Reckless Driving Lawyer Union County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Reckless Driving Lawyer in Union County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
Reckless driving in Union County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, carrying up to 60 days in jail, a $200 fine, and 5 license points. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges filed in Union County Municipal Courts. A conviction can lead to significant insurance increases and potential jail time.
New Jersey Reckless Driving Law
In New Jersey, reckless driving is defined by statute as operating a vehicle “in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property.” This broad definition under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 gives law enforcement and prosecutors wide discretion in bringing charges. The offense is a traffic violation, not a crime, but the penalties are severe and can have long-term consequences for your driving record and insurance rates.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the reckless driving statute, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Title 39 Section 4-96. Court procedures and local rules for Union County can be found on the Union Vicinage official website.
Handling a Reckless Driving Case in Union County
Union County Municipal Courts in towns like Elizabeth, Westfield, and Plainfield handle reckless driving tickets. Prosecutors often seek the maximum penalties for what they perceive as egregious behavior. The key local procedural fact is that New Jersey uses a point system; 5 points for reckless driving can trigger surcharges and possible license suspension if you accumulate 12 or more points. A Reckless Driving Attorney Union County NJ can challenge the officer’s subjective opinion of “endangerment,” which is often the core of the prosecution’s case.
- Receive the reckless driving summons and note your court date and location (e.g., Elizabeth Municipal Court).
- Consult with a Reckless Driving Law Firm Union County NJ to review the evidence and police report.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charge’s validity.
- Attend court, where your lawyer will negotiate with the municipal prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before the municipal judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can argue for minimal penalties at sentencing.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving in NJ
In Union County, a reckless driving conviction carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail, a fine of $50 to $200, and 5 motor vehicle points on your license.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) | Traffic Violation | Up to 60 days jail | $50 – $200 | 5 points | Insurance surcharges, possible license suspension if point total reaches 12+. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our approach is grounded in a detailed review of the specific facts and traffic laws applicable to your situation. We focus on building a defense that challenges the state’s ability to prove every element of the reckless driving charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case counts for Union County are not published, our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. In traffic matters, favorable outcomes include dismissals, reductions to non-moving violations, and avoidance of license suspension.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving Defense Near You in Union County
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Union County courts in Elizabeth, Westfield, Plainfield, and other municipalities. We serve communities throughout the county including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No. Reckless driving is a traffic violation, not a criminal offense or “crime” under New Jersey law. However, it is a serious violation with penalties that can include jail time, significant fines, and license points.
How many points is reckless driving in NJ?
5 points. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission assigns 5 points for a reckless driving conviction. Accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period can lead to a license suspension.
Can I go to jail for reckless driving in Union County?
Yes. The statute allows for a jail sentence of up to 60 days. While not common for a first offense with no aggravating factors, the possibility exists, especially if the driving was particularly dangerous or resulted in an accident.
Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?
It depends. Pleading guilty guarantees a conviction with 5 points, a fine, and potential insurance consequences. Consulting a Reckless Driving Lawyer Union County NJ first is critical, as they may identify defenses or negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like careless driving (2 points).
What is the difference between careless and reckless driving in NJ?
Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is a less serious offense defined as driving “without due caution and circumspection.” It carries 2 points and a fine. Reckless driving requires proof of endangering people or property, carries 5 points, and has potential jail time.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Union County, you may also want to learn about DUI defense or criminal defense in the area. For a broader view of our traffic practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Somerset County and Bergen County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.