What Happens if I’m Caught Driving With a Suspended License in NJ?
Because New Jersey considers most traffic violations separate from criminal offenses, many fail to understand that these should be taken seriously. As such, you’ll find that if you are caught driving with a suspended license, you can face a number of harsh penalties as well as subsequent consequences that impact your insurance. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Bergen County driving without a license ticket attorney to help you explore your legal options.
What Are the Penalties I Can Face if I’m Found Driving with a Suspended License?
Unfortunately, many assume that driving with a suspended license will result in little more than a ticket. However, this is a traffic offense that can carry harsh penalties based on your driving history and the reason behind the suspension.
While a first offense generally carries a hefty fine of up to $500, you’ll find that you can spend up to 5 days in jail for a second offense, with an increased fine of up to $750, while a third offense warrants a $1,000 fine and the potential for 10 days in jail. Each of these penalties also carries an additional license suspension of up to six months.
You should also note that while driving with a suspended license is typically a traffic offense, if your license was suspended due to a DWI, this will turn criminal. As such, you will face automatic jail time if you are caught driving while your license is suspended because of a DWI.
How Will This Impact My Insurance Rates?
If you are found driving with a suspended license in New Jersey, you’ll not only face fines or potential jail time, but this can also impact your insurance rates. This is because a license suspension, for any reason, is considered high-risk behavior. As such, choosing to drive while your license is suspended makes you a greater risk to the insurance company, which will often result in increased insurance rates.
In the event your license was suspended following a DWI in New Jersey, you may also be pushed to the New Jersey Personal Automobile Insurance Plan (PAIP), which carries significantly higher rates, as this insurance is intended for high-risk drivers.
Should I Appear in Court or Just Pay the Fine?
When you are caught driving on a suspended license, you may be given the option to appear in court to fight the charge or simply pay the fine, which serves as an admission of guilt. As such, it is generally in your best interest to consult an experienced attorney before simply paying the fine, as doing so can result in a conviction on your record, higher insurance costs, and potential jail time.
It’s also imperative to understand that you should not, under any circumstances, skip court. This can result in a failure to appear offense and a bench warrant issued by the court. As such, if you skip court, you can be arrested and detained until your next hearing.
As you can see, navigating a violation for driving with a suspended license is much more complex than you may have initially thought. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Richard E. Novak. Our team understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to learn more.