Traffic Offenses for Juveniles

Traffic offenses are among the most common offenses that juveniles face. These offenses can include reckless driving, driving without a license, underage DUI, and driving a snowmobile or ATV on public roads. The penalties for these offense range from high fines, license suspension and revocation, to incarceration. The seriousness of these offenses makes it crucial to obtain a knowledgeable juvenile defense attorney who is competent to provide a strong defense for your child. The lawyers at the Law Offices of John F. Marshall have decades of juvenile defense experience throughout the state of New Jersey and have been successful in reducing or disposing of traffic offense charges for countless juvenile cases.

Juvenile Driving without a License, or while Licensed is Suspended or Revoked

It is common for juveniles to operate automobiles without a license, or at a time that their license has been revoked. If your child has been charged under N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 for driving without a license or while it is suspended, revoked, or refused, he or she could face severe penalties. If a juvenile is caught driving without a valid driver’s license or while his or her driver’s license has been refused, suspended, revoked or prohibited, the juvenile will be punished according to the number of times he or she violates the statute. If it is a first offense, the juvenile faces a fine of $500; if it is a second offense, the juvenile faces a fine of $750, and possible detention; if it is a third offense or more, the juvenile faces up to $1,000, and possible detention. In addition to these mandatory penalties, the juvenile will be exposed to an additional six months suspension of driving privileges. If the juvenile is caught driving without a license or while it is suspended or revoked, and he or she is also intoxicated and/or causes an accident which results in injury to another person, he or she is subject to more severe penalties. There are also more strict penalties—such as additional years of license suspension and detention—implemented if the juvenile has driven within 1,000 feet of school property and driving through a school crossing. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of John F. Marshall possess the skill and knowledge that can mitigate or drop this charge for your child. If you retain a juvenile defense attorney from our office, you know that your child will be provided the best defense possible, with the most experience defense attorneys.

Reckless Driving as Applied to Juveniles

Many times juveniles obtain their license at age 17 and do not have much experience on the road. Their lack of driving experience leads them to drive carelessly at times, and a young driver may find himself charged with reckless driving. Reckless driving is a willful disregard for the safety of others while driving and is a serious moving violation.

A juvenile can be charged with reckless driving if he or she drives “heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others” which endangers other people or property. This offense subjects a juvenile to possible detention and/or a minimum fine of $50 and maximum fine of $200. If it is a second or subsequent offense, the penalties are more sever and the juvenile could face additional detention and/or a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum fine of $500. If your child has been charged with reckless driving, our lawyers at the Law Offices have extensive experience defending juveniles against reckless driving charges and have been successful in these cases throughout the state of New Jersey. A reckless driving conviction can places a great burden on the future career and educational prospects of a juvenile. For these reasons, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation.

Driving a Snowmobile or All-terrain Vehicle on Public Streets or Highways

During the wintertime and summertime, it is common for teenagers to spend recreational time riding snowmobiles or ATVs. However, their recreation may result in them being charged with a juvenile offense. A juvenile can be charged with riding a snowmobile or another all-terrain vehicle illegally, if the child operates the vehicle on a public street, highway, or right-of-way. All-terrain vehicles are defined as motor vehicles with the purpose of traveling over any type of terrain, with three to six rubber tires, and a gas engine of 600 cubic centimeters or less. Accordingly, vehicles such as dirt bikes and golf carts do not fall within the definition. It is illegal for a juvenile to operate an all-terrain vehicle if he or she has not registered the vehicle in the State and drives it on public lands or water, or over a public highway, unless the juvenile has completed a proper training and education course on all-terrain vehicle safety and carries a certificate of completion for the course at all times while operating the vehicle. For snowmobiles, the juvenile must be at least 14 years old to operate the vehicle, 16 years old if the engine capacity is more than 90 cubic centimeters. If your child has been charged with the illegal operation of one of these vehicles, it is important to contact an experience juvenile defense attorney. The attorneys at the Law Offices of John F. Marshall have extensive experience handling these cases and are capable of having the charges reduced or dropped for your child. Please contact our office immediately to speak with an attorney about your case. Your child’s future may be at risk.

It is very common for juveniles to be charged with a variety of traffic offenses. The penalties for these offenses can range from detention to license revocation or high fines. Our lawyers can provide an aggressive defense for your juvenile, and have appeared throughout the state representing juveniles charged with such traffic crimes. If you or your child would like more information on traffic offenses for minors or seek a free legal consultation, do not hesitate to contact our office. An experienced and dedicated attorney will discuss your legal option and provide you with the information you need to help your child and your family.