DUI Attorney in Woodbridge, New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that is often punished harshly. A person convicted of DWI could be facing severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, community service, license revocation or suspension, increased insurance rates, and other life-changing ramifications. Unfortunately, you could also lose your driving privileges and experience difficulties in getting public benefits, housing, or new employment.

If you're facing DUI/DWI charges, it is imperative that you hire an aggressive and highly-skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney to help build your defense. At Adams, Cassese & Papp L.L.C., I'm committed to offering knowledgeable legal counsel and reliable representation to clients in drunk driving cases. My firm – Adams, Cassese & Papp L.L.C. – proudly serves clients across Woodbridge, New Jersey, and surrounding areas of Sayreville, Edison, and Perth Amboy.

DUI Charges in New Jersey

Under New Jersey laws, a person may be facing driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges for operating a motor vehicle:

• While under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogens, intoxicating liquors, or habit-producing drugs.

• With a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08% (adults) or at least 0.01% (persons under 21 years).

Also, a car owner may be charged with DWI for allowing another person with a BAC over 0.08% to operate the owner's motor vehicle.

If you're suspected of driving while intoxicated, a law enforcement officer may pull your car over and request that you take DWI tests. A skilled New Jersey DWI defense attorney can enlighten you about your rights regarding DWI tests and the consequences of a refusal.

DUI Tests and Your Rights

As previously mentioned, on suspicion of drunk driving, a police officer may stop your vehicle and request some DWI tests, including field sobriety tests and chemical tests.

Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are a group of standardized tests – the horizontal gaze, the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand tests – used by law enforcement officers to determine whether a driver is impaired or not. Under New Jersey DWI law, field sobriety tests are voluntary, and you do not have to submit to them. Also, there are no punishments for refusing to take a field sobriety test.

Chemical Tests

A chemical test – such as a blood, breath, saliva, or urine test – is usually performed to measure the level of alcohol in a person's blood, breath, or body. All motorists with a driver's license in New Jersey have impliedly consented to DWI chemical testing.

Under New Jersey DWI law, it is illegal to refuse a chemical test after a lawful arrest. Refusal to perform chemical testing may result in potential administrative and criminal penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about the nature of your charges and the potential consequences of a DWI conviction.

Possible Penalties

In New Jersey, the penalties for DWI charges can be devastating. Depending on the defendant's BAC level, the number of prior DWI convictions, and other surrounding circumstances, the possible penalties, and consequences for driving while intoxicated in New Jersey include:

• Huge fines

• Jail time (ranging from months, years, or decades)

• License suspension or revocation

• Probation

• Mandatory community service

• Mandatory ignition interlock device

Other consequences include:

• A criminal record/history

• Higher auto insurance premiums

• Increased difficulty in securing housing and employment

• Loss of your rights to own, possess, or carry firearms

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans

• Loss of scholarships or university acceptance

• Deterioration of professional relationships

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested and charged with DWI, you need to reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. Your legal counsel can strategize a strong defense to help fight your charges, restore your driving privileges, and help you avoid the far-reaching punishment and ramifications of a criminal conviction.

Ignition Interlock Program

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a handheld Breathalyzer that is often installed to prevent a person from starting their car after taking alcohol. The IID requires the driver to blow into the device before starting their vehicle.

In New Jersey, a person convicted of DWI must install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in their car before their driving privileges can be restored. The vehicle will not start if the driver's BAC registers at 0.05%. Also, you may be required to install a BAIID for refusing a chemical test.

Work With a Skilled
Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending drunk driving charges without experienced representation could increase your chances of getting convicted and suffering the maximum penalties. Unfortunately, a DWI conviction could potentially jeopardize your personal reputation, driving privileges, liberty, quality of life, and professional and future opportunities. Therefore, when facing DWI charges, retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney is paramount to help protect your legal rights and strategize your defense.

For more than 40 years, I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and defending individuals who have been wrongfully arrested and charged with DWI. Using my extensive legal knowledge, I can help you navigate the New Jersey criminal justice system and represent you diligently in every phase of the legal process.