Q: 'Abandoned Motor Vehicle' Ticket (39:4-56.5) in NJ Due to Towing Company Incompetence
I have received an 'Abandoned Motor Vehicle' ticket in Jersey City, NJ and need some legal advice as to how to proceed. NJ apparently takes these things seriously as they not only require a court appearance, but the max penalty is $500 + a two-year license suspension (min is $100, no suspension).
The ticket resulted from a towing company depositing my car in front of a repair facility but blocking the street. I was not present when this happened and could not have committed the offense as I was 10 miles away in NYC (I have family witnesses + Lyft receipt) and the vehicle was inoperable (dead clutch; I have repair bill). I have pleaded not-guilty. What is the best way to proceed? Do I need an attorney?
A:
Best way to always proceed is to have a lawyer represent you. A good lawyer should be able to minimize the penalties for you which as you know already can be quite severe especially in Jersey City. A good lawyer may cost a lot of money but remember the old adage: A good lawyer is never cheap and a cheap lawyer is never good.
Lastly one word of advise you are always responsible for any car you own and you are also responsible for the actions of anyone you hire or give the keys to the car to operate it. Thus whether they tow it, ticket it for parking or rack up ezpass violations as long as you own the car its your fault. But again a good lawyer should be able to help you minimize the penalties and make sure you keep your license.
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