Traffic tickets can lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, and even criminal penalties. From reckless driving charges and speeding citations to driving with a suspended license, you should take your traffic violation seriously and hire an experienced Ocean County traffic ticket lawyer.
William Fay, Esq., a former Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, brings extensive legal experience and a determined approach to every case he handles. His unique insight into how prosecutors build cases gives him a strategic edge when defending clients.
When you work with Mr. Fay, you’re hiring the person who will handle your case from initial intake to final resolution. He focuses on results, accessibility, and compassion; he’s aggressive in the courtroom and approachable to his clients.
If you’ve received a traffic citation or have been charged with a moving violation in Ocean County, you may have a strong legal defense. Call William Fay, Esq. today for a free consultation with our Ocean County traffic ticket attorney and find out how we can help you minimize potential New Jersey traffic violation penalties.
Why Hire William Fay for Your Traffic Ticket Defense in Ocean County, NJ?
Mr. Fay’s background as a former Deputy Attorney General sets him apart from many other Ocean County traffic ticket lawyers. Having investigated and prosecuted numerous criminal cases, he understands how both sides approach their cases in the courtroom. That experience allows him to anticipate how prosecutors think and use that insight to your advantage.
When you hire Mr. Fay, you get an attorney who’s:
- Professional and experienced, with years of courtroom and investigative experience in traffic and criminal law
- Accessible, as he’ll give you his direct cell number so you can reach him without going through a paralegal or assistant
- Honest and straightforward, offering clear guidance about your options and what to expect
- Focused on minimizing or eliminating the penalties tied to your ticket
Mr. Fay handles every part of your defense himself, from reviewing the evidence to appearing in court. You’ll never have your case handed off to an associate. His goal is to protect your driving record and your rights, whether he fights for reduced penalties, a dismissal, or a negotiated deal to keep points off your license.
Reach out today for your free, fully confidential case review.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Traffic Violation Charges?
Some people think a traffic ticket isn’t worth hiring an attorney. However, many traffic citations carry steep fines, license points, and even jail time. If you don’t have a skilled attorney on your side, you could easily accumulate enough points for a license suspension.
Mr. Fay knows how to navigate municipal court procedures and state laws, so he can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you your driving privileges. He can often negotiate for reduced penalties or even dismissal, especially when there are procedural or evidentiary issues with the ticket. That’s difficult for the average person, especially if they’ve never dealt with the New Jersey traffic court system before. In short, working with a reliable advocate means you have someone protecting your record and your ability to drive.
What Types of Traffic Ticket and Violation Cases Does William Fay Handle?
Mr. Fay represents clients across the full range of New Jersey traffic offenses, ranging from minor citations to serious criminal charges. The following are some of the most common types of cases he defends in Ocean County:
- Eluding – Eluding is when a driver fails to stop when directed by law enforcement. This offense can be charged as a fourth- or third-degree crime or a disorderly persons offense, depending on whether it involves violence or creates a risk of injury.
- Speeding – Speeding tickets add points to your license. The exact amount depends on how far over the limit you were going.
- Parking Violations – While parking violations typically carry fines rather than points, repeated offenses can result in escalating penalties and vehicle impoundment.
- Driving with a Suspended License – Driving while your license is suspended can result in fines, points, and even jail time for repeat offenses.
- Driving Without Insurance – Driving without insurance can result in license suspension, substantial fines, and community service. The penalties escalate for repeat offenses.
- Reckless Driving – Reckless driving means operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others.” It carries license points and possible jail time.
- Careless Driving – Careless driving involves operating a vehicle “without due caution and circumspection.” This charge is punished by license points.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) – A DWI (DUI) charge can result in fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and jail time. The punishments significantly increase with repeat offenses.
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) – If you’re accused of driving under the influence of drugs, prosecutors must prove impairment through observation and toxicology results.
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Leaving the scene can result in license suspension and jail time, especially if someone was injured.
- Failure to Maintain Lane – Failure to maintain your lane is a common reason for traffic stops. These stops can sometimes result in additional charges, such as careless driving or DUI.
- Improper Turn – Improper turn violations often occur at intersections or while making U-turns. These tickets carry points and fines. They sometimes lead to other charges.
What Traffic Violations Would Require Me to Go to a Mandatory Court Appearance?
Certain New Jersey traffic offenses require you to appear in municipal court instead of simply paying a fine online. These typically include more severe violations, including the following:
- Driving while suspended
- Reckless driving
- DWI or DUI
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Eluding
The best way to determine whether you’re required to appear in court is to check your ticket. If your ticket indicates a mandatory appearance, please note the date and contact William Fay, Esq., for assistance. Always attend your court dates. Failing to appear as required could result in a warrant for your arrest and additional penalties.
Mr. Fay can assist you in preparing for court and advocate on your behalf before the judge. If you’re not sure whether your traffic violation requires a court date, he can review your ticket and help you understand your next steps.
What Are the Points I Could Get for Traffic Violations in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) assigns points for most moving violations. Common examples include:
- Speeding 1–14 MPH Over Limit – Two points
- Speeding 15–29 MPH Over Limit – Four points
- Speeding 30 or More MPH Over Limit – Five points
- Reckless Driving – Five points
- Careless Driving – Two points
- Improper Turn – Three points
- Failure to Maintain Lane – Two points
Accumulating too many points within a certain window can result in heavy surcharges and license suspension. Mr. Fay often negotiates with prosecutors to downgrade or dismiss tickets so that you can avoid additional points on your driving record and potentially avoid insurance premium increases.
How Many Points Can Be on My License Before It Is Suspended?
In New Jersey, your license may be suspended if you accumulate 12 or more points. The MVC also assigns surcharges once you reach six points within three years. However, those points can be reduced by remaining violation-free for one year or completing a state-approved defensive driving course.
A skilled Ocean County traffic ticket lawyer like Mr. Fay can help you minimize or remove points through negotiation or by challenging the ticket in court. Even a small reduction can help you prevent a suspension or insurance rate increase.
Can I Fight a Ticket If I Have Already Been Convicted?
You may be able to challenge a prior conviction by filing an appeal. However, appeals are complicated. Working with a traffic ticket violation attorney is the best way to fight your conviction. For example, Mr. Fay can review whether you were given proper notice and whether the court followed all legal requirements.
In some cases, he may be able to reopen a prior case to correct a mistake or mitigate the penalties. This can make a big difference in restoring your driving privileges and reducing long-term insurance and surcharge costs.
What Are Other Consequences for Traffic Violations?
Traffic violations can affect more than just your driving record. Depending on your specific violation, you could face the following:
- License suspension or revocation
- Fines and court costs
- Increased insurance premiums
- Ignition interlock device installation
- DMV surcharges
- Community service or jail time for serious offenses
New Jersey traffic violation penalties are typically outlined in each applicable New Jersey law; however, municipal judges have some discretion in sentencing. Your traffic ticket defense attorney can help by presenting a compelling argument for leniency and ensuring that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to legal standards.
Contact an Ocean County Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney Today
A traffic citation may seem routine, but its consequences can last for years. If you’ve been charged with a traffic violation in Ocean County, contact William Fay, Esq., today for a free consultation. You can speak directly with Mr. Fay by phone or schedule an in-person meeting. When you work with our firm, he’ll personally handle your case and provide the reliable, aggressive defense you deserve.