It is likely that your unlicensed friend was cited under New Jersey Statute 39:3-10 which states that no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a public highway in this State unless the person is under supervision while participating in a behind-the-wheel driving course or is in possession of a validated permit, or a provisional or basic driver's license issued to him in accordance with this article.
A person violating this section of NJ law is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 60 days, but if that person has never been licensed to drive in this State or any other jurisdiction, he shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 and, in addition, the court shall issue an order to the motor vehicle commission requiring the MVC to refuse to issue a license to operate a motor vehicle to the person for a period of not less than 180 days. So these are the penalties your friend may be facing.
As for your ticket as the car owner that allowed an unlicensed driver to operate a vehicle, it would appear you could be cited under NJ Statute 39:3-37.1 which notes it is unlawful to loan a vehicle to an unlicensed driver. Subsection b of this portion of New Jersey law states a person who owns, leases or otherwise has control or custody of a motor vehicle registered under the provisions of this title shall not allow that motor vehicle to be operated by an unlicensed driver. Subsection c gives the penalty for violating this law as a fine of not less than $200 or more than $500, imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both.
If your friend was not unlicensed but had a suspended license than penalties such as suspension of your license and revocation of your registration may apply if their license was suspended due to certain violations such as drive while under the influence (Per NJ RS 39:3-40).
To find out what the fine amount may be handed down to you at the New Jersey county court that you must attend try contacting the court directly. If you were cited under the law we mentioned than the fine could range from $200 - $500 and there could also be jail time involved. The clerk of the court should be able to advise you of what the normal penalty the judges there hand down if you are found guilty. If you plead not guilty you would of course hope that the judge would try to understand your side of the issue in that you were not aware the person was unlicensed and dismiss your case.
The clerk of the court may be able to advise you on what court proceedings will be like if you plead guilty or not guilty. You may also need to speak to a lawyer to see if they can help you and keep you from being convicted of this offense so that you can keep your NJ driving record clean.
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