New Jersey DWI Lawyer Blog

Regardless of which county one drives in -- Passaic, Middlesex, Union or Mercer -- a drunk driving arrest is only an errant lane change away, or for that matter a burned-out headlamp or rolling stop. The fact of the matter is, here in the Garden State, driving with even a couple drinks under one's belt can quickly become a trip to police headquarters for a breathalyzer test and possible booking on charges of driving while intoxicated.

Naturally, drunken driving is one of the many traffic offenses out there, but impaired driving due to prescription medications or illicit drugs (drug DUI) are other ways in which a driver can find him or herself in trouble with the law. As New Jersey DWI defense lawyers, I and my colleagues have represented numerous motorists charged with driving under the influence of beer, wine or hard liquor.

As experienced drunken driving defense attorneys, my firm handles numerous drunken driving and drug DUI cases, as well as breath test refusal and underage drinking offenses. No matter where one lives or works in New Jersey, being arrested for DWI or DUI can be a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. The following police blotter items illustrate some of the typical drunk driving-related and other police arrests that occur on a regular basis throughout the state.

Continue reading "Union County Police Blotter: Cranford, NJ, Police Arrests include DWI, Drug DUI and Underage Drinking" »

While the warm weather months are definitely behind us, New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement agencies note that parties and friendly get-togethers during the holidays also bring out the drinker in many drivers. As nearly anyone who drives in the Garden State understands, drunken driving enforcement never really lets up, especially during the peak holiday season.

As DWI defense lawyers serving residents of Bergen, Middlesex, Atlantic and other counties across the state, we are well versed in the tactics and strategies used by state and municipal police officers to secure the arrest of suspected drunk drivers. In fact, anyone who knowingly operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or, for that matter, prescription medication, should realize that the odds of being arrested for DWI or drug DUI can be quite high.

If a police officer witnesses a traffic violation, he or she will usually make a routine traffic stop based on that initial offense, minor as it may seem to the average driver. Once stopped, a motorist will be closely observed for signs of impairment, usually due to consumption of beer, wine or hard liquor. If the patrolman has a reasonable suspicion that the driver of a car, truck or motorcycle is inebriated an arrest is more or less forthcoming.

Continue reading "Monmouth County DWI Update: Thanksgiving Holiday Sees Rise in Drunken Driving Arrests for New Jersey Motorists" »

With nearly nine million residents, the Garden State has the greatest population density of all 50 states, which might explain the constant stream of drunk driving arrests all across the state. As New Jersey DWI defense attorneys, I and my staff of experienced litigators understands how easily a motorist can become entangled in the state's legal system following a seemingly simple traffic stop.

The fact of the matter is, nobody expects to be pulled over by a state police trooper or a local municipal patrolman, however police stops for minor traffic violations can many times precipitate into an arrest for driving while intoxicated. Anyone who has ever gone to an acquaintance's home for a birthday celebration or gone out with friends to enjoy a pleasant evening eating good food and having some wine or after-dinner drinks will likely recall the concern of being stopped for a DWI.

Even if a person isn't a drinker, the use of doctor-prescribed medication can have an unexpected affect on a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle, which may not have been immediately obvious. Just the same, however, once a police officer has stopped a driver for a traffic infraction, the opportunity for a DWI or DUI is always there.

As the following items from the Cranford, NJ, police blotter illustrate, being stopped for driving under the influence of alcohol or drug DUI is neither uncommon nor exceptional. In fact, these reports are typical of the drunk driving cases that come through New Jersey courtrooms on a weekly basis.

Continue reading "New Jersey DWI News: Union County Police Blotter Reports Numerous Drunken Driving and Marijuana Arrests" »

For many New Jersey residents, rather than enjoy this past Labor Day weekend they likely spent most of their time cleaning up from the effects of tropical storm Irene. Still, in areas less affected, surely some Garden State drivers saw some increased drunken driving enforcement activities by state and local police. As part of the national "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" campaign, it's a fair bet that dozens of motorists had encounters with law enforcement officers during what has become an annual anti-DWI effort.

Of course, it's hardly a good idea to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of beer, wine or hard liquor, as well as illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. But during the last two weeks, drivers who did take their chances by drinking and driving may have met with a DWI or drug DUI arrest or summons to appear in court.

