NewsApril 4, 20240 comments

Consequences of New York and New Jersey Traffic Tickets for Legal and Undocumented Immigrants

If you’re an immigrant living in New York or New Jersey, dealing with traffic tickets can be confusing and stressful. Whether you’re here legally or undocumented, getting a ticket can affect your immigration status, driving privileges, and financial well-being.

The consequences of New York and New Jersey traffic tickets for legal and undocumented immigrants can be devastating.

Below is some information about what happens if you get a traffic ticket as a legal or undocumented immigrant. You’ll learn the risks of deportation, losing your driver’s license, and facing financial penalties.

It’s crucial to seek legal assistance, especially from a knowledgeable New York and New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer, to navigate these complex issues.

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Consequences for Legal Immigrants

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported about 20,000 immigrants for traffic-related offenses. That number accounts for nearly 10 percent of all deportations that year.

In most instances, though, if you’re in the country legally and you commit a minor offense (such as parking illegally or going a few miles over the speed limit), you probably don’t need to worry about your status. The only way you will risk deportation is if you committed an immoral or violent crime.

However, just because you’re probably not at risk of deportation doesn’t mean you can ignore the ticket. Failing to address the citation can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

You may have trouble getting to work, school, or medical appointments without a valid license. Plus, you’ll have to pay fines and other costs, which can increase your financial burden.

Consequences for Undocumented Immigrants

The situation is completely different for an undocumented immigrant. Any sort of involvement with a police officer can lead to deportation. If convicted, that will almost certainly mean the government will deport you. Since you don’t have lawful status in the U.S., you’ll have a tough time remaining in this country.

Seeking Legal Help from a Traffic Defense Attorney

A young woman is paying a visit to the American embassy to apply for a visa.

The best way to avoid the consequences of NY and NJ traffic tickets for legal and undocumented immigrants is to hire a defense lawyer immediately. Whether you’re a legal or undocumented immigrant, getting legal help can benefit you in several ways. The following are just a few:

Understanding Your Rights

A lawyer can explain your rights and options when dealing with a traffic ticket. They can explain the legal process and advise you on the best action. You’ll learn much more about your rights in the next section.

Navigating the Legal System

Dealing with the legal system can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the laws and procedures in New York or New Jersey. A lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand what’s happening every step of the way.

Protecting Your Immigration Status

For undocumented immigrants, getting a traffic ticket can put your immigration status at risk. An immigration lawyer can navigate any immigration issues that may arise due to the ticket, working to protect your legal status in the U.S.

For example, your attorney can advise on resources for applying for asylum or negotiating an agreement allowing you to stay in the country.

Defending Against the Ticket

In general, an undocumented immigrant has few options against being deported if convicted of even a minor traffic ticket. That’s why hiring a skilled attorney will be so essential. A lawyer can gather evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present arguments on your behalf to try to get the ticket dismissed or reduced.

Minimizing the Consequences

A person is undergoing the process of applying for US immigration and attending a consular visa interview.

Even if you’re found guilty of the violation, your attorney won’t give up. They’ll work to minimize the ticket’s consequences. They can negotiate with prosecutors to get the charges reduced or negotiate a plea bargain that carries lesser penalties.

Peace of Mind

Maybe, most importantly, hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind during a stressful and uncertain time. Knowing that you have someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side can make all the difference in dealing with legal hassles and achieving the best possible outcome.

What Are Your Rights as an Immigrant?

Knowing your rights after receiving a traffic ticket is crucial for both legal and undocumented immigrants in New York and New Jersey. Here’s why:

Protection against unfair treatment: Understanding your rights ensures that law enforcement officers and the legal system treat you fairly. By knowing what law enforcement can and cannot do, you can protect yourself from potential abuses of power and ensure that authorities respect your rights.

Preventing self-incrimination: One of the most important rights you have is the right to remain silent. If an officer or another law enforcement official asks you questions, you don’t have to say anything that will make it seem like you’re guilty.

Knowing this right can prevent you from unintentionally saying something that prosecutors and officers can use against you later.

Access to legal help: Knowing your rights also includes knowing that you have the right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions or making any statements to law enforcement.

This allows you to seek legal advice and representation to navigate the legal process and defend yourself against the traffic ticket.

Understanding the legal process: Being aware of your rights helps you understand the legal process and what to expect if you receive a traffic ticket. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions about how to proceed and ensures no one can take advantage of you.

Please Get in Touch with a New York and New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

Lindsay Bernstein, Esq. | Attorney for DUI defense in Clifton, NJ — Lindsay Bernstein, Esq,New York And New Jersey Traffic Ticket Lawyer

As you can see, there are potentially drastic consequences of New York and New Jersey Criminal Defense attorney for legal and undocumented immigrants. Even if you’re not worried about deportation, ignoring a ticket can impact your life for years to come – and not in a good way.

Understanding these consequences and seeking legal help can protect yourself and your family from the negative impacts. Remember, everyone deserves fair treatment under the law, regardless of immigration status. So don’t hesitate to reach out for help as soon as possible.