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    If you or your passengers don’t wear a seat belt you could face jail time

    If a driver doesn’t use a seat belt or doesn’t make their passengers use one, then the driver could face jail time. The Seat Belt Law, enacted in 1984, has not been used in this way until now. Previously, the Seat Belt Law would be a traffic ticket that would require a municipal court appearance, now violators could go to state prison. The amount of jail time being faced depends on the injuries involved. The new criminal charges are through a public health law people who violate a law that protects “public health.”

    Now that the Supreme Court has made it clear the seat belt law can bring criminal penalties, the question becomes, what sentences can the Seat Belt Law carry?

    The N.J.S.A. 2C:40-18 carries different sentences depending on the severity of harm to the individual.

    • A person is guilty of a second degree violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 40-18 if “the person knowingly violates a law intended to protect the public health and safety or knowingly fails to perform a duty imposed by a law intended to protect the public health and safety if the individual recklessly causes death.”  A second degree violation carries a sentence of five to ten years in state prison.
    • A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if the person knowingly violates a law intended to protect the public health and safety or knowingly fails to perform a duty imposed by a law intended to protect the public health and safety and recklessly causes serious bodily injury.  A third degree violation carries a sentence of 3-5 years in state prison.
    • A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person knowingly violates a law intended to protect the public health and safety or knowingly fails to perform a duty imposed by a law intended to protect the public health and safety and recklessly causes significant bodily injury.  A fourth degree violation carries a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison.

    J.E.

    I was served with disciplinary charges at work which then developed into criminal charges. Katie explained each issue to me, and was able to resolve both the criminal case and my discipline! She was always available to me if I had questions and I am very happy with the outcome!

    I.D.W.

    After working with another attorney, who messed up my case, I hired Katherine Hartman to represent me. I found her to be sincere, trustworthy, knowledgeable and patient in explaining everything to me. In short, Katherine kept me out of jail and I would hire again! (Even though I hope I never have to see her again!)

    J.C.

    I highly recommend the Hartman Law Firm. Katie Hartman is a true professional, and an absolute advocate for her clients. She takes pride in making herself available for her clients in regards to questions or concerns relating to your case. She will leave no stone unturned!

    D.Y.

    I wish I could select a higher star rating. Our Company was assisted by Michael Mormando of Attorneys Hartman in a municipal case and we simply could not be happier with the way our case was handled. Michael was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He is a true master of his craft and we would highly recommend his services

    D.C.

    Katherine was such a pleasure to work with! She was very caring, responsive, and professional throughout my whole experience. I will continue to recommend her and her firm to all of my friends and family

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