This effort took place in nearly every county across New Jersey, including Bergen, Hudson, Union, Monmouth and Ocean, just to name a few. As a drunken driving defense lawyer and former municipal prosecutor myself, I understand how some individuals can be pickup up for driving while intoxicated, though perhaps be unaware that they were legally impaired at the time of their arrest.

Whether stopped by a rolling DWI patrol for an apparent minor traffic offense, or being waved into a sobriety checkpoint (also known as a DWI roadblock) for observation by a police officer looking for drunken drivers, the resulting charges of drunken driving or impairment due to prescription medication or an illegal drug (also known as a controlled dangerous substance or CDS) can be costly in terms of fines and penalties, as well as the impact on an individual's personal and business relationships or standing in the community.

Continue reading "New Jersey DWI Update: Garden State Counties Join in NJ Law Enforcement Drunk Driving Crackdown" »

In the wake of controversy revolving around State Police Trooper Sheila McKaig's alleged drinking and driving incidents over the years, the New Jersey State Police have implemented new standards aimed at curbing potential abuses of power that some have said police officers occasionally commit when they are stopped for offenses such as DWI.

In McKaig's case, numerous news reports indicate that she was never ticketed even though the officer was stopped multiple times for driving while intoxicated over the course of three months back in 2008. In this particular situation, the judge in the case did not recommend firing the trooper outright on the grounds that that McKaig did seek counseling and has been considered a model for other police officers.

Back to the NJ State Police and its newly instituted policies for officers caught driving under the influence, according to reports, the agency has reportedly launched a review of the use by troopers of so-called "undercover identification cards." Along with this, orders from up the chain of command within the State Police reportedly increase the accountability on the part of higher-ranked officers and requires more careful review of traffic stops (including car accidents) that may have been related to alcohol consumption.

As a New Jersey drunken driving defense lawyer, I and my staff, understand that the police have a tough job of maintaining the peace and bringing alleged perpetrators to justice. However, when the rules cease to apply to the vary people entrusted with the public's safety this is when our tolerance as individuals and a society begins to be tested.

According to news reports, policy changes at the State Police will place responsibility squarely on the shoulders of regional commanders when a trooper is suspected of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. In fact, based on information provided by local news sources, higher-ranking officers may even be required to respond themselves to the scene of a possibly alcohol-related traffic incident involving another law enforcement officer.

Continue reading "New Jersey Drunk Driving News: State Police Institute Tighter Standards Regarding Troopers Arrested for DWI" »

As New Jersey DWI defense attorneys, we find reports of drunk driving arrests in the media nearly every day of the week. Whether you live in Bergen County, Hudson County or Mercer County, the odds of a driver being pulled over and charged with driving while intoxicated increases with enhanced drunken driving enforcement patrols.

While many DWI arrests take place as a result of a seemingly minor traffic offense, many other motorists are picked up for drinking and driving as a result of sobriety checkpoints. Still others are arrested for being intoxicated while sitting in a parked vehicle. The following news items from Union County are just a couple of the typical arrest reports that transpire every week in the Garden State.

Kenilworth
A driver from Newark was stopped by police at the corner of Michigan Ave. and Rte 22 after officers apparently noticed the suspect's vehicle being driven in a suspicious manner. The 29-year-old Essex County man was pulled over by police in the early morning hours on a Saturday. According to reports, as officers approached the driver they noticed a gun allegedly protruding from car's center counsel.

It was subsequently discovered that the weapon was a fully loaded 9mm pistol. The suspect was taken into custody without any shots being fired, after which he was charged with drunken driving in addition to possession of a firearm. The man was also charged with refusing to submit to a breath test, and possession of a firearm. He was later released pending a Superior Court appearance.

Cranford
A driver was Westfield motorist was stopped by patrolmen late on a Thursday evening when the police responded to a report of a vehicle allegedly being driven erratically along a stretch of road in Cranford, NJ. The arrest occurred near the corner of South Ave. and High St. following the report which stated that a motor vehicle had hit a sign in a parking lot of New Jersey Transit on South.

The 51-year-old female driver was pulled over just before 11pm by officers. The patrolmen apparently detected some evidence of alcohol and arrested the woman, then charged her with DWI. After being taken into custody, she was also charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident as well as failure to keep right and improper vehicle lighting maintenance. The woman was subsequently released pending a court appearance.

