Howard Bailey: A Former Cop and a Former Prosecutor Should be Your Municipal Court Lawyer for Traffic Violations, Misdemeanor Trespassing, Disorderly Persons Charges
If you must appear in Municipal Court on a traffic ticket or disorderly charge, don’t delude yourself into thinking it’s all a wrist-slap. It can easily become more like a hit by a sledgehammer: Heavy fines, loss of license, even a smidge of jail time for repeat offenders. Attorney Howard W. Bailey has been a cop, so he’s inclined to know what the cops think about when they write the summons, or make a misdemeanor arrest for disorderly persons or trespassing. He has worked in the prosecutor’s office, so he knows what the State is likely to argue to convict you on the charge you face. And he’s been a successful defense attorney in New Jersey for more than a decade, so for his clients he knows how to avoid jail time, get fines reduced, points dismissed or lowered, and many times keep their license to drive in tact. Sharp. Wise. Powerful. Howard is your man, and is worth every dollar it may cost you to keep court costs and fines in check, your freedom to go about your business, or your license to drive a car.
What’s more, how you resolve a charge in Municipal Court can have consequences that last for years. It could be somethings as mundane as driving without an insurance card, or a speeding ticket, yet when added to those on one’s record, could result in loss of license. It could be more serious, like leaving the scene of an accident, or being arrested for driving on the revoked or suspended list. These can have serious negative effects and should not be handled lightly. Costs due to surcharges, loss of work, fines and other penalties can add up and disable you. That’s why, with most cases costing between $350-$750 for the assistance of a lawyer to protect your rights, your freedom and your license to drive, the expense for legal representation is money very well spent, and an expense you should strongly consider before ever going to Municipal Court alone.
Most traffic violations and misdemeanor charges for disorderly persons, simple assault or petty theft do not go to trial, and can be resolved in one or two court Municipal Court appearances with a small fine, no points, and without a criminal record of conviction. Let me be clear: The law is not a DIY-Project. While a lawyer will know what arguments and pleas to make to reduce the penalties, it is rare that a non-lawyer lay person will know the best plea deal to make in a Municipal Court since they do not know the alternative downgrades, dismissals or sentencing consequences. Without a lawyer, odds are you will lose this window of opportunity to minimize the outcome of going to Court, and this can cost you dearly in the end.
Furthermore, in a few cases, the complaints can become tangled. For example, if you’re given a summons or arrested for a misdemeanor, and if your driver’s license is already suspended — or if you have a criminal record — you want to be certain you have experienced legal representation at your side that can make sure a simple driving offense doesn’t spiral out-of control and get substantially worse. There are many types of events and nuances that should be addressed by a criminal lawyer before you proceed to Municipal Court, which is why going at it alone can be a very bad idea. The smart choice is to call for a free consult to determine what’s at stake for you.
So if you have questions, The Law Office of Howard Bailey has answers and the experience to help you resolve the charge against you, and get you the best result possible in any Court, for any crime (or ticket), at any time. Call 973-982-1200 day or nght. The initial consult is free.
Among the many types of offenses that you should discuss with a lawyer before you go at it alone in Municipal Court are:
• Simple Assault
• Motor Vehicle Violations (Driving on the Revoked List, No Insurance, Leaving the Scene)
So know before you go! Because if you do not know the direct consequences (jail, fine, community service, loss of license) and collateral consequences (unable to get your record cleared – ever, insurance surcharges, even deportation) which can result if you plead guilty, or go to trial and are found guilty, then you are risking more harm than you need to.
Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and your license before you go to Court. Call for a free consultation. Howard Bailey’s services can be worth every penny and so much more.
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