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Reckless Driving

Reckless Driving Lawyer in North Bergen

Your Trusted Partner in Reckless Driving Defense

At Gannes & Musico, LLP, we comprehend the anxiety and challenges that come with facing a reckless driving charge in North Bergen, NJ. Our dedicated team of reckless driving attorneys is equipped to deliver compassionate and strategic defense to uphold your rights and work toward the most favorable outcome for your case. 

With our extensive experience and proven track record, we guide you through every phase of the legal process with confidence. We leverage our established relationships with local courts and prosecutors to negotiate favorable outcomes whenever possible. This local knowledge is crucial, providing us with insights that enable a more robust defense from the outset.

Facing a reckless driving charge? We offer free consultations. Call (877) 803-2603 or contact us online to speak with a reckless driving attorney in North Bergen today.

Understanding Reckless Driving Laws in New Jersey

In New Jersey, reckless driving is defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 as driving a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Unlike careless driving, which involves ordinary negligence, reckless driving requires a conscious disregard of substantial risks that could endanger others.

Common examples of reckless driving in New Jersey include:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Aggressive weaving through traffic
  • Tailgating
  • Racing on public roads
  • Making unsafe lane changes or running red lights

Reckless driving is treated as a criminal offense, typically a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor), rather than a simple traffic violation. An experienced North Bergen reckless driving lawyer can carefully review your case to challenge claims of reckless behavior and protect your legal rights.

The prosecution's case often relies on a variety of evidence, including police officer observations, dashcam or bodycam footage, and the testimony of other drivers or witnesses. This highly subjective evidence is frequently ripe for challenge by an experienced North Bergen reckless driving lawyer.

Classifications and Penalties For A Reckless Driving Offense

In New Jersey, a reckless driving charge is a serious criminal offense. The penalties increase significantly with each subsequent offense.

First Offense:

  • Classified as a disorderly persons offense
  • Fines up to $200
  • Possible imprisonment up to 30 days
  • License suspension for up to 60 days
  • Two points assessed on your driving record

Second Offense (within 10 years):

  • Higher fines and potential jail time
  • Possible license suspension up to 90 days
  • Increased points on your driving record

Third or Subsequent Offense (within 10 years):

  • More severe fines and imprisonment
  • License suspension up to 180 days
  • Points assessed on your record and potential probation

It is also important to note that a reckless driving charge can be filed alongside other offenses, such as a DWI, reckless endangerment, or aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. A knowledgeable reckless driving attorney in North Bergen will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a reckless driving offense can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

The New Jersey Criminal Defense Process for Reckless Driving Charges

The legal process following a reckless driving arrest can feel overwhelming, but it follows a predictable series of steps. Our job is to guide you through each stage, ensuring your rights are protected and that you have a strategic advocate in our corner.

  1. Investigation and Arrest: The process begins with a traffic stop and arrest if the officer has probable cause. It is crucial to remember your right to remain silent.
  2. Arraignment: This is your first appearance before a judge, where you will be formally notified of the charges and enter a plea. We will advise you on the appropriate plea and begin building your defense.
  3. Discovery: We will obtain and review all the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you, including police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements, to find any weaknesses.
  4. Pre-Trial Motions and Plea Negotiations: Based on our review of the evidence, we may file pre-trial motions to challenge illegally obtained evidence. We will also engage in negotiations with the prosecutor, seeking a favorable agreement, such as a reduction of charges to a lesser offense.
  5. Trial and Sentencing: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. If a conviction occurs, we will present mitigating evidence and arguments during sentencing to seek the most lenient sentence possible.

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What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

Gannes & Musico, LLP is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

  • We Provide Free Case Evaluations to Discuss ALL Your Options
  • We Have Achieved Thousands of "Not Guilty" Verdicts for Our Clients
  • Our Firm Is the Winner of the Avvo Clients' Choice Award
  • We've Provided Over 30 Years of Aggressive Traffic Defense

Building a Strategic Defense for Reckless Driving Charges in North Bergen

Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. 

As a seasoned North Bergen reckless driving lawyer, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

  • Lack of Recklessness: The prosecution must prove that you acted with a conscious disregard for the safety of others. We can argue that your actions were a simple mistake, a misunderstanding, or that you were acting to avoid a more serious accident.
  • Mistaken Identity: We can argue that you have been misidentified as the person who was driving the vehicle. This defense is particularly strong when the identification is based on a single, fleeting observation.
  • Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We will argue that the evidence presented is not sufficient to meet this high standard, either because the witness testimony is inconsistent or the evidence is flawed.
  • Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful stop or a coerced confession.
  • Emergency Situation: We can argue that you were driving recklessly due to an emergency or to avoid harm. This is a powerful defense if you were rushing to the hospital or were evading a dangerous driver.

Why Choose Gannes & Musico, LLP

Clients choose us for our:

  • 30+ Years of Experience: Our seasoned team of attorneys has successfully managed countless reckless driving cases, offering profound knowledge and insight.
  • Proven Success Rates: With a history of favorable verdicts, our focus is on securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.
  • Personalized Attention & Care: We prioritize your needs, providing individualized attention and guiding you through the complexities of the legal system.
  • Free Initial Consultation: Understanding your situation and options comes without financial obligation, as we offer a no-cost case evaluation.

Our client-focused service truly sets us apart. We understand that each case is unique and devote the necessary time to listen to your story, offering transparency at every stage of the legal process. 

Additionally, our proactive approach maintains open lines of communication, meaning you will never be left in the dark about your case status. We keep you updated on progress and always address any questions or concerns you may have promptly.

Key Steps in Defensive Legal Process

Understanding the process can alleviate some of the anxiety you may face. 

Here’s what to expect when working with our reckless driving defense team:

  • Initial Consultation: During the free consultation, we listen to your concerns, gather facts, and explain the legal landscape.
  • Evidence Gathering: We conduct a thorough investigation, obtaining essential documents, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
  • Legal Strategy Development: Based on the information gathered, our lawyers craft a legal strategy tailored to your case.
  • Negotiation & Trial Preparation: Our team remains committed to negotiating favorable terms but prepares to vigorously defend you in court if necessary.
  • Resolution & Follow-up: Post-case, we provide guidance on expungements and any additional support to protect your future.

The initial consultation is more than just a meeting; it's an opportunity to start building a defense strategy that aligns with your goals. We aim to demystify the legal process, offering clarity and confidence as we move forward together.

Contact Us for Reliable Legal Support in North Bergen

Facing a reckless driving charge in North Bergen can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to providing supportive, clear guidance and ready to develop a robust defense tailored to your needs. 

Contact Gannes & Musico, LLP at (877) 803-2603 for a personalized consultation to discuss your case.

Case Results

More than 10,000 Drivers Helped Every Year
  • Not Guilty Child Seatbelt Ticket

    Our client was charged with a child seatbelt violation. Facing three points and fines, our client was found not guilty, avoiding both penalties.

  • Not Guilty Failure to Yield

    Failure to Yield, facing 3 points and fines. He was found not guilty in court, avoiding both penalties.

  • Not Guilty Cell Phone Violation

    Cell phone violation. Facing fines and 5 points, he was found not guilty, avoiding both penalties.

  • Not Guilty Failure to Use Signal

    Charged with failure to signal. Facing two points and fines, he was found not guilty, avoiding both penalties.

  • Not Guilty Illegal Passing

    Illegal Pass charge, carrying three points and fines. The violation was reduced to Jaywalking, which carries 0 points.

  • Not Guilty Disobey Traffic Device

    Disobey Traffic Device charge, facing two points and fines. The violation was reduced to a no-point parking violation.
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