Kenilworth police stop man for DWI, find loaded handgun, NJ.com, March 26, 2011

Whether you live or work in Ocean, Sussex, Bergen or Union County, it's likely that nobody expects to be pulled over by police and arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. Here in Monmouth County, as in the rest of the Garden State, I and my staff of experienced DWI defense attorneys fully understand the anxiety and trepidation that follows a drunken driving or drug DUI police stop.

For first-time drunk driving arrestees, and even those picked up for driving under the influence of prescription medication or illicit drugs such as marijuana, the experience can be a shock. But more than that, not taking action and leaving one's fate in the hands of the court is something that no one should allow to happen, if they can help it.

Of course, second and third-time offenders have a different set of circumstances to deal with, but in general, we always recommend that motorists consult with a qualified DWI lawyer. The reason is simple: being cited for impaired driving -- whether allegedly due consumption of beer, wine or hard liquor; prescription pain medication or a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) -- is nothing to be taken lightly.

Careers, marriages, and reputations have been ruined by drunken driving and DUI convictions. Of course, being arrested for driving while intoxicated can happen night or day. It usually, but not always, happens with a seemingly routine police stop for a supposedly minor traffic infraction -- something as insignificant as a faulty taillamp. Other times it can come at the location of a drunk driving roadblock (also known as a sobriety checkpoint).

Regardless of the circumstances, once charged with a DWI one should as a matter of course contact a DWI-DUI defense attorney. My office has handled enough DWI cases and spoken with so many people charged with DWI or DUI that we know it's not a wise idea to represent yourself in front of the court. Not only can the process of fighting a DWI arrest be confusing to the first-time defendant, there is no way that a layperson can come fully prepared to face the court - at least, not like one can with a qualified DWI defense lawyer at one's side.

Continue reading "Monmouth County DWI Defense: Things to Consider Following a Drunk Driving Arrest in New Jersey" »

Have you or a family member been arrested for drunk driving here in Monmouth County, or anywhere else in the Garden State? Whether you live in Union, Atlantic or Morris County, you may be asking yourself, "Why should I even consider hiring a drunk driving defense attorney? And, is it really worth it now that I've been charged with DWI?"

Maybe you were stopped for a minor traffic infraction and the officer ended up arresting you for driving while intoxicated. Perhaps you received a summons at a local drunk driving roadblock after having performed a number of field sobriety tests. Or maybe you got a ticket for being intoxicated while sitting in your parked car.

Whatever the situation, you should ask yourself some important questions. For instance, were you actually drunk? Maybe yes, maybe no. Was being charged with drunken driving actually warranted under the circumstances? Perhaps yes, or then again, maybe not. As with most other aspects of the law, not all drunken driving cases are completely open and shut.

As New Jersey DWI defense attorneys, I and my colleagues have counseled numerous clients who felt that they were unjustly accused. Although some may have broken the law, these individuals also understood the consequences and potential penalties associated with a DWI conviction. Wanting to improve the outcome of one's DWI case is not so unusual.

We don't worry so much about the people who seek us out, but we do share a concern for those motorists who choose not to speak with a qualified drunken driving defense lawyer. Some individuals believe that they deserved to be pulled over, or because the police have "positive" proof -- via a breathalyzer or Alcotest machine -- that it would be senseless to try and fight the charges. But this kind of thinking is just wrong. Everyone who is accused of breaking the law deserves to have their case heard in a court of law.

One of the main things that causes individuals to believe the state has solid evidence against them is embodied in the blood-alcohol content (BAC) breath or blood test results. But even with this kind of evidence in the hands of a prosecuting attorney, you need to be aware that "blowing" more than 0.08 percent BAC does not automatically mean you will be convicted for DWI. Never assume that because the breathalyzer registered a high BAC that you're out of luck.

Continue reading "NJ Drunken Driving Arrest? Here's Why You Might Need a New Jersey DWI Defense Lawyer" »

Union County DWI Traffic Stop
A traffic accident involving two vehicles early on a Sunday morning precipitated a DWI arrest for one individual not long ago. According to news reports, the car crash occurred just before 2am in Fanwood at the intersection of South Ave. and Terrill Rd. According to police, officers at the scene interviewed both drivers and were able to determine that one of the cars rear-ended the other as it sat at a red light.

