Could you be Criminally Charged for Driving and Texting?

Texting and driving is dangerous and can have severe consequences. Many states have an explicit law for texting and driving. Federal law bans texting and driving and categorizes it as distracted driving. Many state’s law on texting and driving even specify jail time.

In New Jersey, texting and driving is a criminal offense. For the first offense, you could receive a fine of $200 to $400. The second offense has a fine of $400 to $600. The third offense increases fines by $200 and could include a 90-day license suspension, plus motor vehicle points.

If your action of texting and driving causes injury to someone, then you might face jail time. If your action of texting and driving led to someone else’s death, then you can be charged with negligence and vehicular manslaughter or a homicide charge. If convicted of a vehicular homicide, you can face a term of imprisonment in the second degree between 5 and 10 years, of which you will not be eligible for parole for a minimum of 3 years.

In cases when your texting and driving didn’t result in something as severe as a fatality, you could still be charged with reckless driving.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with driving and texting, it is in your best interest to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can build a strong defense for you and help you determine whether you should take your case to trial or not. Criminal defense attorney Joel Silberman at the Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC has the skills, knowledge, compassion, and dedication to help you. Call 201-420-1913 or email joel@joelsilbermanlaw.com.