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We all know that New Jersey traffic accidents happen without warning. Accident aftermaths are a common sight for drivers trying to get to a destination. That means it’s easy to detach ourselves from such costly and traumatic moments when we are the bystander or passerby. However, what happens when you’re involved in an accident and you leave the scene? The answer is attorney consultation. An active New Jersey attorney knows how state rules operate. This legal scenario is complicated, so going it alone is a mistake. Depending on whether this was a fender-bender or a much more severe accident, penalties can include a driver’s license suspension from 6 months to a year and thousands of dollars in fines.
On top of these penalties, multiple offenses can lead to more severe punishments including permanent DL suspension or jail time. Make no mistake—leaving the scene of an accident is no joke, so you will want legal representation to present possible defense strategies.
Your New Jersey Attorney Will Discuss Statute of Limitations
The State of New Jersey mandates costly requirements for anyone convicted of leaving the scene of an accident. One defense strategy involves the statute of limitations. An attorney can analyze case details and evidence. This might go in a positive direction if your case falls short of the cut-off date.
The NJ statute of limitations states that charges must occur within one year of the incident; otherwise a case can be made in your defense. What’s important to note is that there are loopholes that prosecutors will try to take advantage of. Obviously, you don’t want this to occur.
Attorney Leon Matchin has experience with traffic cases that involve time and punishment. Don’t give up just because your case seems hopeless. Call Leon now at (732) 887-2479 and discover how to avoid the worst outcome.
Identification of Driver or Vehicle
A legal case is only as strong as its evidence. Driver identification is vital in the realm of accident abandonment. As a defense, your presence behind the wheel must be established by prosecutors if you are charged.
For example, in State v. Kay, the New Jersey court ruled that the supposed driver could not be identified 100%. As a result, an assumption of ownership alone was not enough to convict. Still, similar cases have gone badly for defendants, so this defense might require New Jersey attorney representation.
Attorney Leon Matchin will weigh evidence such as proof of location (if you were elsewhere during the accident) and then determine the best way to approach the situation. Car make and model can be inaccurate in such cases, so there could be an issue with the prosecutor’s description that may benefit you. Regardless of the details, don’t tackle this one yourself—ask for help.
Knowledge of the Accident
Your case can benefit from your vantage point. For instance, you have a solid defense if you were unaware of the named accident. This doesn’t mean you’re in the clear, though, as lack of knowledge doesn’t necessarily keep fines and charges from sticking.
As always, a New Jersey attorney must navigate the unknowns of a case before court dates. Sometimes it’s possible to convince the court to downgrade charges to a “failure to report an accident.” This all depends on the defendant’s proximity to the event and if the accident involved property damage, physical harm, or other factors.
To err on the side of caution, contact a Supreme Court-certified Municipal Court trial attorney. Avoid the potential surprise of a conviction by seeking professional counsel ASAP. As a defendant, you have the right to hire the best. Stop what you’re doing and visit our website so Leon Matchin can assess the circumstances.
No Evidence Suppression
The actions of a defendant post-accident can influence a court’s decision. A successful defense is questionable if the client left the scene of an accident and then attempted to hide evidence. Prosecutors can point to such behavior as a sign of guilt even if a cover-up wasn’t intentional.
Suppressing evidence can happen in the heat of the moment. Naturally, not every action in these cases is “diabolical,” but it stands to reason that your attorney should come prepared for negative reactions and assumptions. You can’t afford to go into a courthouse without considering how your actions will inform court proceedings.
New Jersey traffic laws can blindside you if you go forward without attorney representation. Never assume that the judge will go easy on you, even if this is your first offense. Contact New Jersey’s proven attorney, Leon Matchin. With over a decade of experience you won’t have to worry about being blindsided. No matter what your actions were, you have a chance with Matchin on your team.
New Jersey Attorney Consultation
A New Jersey citizen will likely face traffic issues and municipal court procedures at least once in their lifetime. Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to life-altering penalties. Perhaps you’ve had a speeding ticket or a headlight fine in the past? Understand that this is far different, even if no one was physically injured.
State penalties will affect your family and finances if you are charged with leaving the scene of an accident. A defendant will make mistakes during stressful legal situations, sometimes making a situation even worse. Representing yourself in court or relying on an assigned public defender can only complicate matters and decrease the chances of a good outcome. Don’t underestimate a prosecutor’s desire to penalize you. You want a knowledgeable attorney, even if it’s just a fine at stake.
Attorney Leon Matchin has experience representing clients charged with various criminal and traffic offenses. A successful defense is possible when the right attorney is on the case. Reach out today via phone at (732) 887-2479 or email for a free consultation.