During one of the interviews, patrolmen reportedly detected the odor of alcohol emanating from a 20-year-old man from Scotch Plains, NJ. Allegedly smelling the strong scent of alcohol on the suspect's breath, officers requested the man to perform a field sobriety test. Failing that test, police placed the man under arrest and took him to the local police headquarters where he was processed and issued a summons for careless driving and DWI. The driver was subsequently released to a responsible party pending a court date.

Orange County Man Arrested for DWI
In an out-of-state drunken driving incident, an Orange County, NJ, driver was pulled over and arrested for driving while intoxicated on the Palisades Interstate Parkway early on a Saturday morning. According to State Police, the arrest happened as part of a holiday drunken driving crackdown when the 35-year-old motorist was observed by patrolmen apparently driving in an erratic fashion.

After being pulled over near Exit 9 on the parkway around 4:30am, most likely for a routine traffic offense, officers apparently detected telltale signs of alcohol intoxication. The man was arrested, charged with driving under the influence and taken to police headquarters. He was subsequently released pending a court appearance.

That arrest was reportedly part of a New Year's DWI enforcement crackdown which also netted six other drunk driving arrests; three local motorists and three out-of-state drunk drivers. One of those involved seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Police & Fire Blotter: FW Police Arrest SP Resident for DWI, Patch.com, January 2, 2011

Police & Fire Police: Orange County Man Charged with DWI on Parkway, Patch.com, December 19, 2010

Arrests for drunken driving, breath test refusal and controlled/dangerous substance (CDS) DUIs in Union County, New Jersey, illustrate how common law enforcement agencies pull over and charge motorists with these offenses, here and throughout the Garden State. As New Jersey drunk driving defense attorneys, I and my colleagues make an effort to help individuals accused of these charges on a regular basis.

Driving while intoxicated either by beer, wine, hard liquor or prescription drugs (drug DUI) is a serious offense in New Jersey and looked down upon by state and local authorities. Regardless of the circumstances, every person accused of or charged with a DWI offense is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Having worked in prior years as a municipal prosecutor, I understand the procedures and techniques employed by law enforcement and the judiciary to achieve a drunk driving conviction.

The following news items from Westfield, NJ, illustrate the various types of DWI and DUI arrests that occur on a weekly basis here in Union, Middlesex, Bergen and other counties throughout the state.

A 37-year-old North Plainfield man was stopped near the intersection of South and Boulevard. Most likely the officer in charge noticed either erratic driving or some other kind of traffic violation prior to pulling the motorist over. In the process, the patrolman must have detected evidence of alcohol use by the suspect. The man was arrested and charged with DWI as a result of that traffic stop. He was taken into custody and processes before being released pending a court appearance.

Another driver, a 46-year-old resident of Scotch Plains, NJ, was pulled over in the vicinity of South and Crossway. The man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, then taken to police headquarters, processed and released pending a court date.

A car carrying a 22-year-old from West Orange and a 19-year-old from Oraneg was pulled over by police near the intersection of Springfield and Michael Drive. During the traffic stop officers apparently detected evidence of marijuana inside the vehicle. The two suspects were arrested and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana in a vehicle. The older of the two was also charged with possession of cocaine. Following processing the two individuals were released pending a court appearance.

Three other DWI arrests were also made by police. A vehicle driven by an 18-year-old was stopped by officers near the corner of South and Summit, after which the driver was arrested and charged with drunken driving. Later, at the corner of North Avenue and Scotch Plains a 42-year-old out-of-state driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Finally, a 19-year-old man from Westfield, NJ, was arrested for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana following a routine traffic stop near the intersection of Sycamore and Boynton streets.

Police Blotter: West Orange Resident Arrested for Cocaine Possession, Patch.com, November 28, 2010

As Bergen, Ocean and Monmouth County attorneys who represent motorists accused of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or prescription drugs, we can heartily say that there are potentially harsh consequences for individuals convicted of multiple times for drunken driving or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of prescription medicine or even illegal substances, such as marijuana and cocaine.

There is a strong argument for mounting a compelling defense for first-time DWI and DUI charges, if only because subsequent arrests and convictions present an even more costly and potentially life-altering consequences. Even so, second- and third-time offenders may still ask themselves the question, "Why do I need a drunk driving lawyer?"

