Criminal Defense Lawyers

Ocean Criminal Defense & Traffic Attorney

Heading down the shore for a fun weekend at the beach in Ocean County, New Jersey can quickly turn into a legal nightmare if you’re not careful. From traffic tickets to disorderly conduct charges, the laws are different at the beach and it’s easy to run afoul of the law without even realizing it. That’s where having a good criminal defense and traffic attorney can make all the difference.

Common Criminal Charges in Ocean County

Some of the most common criminal charges seen in Ocean County municipal courts include:

Underage Drinking

The legal drinking age in New Jersey is 21, but every summer the beaches are flooded with high school and college kids looking to party. Underage drinking charges are very common, and can result in fines, community service, license suspension and even jail time in some cases. Don’t think you can get away with it by having your older sibling or friend buy the alcohol – that‘s called “procuring” and it’s also illegal.

Disorderly Conduct

Jersey Shore towns have noise ordinances in place to keep the peace and quiet, especially at night. Violating a noise ordinance or causing a public disturbance can lead to disorderly conduct charges. This covers everything from loud parties to bar fights to public intoxication.

Drug Possession

The party scene at the Jersey Shore also brings drugs, especially marijuana. But don’t think you can’t get arrested for having a little weed on you – drug possession charges are common and prosecutors tend to throw the book at offenders. This includes possession of prescription medication without a valid prescription.

Traffic Violations

Ocean County roads are congested on summer weekends, and police are on high alert for traffic violations. DUI charges are very common, as are speeding tickets, reckless driving citations, and charges related to unregistered vehicles. In beach towns, police also hand out a lot of tickets for expired parking meters or parking in resident-only zones.

Theft Crimes

With crowded beaches and boardwalks filled with tourists, petty theft is common in shore towns. Charges like shoplifting, pickpocketing, and stealing unattended items on the beach are frequently seen in municipal courts.

Why You Need an Attorney

A criminal conviction, even for a minor offense, can have lasting consequences. You can face jail time, fines, probation, community service and a permanent criminal record that affects your education, employment, housing, and more. Traffic tickets also bring fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates.The laws are different at the Jersey Shore than the rest of the state. Local prosecutors and judges see the same offenses every day during the summer and tend to come down hard even on first-time offenders. Having an experienced local attorney makes a huge difference.A good lawyer knows the judges and prosecutors and can negotiate plea deals or get charges dropped or downgraded. They understand all the technicalities and loopholes in shore town ordinances that can be used to build a strong defense. An attorney can also represent you in court to make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.Don’t take a chance by navigating the criminal justice system alone. The deck is already stacked against you. Having a knowledgeable Ocean County criminal defense lawyer in your corner levels the playing field.

Traffic Tickets – Don’t Just Pay the Fine

When you get a traffic ticket at the Jersey Shore, your first instinct might be to simply pay the fine and be done with it. But there are good reasons to fight your traffic citation instead:

• Traffic fines are expensive, especially when court fees are added on. A speeding ticket can cost over $200.
• Points go on your NJ driver’s license, which raises your insurance rates. Too many points can lead to license suspension.
• Out-of-state drivers may not be aware of New Jersey’s strict traffic laws. For example, making an illegal right on red can be a 2 point violation here.
• Shore town cops often issue questionable tickets just to generate revenue from tourists. An attorney can expose any technical errors or lack of evidence.
• There are legal options like plea bargains, reduced charges, and diversion programs that can help you avoid points and fines. But you need a lawyer to negotiate or enroll you in these programs.

Don’t just plead guilty and pay up without talking to a traffic attorney first. A little representation can save you a lot of money and headache down the road.

Common Traffic Violations in Ocean County

Summer traffic is heavy down the shore, and police issue thousands of tickets. Some of the most common violations include:

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit, even by just a few mph, is one of the most common traffic citations at the beach. Fines start at $50 plus court fees, and points can be assessed on your license.

DUI

Jersey Shore bars and parties lead to many DUI arrests. There is a low legal limit of .08 BAC for drivers 21+ and zero tolerance for underage drivers. A DUI conviction has severe penalties beyond court fines.

Reckless Driving

This includes offenses like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, speeding over 90 mph and street racing. Reckless driving is a serious violation that can lead to 5 points on your license.

Distracted Driving

New Jersey has strict laws against distracted driving behaviors like texting, talking on a cell phone, or using electronic devices while driving. Even holding your phone at a stoplight can get you a ticket.

Equipment Violations

Cops at the shore often stop cars for expired registration stickers, tinted windows, loud exhaust, missing front license plates (in NJ the plate must be on both front and back) and other vehicle defects. Fix-it tickets can be issued to correct equipment issues.

The Benefits of Legal Representation

Here are some of the ways a traffic lawyer can help after you get a ticket in Ocean County:

• Expose technical errors and weak evidence in the ticket or traffic stop, which may lead to dismissal.
• Negotiate plea bargains for reduced fines, charges, or points.
• Represent you in court to argue against traffic citations.
• Enroll you in diversion programs to avoid points, fines and insurance hikes.
• Handle all communication with the court so you avoid administrative hassles.
• Provide expert guidance on the laws and your best defense options.
• Reduce or postpone any license suspension if you are in danger of losing your driving privileges.

Don’t take a gamble with your driving record and auto insurance rates. The cost of hiring a traffic lawyer is likely less than the long-term costs of points, fines and increased premiums if you just plead guilty and pay the ticket. Let an experienced attorney handle the situation for you.

Finding the Right Lawyer

If you’re charged with a crime or traffic offense in Ocean County, it’s important to find the right attorney. Here‘s what to look for:

• Local Experience – Find a lawyer who routinely handles cases in Ocean County courts. They will know the judges, prosecutors and court procedures.
• Specialization – Look for attorneys who specifically focus on criminal defense and/or traffic law. Don’t hire a general practitioner.
• Track Record – Check credentials, reviews and case results to verify a lawyer has a proven record of success.
• Resources – The best lawyers have investigators, paralegals and other staff to build a strong case.
• Communication – Find an attorney who is responsive, explains legal options in plain English, and makes you feel comfortable and well-represented.
• Affordability – Hire a lawyer you can afford but don’t sacrifice quality representation just to save money.