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NJ MVC/DMV Surcharges Lawyers
Fighting NJ MVC/DMV Surcharges – How an Attorney Can Help
Getting hit with New Jersey DMV surcharges can be frustrating and costly. On top of fines and penalties for traffic violations, you may face hundreds or even thousands in annual surcharges that can drag on for years. But an experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex laws and potentially reduce or dismiss the surcharges.
What are NJ MVC Surcharges?
New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) assesses surcharges based on accumulated driver points or certain traffic convictions like DUI. They are meant to deter unsafe driving. Some key facts:
- Surcharges range from $150 to $1000 annually per offense.
- They last for 3 years from the conviction date for most violations.
- Points-based surcharges kick in at 6+ points and increase with more points.
- DUI surcharges are $1000 per year for 3 years.
These surcharges are in addition to any fines, insurance hikes, and other costs from your traffic ticket or violation.
When Surcharges are Assessed
Under NJ law, surcharges are assessed for:
- Accumulating 6 or more driver points
- DUI/DWI
- Reckless or careless driving
- Racing
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Various other violations
Out-of-state convictions can also trigger NJ surcharges if reported. Even first-time offenses can lead to thousands in surcharges.
The Costs and Hassles of Surcharges
Beyond just the high costs, NJ MVC surcharges create other headaches including:
- Suspension of your license for non-payment
- Being reported to credit agencies for past-due surcharges
- Difficulty obtaining car insurance with surcharges on your record
- Surcharges extending 3 years from each new violation
They can be a long-lasting punishment that goes far beyond your initial ticket fines and penalties.
Fighting Surcharges in Court
Is there anything you can do to fight NJ DMV surcharges after a conviction? There are a few options:
- Appeal the base violation – If you can get the conviction overturned, surcharges may be dismissed.
- Request an exemption – Senior, disabled, or low-income drivers may qualify for exemptions.
- Apply for dismissal – You can request dismissal of surcharges for financial hardship.
- Seek early termination – After paying for 2 years, you can seek to end surcharges early.
The burden is high to get exemptions or termination approved. A skilled attorney makes a big difference.
How an Attorney Can Help
The value of having an experienced traffic lawyer on your side when facing DMV surcharges includes:
- Guiding you through the complex surcharge system and laws
- Identifying any procedural errors or technicalities that could invalidate surcharges
- Negotiating with courts and the MVC for dismissals or reductions
- Crafting persuasive arguments for exemptions and early termination
- Appealing any denials of relief from surcharges
An attorney intimately familiar with New Jersey’s surcharge system can give you the best shot at dismissing or minimizing them.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Not all attorneys have in-depth experience fighting DMV surcharges. Be sure to hire a lawyer with specific expertise in this unique area. Look for:
- Extensive experience handling traffic tickets and violations in NJ.
- Deep knowledge of the MVC surcharge system and laws.
- Relationships with prosecutors, judges, and MVC officials.
- A track record of successful surcharge challenges and dismissals.
Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer – find one proven to fight surcharges.
Act Fast to Challenge Surcharges
Time is of the essence if you want to fight your surcharges. There are strict deadlines, usually just 20-30 days to appeal a conviction triggering surcharges. An attorney can quickly file the paperwork needed to request hearings or exemptions before windows close.
The sooner you engage a lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding or reducing surcharges.
Don’t Give Up Hope
Even if your surcharges seem final, there still may be options. An attorney can look for grounds to reopen cases, negotiate with the MVC, and craft inventive arguments. With persistence and creativity, they may find ways to ease your surcharge burden.
So don’t abandon hope – a skilled lawyer can often still improve the outcome.
Take Control of Your Future
Fighting DMV surcharges takes knowledge, resources, and determination. But with an experienced traffic attorney on your side, you can take control of your future.
Don’t let surcharges ruin your finances and driving privileges for years to come. Fight back with legal firepower.