Bergen County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Bergen County reckless driving is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 carrying up to 60 days in jail and 5 points; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide experience with 4,739+ documented case results. A skilled reckless driving lawyer Bergen County can challenge the state’s evidence and negotiate for reduced charges like careless driving to avoid costly insurance surcharges.
New Jersey Reckless Driving Law
In New Jersey, reckless driving is defined by statute as driving “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 broad definition under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 gives prosecutors significant leeway to bring charges based on a driver’s overall conduct, not just speed. The offense is quasi-criminal, meaning you have the right to a trial before a Municipal Court judge at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 39. Court procedures and locations for Bergen County can be found on the New Jersey Courts website for the Bergen Vicinage.
Local Court Process for a Reckless Driving Charge
All Bergen County traffic cases, including reckless driving, are heard at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage Municipal Court in Hackensack. New Jersey’s system treats traffic offenses as quasi-criminal matters, which means the proceedings are more formal than in many other states. Plea bargaining is a common and accepted practice here. A strategic goal for an aggressive driving defense lawyer Bergen County is often to negotiate a reduction from reckless driving (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points), which can save a driver thousands of dollars in mandatory NJ Motor Vehicle Commission surcharges over three years.
- You will receive a summons with a court date for the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
- Consult with an attorney who can review the evidence, such as police reports and witness statements.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Engage in plea negotiations with the municipal prosecutor to seek a charge reduction.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before a Municipal Court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can argue for minimal penalties at sentencing and discuss appeal options.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving in Bergen County
In Bergen County, a reckless driving conviction carries a fine of up to $200, jail time of up to 60 days, and a 5-point assessment on your driving record for a first offense.
| 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 on driving record | NJ Surcharges: $100/yr per point over 6 for 3 years; potential insurance increases. |
| Reckless Driving (Subsequent) | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | 5 points on driving record | Increased surcharges; possible license suspension. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a reckless driving charge dismissed lawyer Bergen County clients trust is one who knows the local courts. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide relentless, focused representation.
Documented Case Results
While specific local counts are proprietary, our firm-wide experience is substantial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges that were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in not-guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving Defense Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, Route 17, and the George Washington Bridge.
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; 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 requiring “willful or wanton disregard,” carrying 5 points and up to 60 days jail. Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is a lesser offense with 2 points and a smaller fine. A reduction from reckless to careless is a common defense goal.
Should I just plead guilty to a reckless driving ticket in NJ?
It depends. Pleading guilty means accepting all penalties: 5 points, fines, surcharges, and a permanent mark on your driving record. Consulting with a reckless driving lawyer Bergen County residents recommend allows you to explore options for fighting the charge or negotiating a better outcome, which can save money and protect your license.
For more information, see our New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Hunterdon County and Morris County. If you are facing other charges, our firm provides criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense in Bergen County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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.