Speeding Ticket Attorney in Lodi
Facing A Speeding Ticket Connected To Lodi, NJ? Fight Your Ticket!
A speeding ticket tied to Lodi, New Jersey, can affect far more than a one-time fine. Points on your license, higher insurance premiums, and even the risk of a suspension for repeat offenses can follow you long after you mail in a payment. If you rely on your license to get to work or care for your family, that can feel overwhelming.
At Gannes & Musico, LLP, we help drivers who find themselves in this position understand what their ticket really means and what options they may have. Our attorneys have over 30 years of cumulative experience handling traffic violations, including a large volume of speeding cases.
Protect your license and your wallet by hiring a speeding ticket lawyer in Lodi with a proven track record. At Gannes & Musico, LLP, we have spent decades fighting for New Jersey drivers. Reach out to us at (877) 803-2603 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
Understanding New Jersey Speeding Statutes
New Jersey’s speeding laws are codified under N.J.S.A. 39:4-98. This statute establishes "prima facie" speed limits for various zones across the state. In Lodi, drivers are often cited for exceeding the following limits:
- 25 MPH: In business or residential districts and school zones.
- 35 MPH: In suburban business or residential districts.
- 50 MPH: In all other locations, unless otherwise posted.
- 65 MPH: On specific designated highways.
A speeding ticket lawyer in Lodi will first analyze if the speed limit was properly posted. If signage was obscured, missing, or placed in a way that does not comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, the ticket may be eligible for dismissal.
The New Jersey Point System and Surcharges
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) utilizes a point system to track and penalize driving behavior. Speeding is one of the fastest ways to accumulate points that lead to a license suspension.
Speeding Point Tiers
The number of points assessed to your license depends entirely on how many miles per hour you were traveling above the limit:
- 1–14 MPH over the speed limit: 2 points assessed
- 15–29 MPH over the speed limit: 4 points assessed
- 30 MPH or more over the speed limit: 5 points assessed
Financial Surcharges
In addition to the initial fine paid to the Lodi Municipal Court, New Jersey residents face state surcharges if they accumulate too many points. If you reach 6 points within a three-year period, the MVC will assess a surcharge of $150 per year for three years, plus an additional $25 for every point over six. Failing to pay these surcharges will result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
Why Drivers Turn To Our Traffic Attorneys For Speeding Tickets
When you are deciding whether to involve a lawyer, you want to know that you are not a test case. Our firm concentrates a significant part of its practice on traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, red light violations, and suspended license matters. This focus means we are in traffic courts regularly and familiar with how these cases are typically handled.
Over the years, we have contested thousands of traffic summonses and consistently secured numerous not guilty findings on a daily basis. That kind of volume gives our attorneys a strong sense of what arguments and approaches may resonate, which defenses are more likely to be taken seriously, and how different courts tend to respond.
While no two cases are the same, this background offers real value when we look at the details of your situation.
We also recognize that a speeding ticket is personal. It affects your driving record, your insurance, and sometimes your employment. Our goal is to pair determined advocacy with genuine attention to your concerns, so you understand what is happening and why we are recommending a particular strategy for you.
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Why You Should Fight Your Lodi Speeding Ticket
Many drivers simply "pay the fine" because it seems like the easiest path. However, paying the fine is a formal admission of guilt. This admission triggers the points, the surcharges, and the insurance spikes. Our firm advocates for a more strategic approach.
1. Avoiding Insurance Increases
A single speeding ticket can increase your auto insurance premiums by 15% to 25% for three years or more. Over time, this costs significantly more than the price of a legal defense.
2. Preventing License Suspension
In New Jersey, your license is subject to a mandatory suspension if you accumulate 12 or more points. If you already have points on your record, even a "minor" 2-point ticket could push you over the edge.
3. Challenging Radar and LIDAR Accuracy
Police officers in Lodi use sophisticated technology to measure speed, but this equipment is not infallible. As your Lodi speeding ticket attorney, we demand proof of:
- Unit Calibration: Radar units must be calibrated regularly. If the calibration records are out of date, the evidence is compromised.
- Officer Certification: The officer must be properly trained and certified to operate the specific speed-measuring device used in your stop.
- The "Tuning Fork" Test: Officers are required to perform a manual test of the radar unit both before and after their shift.
Negotiating for a "No-Point" Downgrade
In many cases, a complete dismissal is not possible, but a reduction is. New Jersey law allows for a plea to "Unsafe Operation of a Motor Vehicle" (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.2).
While this carries a higher fine and a mandatory $250 state surcharge, it is a 0-point violation for the first two offenses. This is a common strategy we use to protect our clients' insurance rates and license standing.
However, you can only use this specific downgrade twice in a five-year period, so it is vital to have Gannes & Musico, LLP evaluate if this is the right move for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Your Attorneys Go to Court for My Speeding Ticket?
In many traffic cases, attorneys can appear in court on a client’s behalf, depending on the court and charge. This can save time and reduce disruption, especially for busy or traveling drivers. The firm explains local court practices, clarifies your role, and manages scheduling efficiently to make the process as convenient as court rules allow.
What Outcomes Are Possible With a Speeding Ticket Case?
Possible outcomes vary based on the facts, your record, and the court. Some cases may be reduced to lower-point offenses, while others may present opportunities for more favorable resolutions due to issues with the stop or speed measurement. Attorneys discuss realistic options during a free evaluation, outlining strategies without promising specific results.
How Much Does It Cost to Have You Review My Speeding Ticket?
The firm offers a free initial review of your speeding ticket, allowing you to ask questions and understand your options with no obligation. If you choose to proceed, fees are explained clearly in advance. This approach ensures you understand both potential outcomes and costs before making any commitment.
I Drive Between New York & New Jersey. Does That Change Anything?
For drivers who travel between New York and New Jersey, a New Jersey ticket can still affect your driving record and insurance. Frequent cross-border drivers may face compounded consequences over time. The firm considers your overall driving history and commuting patterns to assess how the ticket fits into the bigger picture and how to limit its impact.
How We Approach Speeding Ticket Defense
When you contact us about a speeding ticket, we start by looking closely at the ticket itself and any related information you can provide.
This may include where you were stopped, the speed that was alleged, the method used to measure speed, and any notes you have about traffic or road conditions. We also consider your driving history, since that often shapes what outcomes are most important to you.
Developing A Strategy For Your Case
From there, we assess what options may be available. Depending on the facts and the court that will hear the case, this can involve challenging aspects of the stop, raising questions about the speed reading, or pursuing ways to limit the points or penalties you face.
Our attorneys draw on the experience gained from contesting thousands of traffic summonses to evaluate which approaches are worth considering.
Communication & Keeping You Informed
Throughout this process, communication is a priority. We explain your choices in straightforward terms and discuss potential risks and benefits, so you can make decisions that fit your situation.
While no result can be guaranteed, our goal is to work toward the most favorable resolution that the circumstances reasonably allow, and to do so in a way that keeps you informed at every step.
Talk With Our Team About Your Speeding Ticket
At Gannes & Musico, LLP, our attorneys bring over three decades of combined experience and a history of contesting thousands of traffic summonses to every speeding ticket we handle.
We start with a free case evaluation, explain your choices in plain language, and work to pursue a result that fits your goals without adding unnecessary stress. When you are ready to talk about your ticket, we are ready to listen.
To schedule your free speeding ticket review, call (877) 803-2603 or reach out online now.
