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Labor Day weekend is one of the most highly-traveled holidays of the year. It marks the end of summer and is a time to celebrate warm weather and summer cookouts one last time! As you plan your celebrations, keep in mind ways that you can stay safe and have fun without breaking the law. Traffic violations, public intoxication, and disorderly persons offenses are often seen in greater volumes on Labor Day weekend. Between more people being out on the road and increased consumption of alcohol, Labor Day celebrations can be a recipe for disaster if you aren’t careful, so it’s good to know a New Jersey attorney to call.
Take the time to learn about some common offenses and how you can remain safe this Labor Day weekend. If you do happen to find yourself in trouble with the law, remember one thing: call an attorney! A New Jersey attorney like Leon Matchin has years of experience defending clients in the municipal court system. With every case Leon works on, his goal is to have charges completely dropped or at least downgraded to avoid harsher penalties.
A New Jersey Attorney Can Help With These Traffic Offense Charges
It’s Labor Day weekend: you are ready to get out of town and you are in a hurry! Before you get behind the wheel, take a deep breath and come to peace with the fact you will probably hit some traffic, and that’s ok! You will be at your destination soon enough. Speeding and aggressive driving can get you into trouble, so do your best to keep calm and drive on!
Speeding
Many drivers have received a speeding ticket or two during their life behind the wheel. Speeding tickets are especially common when people are traveling. First, you may be in a hurry to get to your final destination. Second, you might be unfamiliar with the roads you are driving on and may not be sure what the speed limit is. Either way, getting a speeding ticket while on vacation is no fun!
In the state of New Jersey, the speed limit in school zones, business zones, and residential areas is 25 mph. If the business or residential zone is low-density, the speed limit may increase to 35 mph. All other roads in New Jersey have a speed limit of 50 mph, with the exception of certain highways that may get up to 55 or 65 mph. Consequences for getting a speeding ticket include fines and points on your license. If you get 12 or more points on your record within a 12-month period, your license will automatically be suspended.
Tailgating
You’re in a hurry, traffic is heavy – and next thing you know, you’re being pulled over for tailgating. Tailgating laws are in place to ensure driving conditions are safe for all drivers on the road. If you get too close to a vehicle, you can be charged with tailgating. A tailgating charge comes with harsh penalties, including jail time of up to 15 days, a fine, points on your record, and other fees/surcharges. By working with an experienced attorney, tailgating charges can often be dropped or downgraded to avoid harsher penalties like jail time.
DUI
Beer, wine, margaritas – you name it, and you’ll find it at a Labor Day celebration. As you celebrate the holiday, keep tabs on how much you are drinking if you plan to drive later on. Police are more plentiful than ever on holidays with established checkpoints to see if drivers are under the influence. In New Jersey, if you are 21 years of age and older, you are driving while intoxicated if your BAC is .08 or higher. If you are under 21 years old, there is zero tolerance, and any amount of alcohol in your system is against the law. Getting a DUI comes with the consequences of jail time, fines, the installation of an ignition interlock device, and potentially a suspended license. If you face DUI charges over Labor Day weekend, don’t panic! Contact a New Jersey attorney like Leon Matchin for help.
A New Jersey Attorney Can Help With Criminal Offense Charges
Beyond traffic violations, holiday weekends also lend themselves to criminal offenses like disorderly conduct. Check out what this charge entails and how a New Jersey attorney can help.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is another charge that commonly occurs with drinking. This charge includes things like fighting, using loud or obnoxious language, loitering, and other violent or disruptive behaviors. Disorderly conduct charges come with consequences like jail time of up to 30 days, fines up to $500, restitution if there was property damage, a criminal record, and additional assessment payments.
Contact New Jersey Attorney Leon Matchin For Help
Labor Day weekend is one of the best traveling and partying weekends of the year. It’s time to say farewell to summer and relax with family and friends. As you prepare for your Labor Day festivities, make sure you create a plan to help you stay safe all weekend long. Whether that’s recruiting a designated driver or taking the scenic route to avoid traffic frustrations, stay safe and stay out of trouble! If you do happen to get a traffic violation or a criminal charge, don’t panic. With the help of an experienced attorney like Leon Matchin, you can potentially have your charges completely dropped or at least downgraded. Contact Leon by phone at 732-887-2479, or email him at [email protected]. He will set up a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and go over your options.
