At DeMichele and DeMichele, we are constantly monitoring the progress of legislation in both the state legislature and in the court of public opinion whenever a particular piece of legislation has the potential to affect our clients. In the past month, New Jersey Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (Morris, Somerset) announced that he will introduce legislation to “increase the punishment for drivers who act carelessly or inattentively where school cross guards are posted.” This new bill is still in the drafting phase; however, Assemblyman Bucco's press release indicates that it will include an automatic driver's license suspension for New Jersey drivers who operate their vehicle carelessly in places where a crossing guard is posted. The full text of Assemblyman Bucco's April 16, 2012 explanatory press release can be viewed  here. You can also click here to view the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's Point Schedule. At present, careless driving is a 2-point offense. It is unclear whether Asm. Bucco's bill will also seek to change this designation. Obviously, if this proposal is ultimately drafted, passed and signed into law, it would inflict profoundly negative consequences on New Jersey drivers. A suspended license is objectively much more serious than a relatively minor fine and insurance points. License suspension imposes a severe impact on your professional and personal life; moreover, the process for restoring your license when the suspension is over can be complicated and trying. As always, the attorneys at DeMichele & DeMichele will continue to provide updates as to the status of this potential legislation and any changes to the status of the law. If you or a loved one have been charged with careless driving in New Jersey, you need experienced municipal court representation to protect your rights and fight for a “best case” outcome.  Contact us online today or call us at (856)546-1350 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced New Jersey municipal court attorneys.