Criminal Defense
Experienced in handling DWI, traffic citations, and motions to expunge prior convictions, Cindy Ramjattan-Paul is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes.
Municipalities liberally dispense baseless traffic tickets and citations every day, generating billions of dollars each year. The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that 1 out of 5 Americans receives a traffic citation each year. More than 95% of people who get them pay a fine and admit fault without contesting the citation. Of those that do, most get their case dismissed or their charges reduced.
The alternative to disputing a ticket is accepting "points" on your driving record and a substantial increase in auto insurance rates. Moving violations carry steep, additional fines while repeat offenders can have their license suspended or revoked. In certain cases, police may impound your vehicle for up to 30 days without a warrant.
Typical traffic citations include:
- Speeding
- Careless driving
- Reckless driving
- Improper passing
- Parking violations
- Passing a school bus
- Failing to display a license plate
- Failing to observe a traffic control device
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
We take for granted ownership of our vehicle and the ability to drive. We depend on our cars to get to work, run errands, and bring our children to and from school. That is why having your driver’s license taken away, or your car impounded, can be devastating. When your vehicle is part of your livelihood, such as those requiring a commercial driver’s license, suspension or revocation of the license takes away your ability to work. The loss of your car or primary form of identification is not only inconvenient, but extremely costly if ignored or left unchallenged.
One of the most common examples of unsubstantiated charges involves driving under the influence (DUI). In New Jersey, any person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher may be charged with DUI. Such DUI offenses carry heavy fines, fees, and surcharges, and can even lead to jail. Breathalyzer tests, however, are not always accurate. The results are often thrown out in court. Blood, urine, and sobriety tests can also be challenged and suppressed on constitutional grounds. Because this is the only form of evidence against the driver, the case is often dismissed.
Police in New Jersey are also prone to using traffic citations as a pretext to pull over immigrants. Such stops provide an excuse to check the driver’s license and registration. This may result in convictions for driving without a license or, if not challenged, repeat DUIs. Immigrants are especially vulnerable to multiple “ticks” on their record, which can ultimately affect their eligibility for status. Even one prior conviction for an aggravated felony or crime involving moral turpitude may bar the applicant’s right to relief or the applicant could be placed in removal proceedings. A process known as “expungement” dismisses certain crimes; however, a criminal record is never “expunged” for immigration purposes. Therefore, if you are convicted of a crime you should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer and criminal lawyer prior to accepting a plea bargain from the Prosecutor’s office.
If you require assistance with a DUI, traffic citation, or expungement, we can help. Attorney Cindy Ramjattan-Paul is committed to fighting for your legal rights and challenging charges that permanently affect your criminal record. She has helped numerous individuals dispute their traffic tickets and get their cases dismissed and has successfully handled many types of DUI cases that were either thrown out. At the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, we can help you expunge your convictions and clear your path to relief.