Q: Received tickets for hit-and-run, unaware of incident, with a court date scheduled.
I received four tickets in the mail for a hit-and-run incident with no injuries. The tickets state that someone reported I hit and ran their driver side mirror while attempting to merge. I was not aware of this incident, and there are no related damages to my vehicle. When I contacted the police station, they did not provide any evidence or witness statements regarding the incident. Additionally, I now have a court date scheduled. What should I do in this case?
A: You are facing up to 30 days in jail and a 6 months mandatory loss of license if you are convicted of leaving the scene of an accident in NJ. I thus must suggest that you hire a good lawyer. Unfortunately, in NJ a presumption exists that if you damage a vehicle with $250.00 or more worth of damage that you are presumed to have knowledge that you were in an accident. Obviously, being in your car with the windows closed and only damaging the mirror of another vehicle could have meant that you never heard or felt anything. Your best defense is to hire a good lawyer that knows the leaving the scene of an accident law like the back of his or her hand. Your attorney will get all the information for you about the accident how it happened, whether any witnesses exist and what if any video proof exists from the police. They will generally not just give it to you the accused, without a court order or by you following the court rules for its proper production. Most of us traffic/criminal lawyers offer a free in office consultation. But choose your lawyer wisely. You don't want the closest one or the cheapest one, you want the best one, as a good lawyer in this field will know the judges and prosecutors in all jurisdictions in the State, its really not that big of a State. Lastly remember, just like in any other profession you generally get the quality of lawyer you pay for so get the best if the result is important to you because you have a lot at stake, not just money, but your right to drive for the nexst 6 months if convicted.
A: Greetings, if you appear in court without a lawyer, please ask the court to adjourn the case so that you may have time to consult with a lawyer. This is a serious charge because it has significant consequences which include a 6 month license suspension, at least a $500 fine, 2 points, DMV surcharges for the next 3 years, plus your insurance will increase SIGNIFICANTLY if found guilty. Most good lawyers should be able to convince the court to avoid these consequences.
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