License Suspension or Custodial Sentence May Be Imposed on Defendant Convicted of Careless Driving In the Appropriate Case.

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in State v. Palma that the municipal court may impose a license suspension and/or a jail term on a defendant convicted of careless driving pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, but only if the judge identifies aggravating circumstances from evidentiary sources from the record.

The court held that the seven factors set forth in State v. Moran, a case dealing with reckless driving can be used in deciding whether to impose a jail term and/or license suspension for a conviction for careless driving.  The Moran factors are: (1) nature and circumstances of the defendant’s conduct; (2) defendant’s driving record; (3) whether the license suspension would impose a hardship on the defendant and his dependents; (4) need for personal deterrence; (5) driving cause property damage or personal injury, (6) any other factor the court determines to be relevant; (7) whether the character and attitude of the defendant indicate that he or she is likely or unlikely to commit another violation.