May 18, 2012 (Press-News.org) New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently signed a bill into law that increases penalties for bodily harm caused by aggressive driving.
Jessica Rogers' Law
Jessica Rogers was 16 when she was involved in an automobile accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down and necessitated 24 surgeries. Jessica's accident was the result of aggressive and reckless driving behavior, known commonly as "road rage."
After her accident, Jessica's parents lobbied for tougher laws for those that commit road rage crashes, believing that current laws did not penalize road rage perpetrators appropriately. At the time of her accident, New Jersey law charged aggressive drivers with assault by auto or vessel when injuries resulted from reckless or impaired driving. Road rage was a fourth-degree crime even if the behavior caused serious injury. Those that caused less severe injuries faced disorderly person charges.
The Jessica Rogers' Law (also known as Jessica's Law) adds a provision into existing law that allows suspects to be charged with assault by auto or vessel in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle. If serious bodily harm results from this driving behavior, suspects may be charged with a third-degree crime and may face three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Less serious injuries are a fourth-degree crime that may result in 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Aggressive Driving Defined
The state of New Jersey considers the following behaviors examples of aggressive driving, though the list is not all-inclusive:
- Following another vehicle too closely for safety
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Improper lane changes
- Excessive speed
- Failing to follow traffic laws, signals and signs
In the event of a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove that an individual acted in an aggressive manner. It is important that a defendant document all events leading up to the accident so the truth is told accurately.
If you have been accused of aggressive driving, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you tell your side of the story as well as use the defenses available to you to fight your charges.
Article provided by Law Offices of John W. Tumelty
Visit us at www.johntumeltylaw.com
Governor Christie Signs Tough Road Rage Bill Into Law
The governor of New Jersey recently signed into law Jessica Rogers' Law, which makes it a third-degree crime to injure someone while driving recklessly. Learn more from defense attorney John Tumelty.
2012-05-18
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[Press-News.org] Governor Christie Signs Tough Road Rage Bill Into LawThe governor of New Jersey recently signed into law Jessica Rogers' Law, which makes it a third-degree crime to injure someone while driving recklessly. Learn more from defense attorney John Tumelty.