FAQ’s
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Are you available on weekends?
Yes. We know that you may have a busy schedule during the week, which may make it impossible to meet with us. For that reason, you never have to hesitate to request an appointment during the weekend for a mutually convenient time. In fact, our office is open every Saturday and you will often find Mark Cintron in the office working on client matters on Sundays.
What does an attorney cost?
Each case is different. As a result, the cost of an attorney will depend on a variety of factors. For example, in certain cases, such as personal injury cases, you will not be charged a fee when you walk in the door. In these cases, we will only recover a fee if we recover money for you. In other cases, such as criminal cases, these arrangements are not possible. In those cases, we will work with you to determine the most affordable options considering the circumstances.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We understand that times are tough. For this reason, we provide all clients the option of paying legal fees by credit card. At The Cintron Firm, we accept debit cards, American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
Does my attorney speak Spanish?
Yes. Many law firms often represent that they “speak Spanish.” However, in reality, it is only the attorney’s support staff that actually speaks Spanish. That is not the case at The Cintron Firm. Mark Cintron was raised in a Spanish-speaking household and will be able to communicate with you directly.
Do you have a website in Spanish?
Yes. We have a website with Spanish speaking content at www.bufetecintron.com.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAFFIC CHARGES
Will I get points if I am convicted of driving while suspended?
No points are assessed by the Motor Vehicle Commission for a conviction of driving while suspended. A conviction for driving while suspended will result in a suspension of your driving privileges, a large fine, court costs, surcharges and even jail time. It is why it is important to have legal representation if you are charged with a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:3-40.
If I get a ticket in New Jersey but I have a license in another state, will the points transfer?
In most cases, if you are found guilty or if you plead guilty to a moving violation in New Jersey, your home state will impose some type of points to your driving record. This is because over 40 states in the United States have signed what is known as the Driver License Compact. Under this Compact, your home state will treat the moving violation as if it happened within your home state. While your home state may be a part of the Driver License Compact, this does not mean that the amount of points assessed for a New Jersey violation will be equivalent to that of your home state. This makes it increasingly important to consult with an attorney if you are an out-of-state driver.
What are my legal obligations if I am stopped by a police officer when driving?
If a police officer believes that he or she has a reasonable suspicion that you have committed a moving violation, the officer can pull you over. When the officer pulls you over, you are required to comply with the police officer’s demands for your driver’s license, insurance card and registration.
However, you are not required to engage the officer in conversation or admit or deny whether you committed the moving violation. In fact, you should not do so. For example, let’s say you are asked by the police officer, “Why were you speeding?” Implied in this question is that you were in fact speeding. So answering this question creates a presumption that you were indeed speeding. It also will provide the officer with an opportunity to listen to your pattern of speech to determine if you are slurring and may be under the influence.
The fact is that the less information you volunteer, the less evidence the State will be able to introduce in court against you.
If the officer made a mistake on my ticket, can I get the case dismissed?
This is very unlikely. In New Jersey, judges are reluctant to dismiss cases based on mere technicalities. You can feel free to attempt to make the argument to the court, but in most cases the judge will just allow the officer to amend the complaint to correct whatever mistake was made.
QUESTIONS ABOUT CRIMINAL CHARGES
What is a controlled dangerous substance?
A controlled dangerous substance, also known as CDS, is essentially anything that the State of New Jersey determines to be an illegal drug. It includes any drug, from marijuana to cocaine to heroin to even prescription medication.
If I am arrested, do I have to give a statement to the police?
No. One of the most basic rights you have is the right to remain silent. This is because “anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.” Thus, if you provide a statement, it can have consequences for you later. For this reason, it is important to obtain legal counsel before providing any statement to the police.
