What are the Potential Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Failing to Report an Accident?

There are numerous potential direct and collateral legal consequences associated with a conviction for Leaving the Scene of an Accident (N.J.S.A. 39:4-129) in the Municipal Courts of New Jersey. The direct consequences are the penalties which are imposed by the court, while the collateral consequences are the effects of having that offense on your driving history record. Examples of possible direct consequences associated with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (N.J.S.A. 39:4-129) include imprisonment up to 180 days, suspension of driver's license up to a permanent forfeiture, and a fine of up to $5,000.00. Examples of potential collateral consequences associated with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (N.J.S.A. 39:4-129) include up to 8 points imposed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, immigration problems (if you are not a citizen of the United States, a conviction may result in your removal from the United States and/or stop you from being able to legally enter or re-enter the United States and you have the right to seek individualized advice from an attorney about the effect your guilty plea will have on your immigration status), work-related problems, commercial driver's license (CDL) issues, auto insurance problems, motor vehicle violations surcharges system assessment for 6 or more motor vehicle penalty points (N.J.S.A. 17:29A-35), and up to 8 automobile insurance eligibility points (N.J.S.A. 17:33B-14, N.J.A.C. 11:3-34.5 Appendix). A direct consequence associated with Failing to Report an Accident (N.J.S.A. 39:4-130) includes a fine of up to $100 or up to $1,000 in the event a person suppresses, by way of concealment or destruction, any evidence of a violation or suppresses the identity of the driver.

The information above is a brief overview of the potential consequences associated with Leaving the Scene and Hit and Run matters in the Municipal Courts of New Jersey. You should contact an experienced traffic attorney who will explain all of your options and defenses based upon the specific circumstances of your case and work hard to reduce or avoid the potential negative consequences. All individuals accused of traffic offenses and other quasi-criminal offenses in New Jersey are entitled to the same constitutional protections as those accused of a serious felony crime, namely the right to be represented by an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy and fair trial where the State has the burden to prove each and every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.