Sussex County Traffic Ticket Lawyers

If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket, you are not alone, and you are not without options. Many drivers make the mistake of thinking a traffic citation is a minor inconvenience that can be resolved by simply paying the fine. Unfortunately, that decision can have serious, long-term consequences. Points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, license suspensions, and even jail time in more severe cases can all stem from a single ticket. At Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella, our experienced traffic ticket defense lawyers proudly fight for clients in Sussex, Morris, and Warren Counties. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding New Jersey Traffic Violations and Penalties

Traffic violations in New Jersey are governed by Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes, and most offenses result in fines, points on your license, and possible additional consequences like insurance surcharges or license suspension. Here’s a breakdown of common traffic offenses and their associated penalties:

Common Moving Violations

• Speeding
  • 1–14 mph over the limit: 2 points
  • 15–29 mph over the limit: 4 points
  • 30+ mph over the limit: 5 points
• Running a red light or stop sign
  • 2 points
  • Possible fine up to $200
  • May include court costs and fees
• Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
  • 2 points
  • Fine up to $200
  • May lead to higher insurance rates
• Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
  • 5 points
  • Fine up to $500 for first offense
  • Possible jail time (up to 60 days)
• Improper passing or unsafe lane change
  • 4 points
  • Fine varies by court
  • Increased risk of insurance surcharges
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
  • 2 points
  • Fine of $100–$200
  • May include community service

Serious or Criminal Traffic Offenses

• Driving while suspended (N.J.S.A. 39:3-40)
  • Fine of $500–$1,000
  • Additional license suspension
  • Possible jail time up to 5 days (more for repeat offenses)
• Driving without insurance
  • First offense: Fine of $300–$1,000, 1-year license suspension
  • Second offense: 2-year license suspension, jail up to 14 days
• Leaving the scene of an accident (with injury or property damage)
  • With injury: 8 points, possible jail, and license suspension
  • With property damage only: 2 points, fines up to $500
• DUI / DWI (Driving under the influence)
  • First offense: Fine of $250–$500, license suspension, possible jail, and IDRC program
  • Penalties increase significantly for higher BAC, repeat offenses, and refusal to submit to a breath test

Points and Surcharge System

• Accumulating 6 or more points in 3 years triggers an MVC surcharge
• $150 plus $25 for each point over 6
• Unpaid surcharges can result in license suspension
• Accumulating 12 or more points results in automatic license suspension

Insurance and Employment Consequences

• Points on your license are reported to your insurance provider
• Even one moving violation can cause significant premium increases
• Certain violations can disqualify CDL holders from commercial driving
• Employers often check driving records, especially for jobs involving company vehicles or delivery services

Knowing the penalties before paying a ticket is critical. In many cases, legal defense can help reduce or eliminate points, lower fines, or dismiss the charges entirely.

Why You Should Fight Your Traffic Ticket

Paying a traffic ticket may seem like the quickest way to move on, but it’s essentially an admission of guilt. That admission goes on your driving record, adds points, and may impact your insurance and driving privileges. Many drivers don’t realize they can, and often should, contest the ticket, especially if they have a clean record or believe the citation was issued in error.

At Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella, we take a thorough, strategic approach to defending traffic violations. First, we examine the circumstances of the ticket itself. Was the officer’s radar gun calibrated properly? Was the stop conducted lawfully? Were there any procedural errors? Every detail matters, and even small inconsistencies can lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Additionally, we look at the broader context of your driving history, the specific municipal court handling your case, and the type of officer who issued the citation—state trooper versus local police officer, for example. Our knowledge of Sussex County’s courts, including those in Newton, Sparta, Hopatcong, and Vernon, allows us to tailor our defense strategies to local practices and precedents. We are familiar with how local prosecutors operate, which judges are more likely to allow plea deals, and what kind of documentation or negotiation tactics are most effective in each jurisdiction.

Even when a dismissal isn’t possible, we often succeed in negotiating for reduced charges that carry fewer points, lower fines, or no points at all. For clients with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), avoiding points and convictions is even more critical. Certain violations can disqualify you from driving commercially or cause you to lose employment altogether. We understand what’s at stake and work hard to protect your livelihood.

How Our Traffic Ticket Lawyers Can Help

Traffic court is not designed to favor the average motorist. Without legal experience, most drivers find it difficult to face court procedures, challenge evidence, or negotiate effectively with prosecutors. That’s where we come in. The attorneys at Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella bring decades of combined experience to the table and a deep understanding of New Jersey traffic law.

From the moment you contact our office, we take the burden off your shoulders. We handle all court filings, appear on your behalf in most cases, and communicate directly with the court and prosecutor. This allows many of our clients to avoid appearing in court entirely, saving them time, stress, and uncertainty.

If you’ve received a traffic ticket, time is not on your side. You typically have a limited window to respond, and missing a court date can result in additional fines, a bench warrant, or a suspended license. The sooner you act, the more we can do to help.

Contact Our New Jersey Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyers Today

Whether you believe your ticket was issued unfairly or you’re simply trying to avoid damaging points on your license, having a skilled attorney on your side can make a significant difference. The law firm of Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella is committed to defending drivers in Sussex, Warren and Morris counties with diligence, precision, and care. Our record of success in local traffic courts speaks for itself. Contact our traffic ticket lawyers today to schedule a consultation.