Legal Question in Traffic Law in New Jersey

speed and reckless driving with canadian licence

hello I received a speeding ticket and a reckless driving ticket. I was doing 103 on a 65 limit (double zone) I have a canadian licence, i was only visiting NJ with my girlfriend who lives in NY. Obviously the points or losing my privilige to drive in the state of NJ doesn't affect me. I have to show up at the court and I am worried about going to jail. Please help me understand just how much the ticket would be and is there a chance I could go to jail? I am a college student from toronto. and I am worried. thank you in advance


Asked on 6/15/07, 6:31 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: speed and reckless driving with canadian licence

You do not need advice over this bulletin board, you need a lawyer who goes to that municipal court (whereever you got that ticket, it says which court at the top).

If you ignore it, you may have your license affected in Canada, I do not know. I do know that if you ignore it and EVER come back to NJ, you could be arrested. Not good. Much better to deal with it. Jail? possible, not likely. Expect to pay a heavy fine for your stupidity.

I do not know if you get the ticket in the area that I cover, but I do this kind of work. If you would like me to assist, please call my office. I am in Hackensack. A half hour consultation will be $75.00. You can then decide how you would like to proceed.

My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

Disclaimer: Your question and any response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and this law firm. You can not rely on the statements made by an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.

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Answered on 6/16/07, 2:37 pm
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: speed and reckless driving with canadian licence

I doubt you will go to jail. You fines will depend on what you plea it down to. My suggest is to show up to your first court date without an attorney and speak to the prosecutor. See what you can work out. I would probably not tell him you are from CA. Just see what you can work out and ask what the fines and penalties will be. Don't even mention jail.

My rough guess is that you are looking at fines of about $500. If jail is mentioned, then its time to get an attorney, but with your unique situation, that's the only time you would probably need one.

Good luck!

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Answered on 6/15/07, 8:11 pm
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: speed and reckless driving with canadian licence

Jail sentences for speeding rarely result in a jail sentence where there is no personal injury or property damsge, but a fifteen day sentence is possible. A jail sentence should be avoidable. It would not be wise for you to go to court without an attorney because you would have to have personal contact with the prosecutor.

Call me if you like.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 6/17/07, 12:09 am
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

Re: speed and reckless driving with canadian licence

With the representation of an attorney it would be extremely unlikely that you would face jail time, especially if you have never been arrested before. There is a liklihood of being assessed a fine of somewhere between $500-$1,000, but that would probably be the worst of it. This area of law is our specialty, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

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The information provided by The Law Offices of Steven J. Czik (LOSJC) is for general educational purposes only. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this communication and no privilege attaches to such communication. LOSJC is not taking and will not take any action on your behalf and will not be considered your attorney until both you and LOSJC have signed a written retainer agreement. There are strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, within which claims or lawsuits must be filed. Therefore, if you desire the services of an attorney and decide not to retain LOSJC on terms acceptable to LOSJC, you are advised to immediately seek the services of another attorney.

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Answered on 6/18/07, 12:55 pm
Salvatore Principato Salvatore Principato, Attorney at Law

Re: speed and reckless driving with canadian licence

Each NJ municipal court seems to vary in approaching penalties. I agree with the other guru attorney's suggestion that you attend court and see what they are seeking from the local prosecutor. If there were no aggravating factors then speed or driving reclessly alone has not been not been cause for incarceration. Both carry five points and sometimes a suspension of license of 30 days or so. The matters will probably be merged since the speeding seems to be the genesis of the reckless charge. Careless with big fine would be an excellent result if you were that lucky but you broke that ceiling driving over the 100 mph mark. Good Luck!

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Answered on 6/16/07, 8:29 am


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