crime you have been charged with. Contact her today for a free consultation.
