What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey
I will brief you guys on some important information before you start posting advice.
New Jersey Penal Code § 2C:33-13 pertains to smoking in public. The maximum fine that can be issued is $200.
Code of the town of Secaucus, NJ § ch. 141-16(a) states that the maximum fine for the first infraction of smoking in public is $50
The town code can be found here:
ClerkBase - Secaucus, NJ
My friend and I were issued tickets for smoking in public at the Secaucus Junction Train Station in Secaucus, NJ. We were in violation of C.O. 141-5(a). Or, prohibition of smoking in public places accessable to the general public.
I've called the court, and asked what the cost of the fine was, even though I already knew - $185.00, due to another friend that was issued the same ticket.
Now, I have not entered a plea of not guilty, although I am thinking I will, but I am testing out my options before I decide to build a defense.
Can I contest the $185 charge being that it was my first infraction?
Does New Jersey Penal Law trump a New Jersey town code?
Is that even relevant considering the tickets we were issued were in violation of the town code and NOT the penal law?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Oh - also, can my friend and I both contest the ticket on the same grounds? Or as a party? Or do we have to do it individually before the judge, and use the same defense?
Thanks again!
I will brief you guys on some important information before you start posting advice.
New Jersey Penal Code § 2C:33-13 pertains to smoking in public. The maximum fine that can be issued is $200.
Code of the town of Secaucus, NJ § ch. 141-16(a) states that the maximum fine for the first infraction of smoking in public is $50
The town code can be found here:
ClerkBase - Secaucus, NJ
My friend and I were issued tickets for smoking in public at the Secaucus Junction Train Station in Secaucus, NJ. We were in violation of C.O. 141-5(a). Or, prohibition of smoking in public places accessable to the general public.
I've called the court, and asked what the cost of the fine was, even though I already knew - $185.00, due to another friend that was issued the same ticket.
Now, I have not entered a plea of not guilty, although I am thinking I will, but I am testing out my options before I decide to build a defense.
Can I contest the $185 charge being that it was my first infraction?
Does New Jersey Penal Law trump a New Jersey town code?
Is that even relevant considering the tickets we were issued were in violation of the town code and NOT the penal law?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Oh - also, can my friend and I both contest the ticket on the same grounds? Or as a party? Or do we have to do it individually before the judge, and use the same defense?
Thanks again!