Bergen County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
A reckless driving charge in Bergen 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 points on your license. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense representation at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage in Hackensack. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Reckless Driving Law
In New Jersey, reckless driving is defined under statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 as driving a vehicle “heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property.” This is a quasi-criminal traffic offense, not a simple violation. The case is heard before a Municipal Court judge at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, not just a moving violation. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a deep understanding of how these cases are built and challenged.
External Legal Resources
For the official state statute, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s website for N.J.S.A. Title 39. For court-specific procedures and information, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage official website.
Local Court Process for Reckless Driving in Hackensack
Bergen County handles all traffic violations through its Municipal Court system within the Superior Court vicinage. New Jersey treats traffic offenses as quasi-criminal matters, requiring a formal court appearance before a judge. Plea bargaining is a common and effective strategy here; a skilled aggressive driving defense lawyer Bergen County can often negotiate a reduction from reckless driving (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points), significantly impacting long-term costs. The state’s surcharge system adds substantial financial penalties for points, making early intervention critical.
- Receive your traffic summons and note your court date for the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage in Hackensack.
- Consult with an attorney before your first appearance to discuss defense strategies and potential plea negotiations.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions or engage in plea discussions with the municipal prosecutor to seek a charge reduction.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for a bench trial before the Municipal Court judge, where your attorney will present your defense.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a reckless driving conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail, a $200 fine, and 5 motor vehicle points, plus costly insurance surcharges.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (1st Offense) | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 60 days | Up to $200 | 5 points | NJ Surcharges ($100/yr per point over 6 for 3 yrs), Insurance Increases |
| Subsequent Reckless Driving | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | 5 points | Increased surcharges, possible license suspension |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bergen County Traffic Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a reckless driving charge in New Jersey, where points translate directly into expensive surcharges. Our team is familiar with the local prosecutors and judges in the Bergen Vicinage, enabling us to develop effective, case-specific strategies.
Documented Case Results
While specific local counts are proprietary, our firm-wide practice has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. This extensive history includes numerous instances where a reckless driving charge dismissed lawyer Bergen County strategy was successfully employed, resulting in reductions to lesser offenses or outright dismissals based on procedural defenses or evidentiary challenges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving Defense Near Hackensack, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing charges at the Bergen County courts in Hackensack. We serve communities throughout the county, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Bergenfield. If you need a reckless driving lawyer Bergen County near you, we are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Bergen County, New Jersey?
In New Jersey: 1-14 mph over = 2 points; 15-29 over = 4 points; 30+ over = 5 points. Reckless driving = 5 points. At 6+ points, NJ adds surcharges of $100/year per excess point for 3 years. An attorney can often negotiate reckless (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points).
Can I fight a traffic ticket in Bergen County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge. Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving, saving 3 points and thousands in insurance surcharges. Court costs are $33 per ticket, and NJ’s surcharge system adds significant additional costs for drivers with points.
What are NJ insurance surcharges for traffic tickets?
NJ assesses surcharges on top of fines: $100/year per point over 6 (for 3 years) and $250/year Unsafe Driver Surcharge for 3+ violations in 3 years. A defensive driving course removes 2 points. An attorney can negotiate charge reductions that minimize point and surcharge impact.
What is the difference between reckless and careless driving in NJ?
Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is a more serious offense involving willful disregard for safety, carrying 5 points and up to 60 days in jail. Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is a lesser offense for inadvertent mistakes, carrying only 2 points and a fine. A reduction from reckless to careless is a common defense goal.
Should I plead guilty to a reckless driving ticket in NJ?
It depends. Pleading guilty means accepting 5 points, a fine, a possible jail sentence, and years of insurance surcharges. Consulting an attorney first is critical, as they may identify defenses or negotiate a better outcome, potentially avoiding the most severe consequences of a conviction.
For more information, see our New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Morris County and Somerset County. If you have other legal needs in Bergen County, explore our services for criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.