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NJ Turnpike Criminal Charges and Traffic Offenses

Charged with an Offense on the New Jersey Turnpike in Mount Laurel NJ

Running north to south across New Jersey, from the I-80 and US 46 northern terminus to the southern terminus at I-295 in Pennsville Township, the New Jersey Turnpike stretches 117.20 miles connecting New Jerseyans across the state and travelers through New Jersey with Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and New York. It is one of the top ten busiest highways in the United States. In the southern portion of the state, the turnpike runs 30.1 miles through Burlington County at Exits 4, 5, 6A, 6, and 7, through Mount Laurel, Westampton, Florence Township, Mansfield Township, and Bordentown Township. 

A busy thoroughfare like the NJ Turnpike allows easy access to counties near and far, but it is also a crime and traffic violation source in Burlington County. Many police arrests arise from drug and gun-related crimes, vehicular assaults, and traffic offenses. Sometimes, a motor vehicle stop that starts as something simple can turn into a major criminal case when the driver’s vehicle is searched and illegal items are subsequently discovered on the Turnpike. If this unfortunate sequence of events befalls you, turn to the criminal defense attorneys at Proetta, Oliver, & Fay for assistance defending your case. We help clients with municipal and superior court criminal and traffic cases arising out of motor vehicle stops on the NJ Turnpike throughout Burlington County and southern New Jersey. Call us today at (609) 850-8284 for a free consultation.

Common Traffic Offenses on the New Jersey Turnpike

In many cases, DWI charges, refusing to submit to a breathalyzer, speeding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, tailgating, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and ignoring traffic signals can lead you to municipal court in the town where the charges arose. 

Unsafe lane changes, tailgating, swerving, and speeding on the turnpike may endanger other drivers in Burlington County. Cutting people off while traveling at high speeds or causing another driver to brake hard or swerve to avoid a collision often leads to charges for reckless driving. Reckless driving can result in 60 days in jail or 90 days with a prior reckless driving violation, not to mention fines and points on your driver’s license.

NJ Turnpike Drunk Driving Charges

DWI charges are extremely common on the Turnpike. For example, the police may observe a driver on the turnpike driving erratically and pull them over to discover the smell of alcohol once the driver rolls down their window. An officer tries to detect signs of intoxication, perhaps if a driver smells like alcohol, slurs words, or faces the officer with bloodshot eyes. This often leads to field sobriety tests. Similarly, a driver who seems high on opioids or other drugs may face questioning as to whether they are driving under the influence of drugs. 

A breathalyzer can often confirm a driver’s blood alcohol content over the legal limit of .08%, and a drug recognition expert at the police station can be called upon to assess a driver’s impairment by drugs. A blood or urine test is another potential source of evidence of drug impairment, but a driver does not have to submit to a chemical test like this, as the laws on blood testing versus breath testing are substantially different in New Jersey.

A DUI or DWI conviction can genuinely disrupt a person’s life in terms of time, money, and inconvenience. A convicted driver will spend time in drunk driving education courses, paying fines, fees, insurance surcharges, and rental fees for an ignition interlock device, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient. A second or third conviction could mean jail time and a license suspension, the latter of which is mandatory for a time with drugged driving convictions and second, third, or subsequent drunk driving convictions.  

Charged with Drugs on the NJ Turnpike

When a driver appears impaired by drugs, an arrest may soon follow a traffic stop and a search of the person and their vehicle, especially when evidence is apparent from looking inside the car. An officer may see drug paraphernalia, like pipes or baggies. Thus, a stop for speeding could end up with controlled danger substance (CDS) possession and distribution charges. Any minor traffic stop for a missing tail light, obscured license plate, or an unsafe lane change can lead to more severe charges when evidence of other violations becomes apparent. 

Possession of most controlled dangerous substances is a third degree crime in New Jersey punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine. Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, however, may be a fourth, third, second or first degree crime, depending on the amount and drug. For example, large quantities of cocaine can be a first degree crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Smaller amounts of certain drugs may be a fourth degree crime, leading to a maximum 18-month prison term for a conviction. For prescription drugs, the statute governing these charges is distinct and offenses for possession and distribution range from disorderly persons offenses to second degree crimes.

Causing Injury while Driving on the New Jersey Turnpike

When a driver’s recklessness on the road severely harms someone, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c defines that as assault by auto. Driving intoxicated may also be a form of reckless driving, so when someone gets injured by a drunk driving vehicle accident, the driver may face assault by auto and DUI charges.

Fleeing an NJ Turnpike Accident

Leaving the scene of an accident is another possible traffic offense or crime depending on the case. When someone takes off after colliding with another vehicle on the turnpike, they may be charged with a traffic violation if there is property damage or bodily injury to the other driver or passengers. That can lead to a license suspension, jail, points on their driving record, fines, and surcharges. However, fleeing the scene of a serious injury accident is a third degree crime so that the driver can face both types of charges based on the facts and circumstances of their case.

Fleeing from the Police on the New Jersey Turnpike

Notably, if the driver flees from police who are trying to make a lawful traffic stop, they may also face eluding charges. One who prevents an officer from making a lawful arrest or flees after being signaled to stop violates N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2, a third degree crime or, if someone is seriously injured, a second degree crime. 

Arrested on the Turnpike with a Child in the Car

Reckless and drunk driving with a child in the vehicle can lead to another very serious charge of child endangerment. Acts that could harm a minor child rising to the level of abuse or neglect may be a third or second degree crime, depending on the harm to the child. That means a potential five-to-ten-year prison sentence for a conviction.

Florence, New Jersey Turnpike Offense Lawyers Here to Help with Your Defense

Burlington County prosecutors take a tough stance on multiple charges, including traffic violations and indictable crimes. If you face charges for unlawful driving offenses or acts violating the NJ Criminal Code of Justice on the New Jersey Turnpike, you need experienced legal help. You may have defenses to the charges or alternative options to maintain a conviction-free criminal record if you have no priors. You still have rights that the law must not jeopardize. First and foremost, you have the right to be informed of your rights before submitting to an interrogation, as well as Fourth Amendment protections against illegal search and seizure. You also have the right not to be stopped on the turnpike for no lawful reason.

On top of defenses that may be raised and diversionary programs that you may be eligible for, a skilled criminal lawyer at our firm, Proetta, Oliver, & Fay, may also find ways to lower the costs and penalties of the charges via a plea agreement with the prosecutor. You will need a talented Burlington County criminal defense attorney with the potential of lengthy prison sentences, insurmountable fines, fees, surcharges, and losing your driver’s license hanging over your head. If you have been arrested or issued a summons on the New Jersey Turnpike, reach out to us now at (609) 850-8284 for a free consultation.