New Jersey Traffic Offenses: J.R. Smith case
I read an interesting article in the Asbury Park Press regarding professional basketball player Earl "JR" Smith III. He is a basketball star from the State of New Jersey who now plays professionally for the Denver Nuggets. He was drafted in 2004 by the New Orleans Hornets after playing for New Jersey's own St. Benedict's.
Smith is facing traffic charges relating to a 2007 fatal motor vehicle accident. On June 9, 2007 Smith's friend Andre Bell, who was the passenger in his 2003 GMC Yukon, was critically injured in a motor vehicle accident. Allegedly, Smith drove his vehicle around a stopped car and through a stop sign. As Smith drove through the intersection, his vehicle was struck by another car. His friend Andre Bell died of head injuries two days later.
A Monmouth County grand jury declined to indict on any criminal charges related to the accident. Thus, his case has been remanded to Municipal Court and now he is facing only traffic offenses. The charges include improper passing, failure to stop, reckless driving, and speeding (67 mph in a 35 mph zone). He is facing a total of 16 points on his New Jersey driver's license and up to ninety (90) days in jail. Therefore, if he pleads guilty to these charges, his license will be suspended based on the accumulation of points. You are only permitted to have 12 points on your license at any time or you face a suspension. For additional information, see the Asbury Park Press article entitled "Basketball Star Likely to Plead Guilty".
This is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved. The driver will live with this mistake the rest of his life. Further, the family of the victim will never recover this loss of a loved one.