When it comes to multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated, the impact on one's lifestyle and relationships may be greatly affected. It's no secret that second, third and subsequent DWI convictions can result in far more serious consequences than that of one's first-time offense.

For one, timing may actually be an asset to the repeat offender. If an individual's first DWI charge had yet to be resolved when he or she was stopped a second time by police, a judge may be willing to allow possible multiple sentences (including periods of license suspension) to run concurrently, rather than consecutively.

If the court is considering an out-of-state DWI charge as the basis for a driver's second offense in New Jersey, it is important to understand that A DWI, DUI, OUI or OWI from another state may not automatically raise a driver's current New Jersey drunk driving offense to the level of a multiple DWIs. It has been know that an attorney may argue that any discrepancies between New Jersey law and the other state, which may mean that a person could still be sentenced as a first-time offender in New Jersey and receive the corresponding first-time DWI penalties for that initial New Jersey arrest.

One thing to keep in mind is whether or not prior conviction was for an actual DWI or if it was for refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test. Under New Jersey law, if a driver has been charged with refusal and then subsequently receive charges for a DWI, the court must classify that individual as a first-time offender, with corresponding first offender penalties.

However, if a motorist has had a previous drunken driving conviction and she is then subsequently charged with refusal to submit to breath test, then that person can be categorized under the law as a second-time offender. This can significantly affect the penalties that the court may levy against that defendant, which can then greatly affect driver's license suspension and other penalties and fines.

These are just a few of the potentially serious effects of a second, third or subsequent DWI arrest and or conviction awaiting drivers unlucky enough to be caught operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol multiple times in New Jersey.

In-state and out-of-state drunken drivers take note, the State of New Jersey will have an increased police presence on public roads throughout the Garden State as the holidays approach. According to news articles, local and state law enforcement departments in Bergen, Passaic and Ocean County, as well as the rest of the state, will be on the lookout for drivers operating their vehicles while intoxicated.

As New Jersey drunk driving defense attorneys, I and my legal staff represent individuals accused of DWI, prescription drug DUI and breath test refusal on a daily basis. We even council drivers charged with cocaine, marijuana and other controlled dangerous substance (CDS) possession. This latest enforcement program, aptly named "Over the Limit, Under Arrest," will bring additional officers to bear on the motoring public during the upcoming holidays.

Aiming to reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the road, the campaign calls for saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints (also known as DWI roadblocks) from December 13 through January 2, 2011, according to officials at New Jersey's Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The program reportedly will provide federal grant money of up to $5,000 to each of 115 police departments.

The goal is simple. According to news article, it is hoped that the campaign will ensure that drivers and passengers alike have a safe holiday by catching and arresting intoxicated motorists. These so-called concentrated efforts are designed to heighten awareness about the dangers of DWIs and DUIs, the consequences of which can have huge penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription medication or illegal drugs.

Police departments all around New Jersey are the first to say that the frequency of drunk driving increases as the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, which usually coincides with the increased incidence of DWI-related traffic accidents. As a result of the enhanced patrols, New Jersey motorists can expect to see more drunken driving arrests now until the New Year.

New Jersey plans holiday crackdown on drunken driving, www.Philly.com, December 11, 2010

Driving under the influence of prescription medication or other controlled dangerous substances, also known as drug DUI or drug DWI, is a serious charge and could result in numerous penalties, fines and court-imposed costs. While medicinal marijuana is slowly gaining acceptance in various locations throughout the United States, illegal possession or use of this drug -- known variously as weed or cannabis -- is still grounds for an arrest.

As Union County drunk driving defense lawyers, I and my colleagues understand how New Jersey state law applies to motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while impaired due to use of prescription or other CDS drugs. When it comes to marijuana and driving, there are frequent instances of police arrests that are related to this substance as well. The following is a sampling of DWI and drug DUI and possession arrests that happened in Cranford, NJ, not long ago.

Based on information from the Cranford Police Department, a 21-year-old motorist was arrested for allegedly having less than 50 grams of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia in man's vehicle. According to police reports, an officer observed a vehicle on North Ave. in the late afternoon that allegedly had an object dangling from the rearview mirror obstructing the windshield. When the driver failed to turn on his headlamps on along with his windshield wipers, the officer apparently pulled the man over for a traffic violation. In the process, the patrolman noticed evidence of the drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The Newark resident was not only charged with the drug violations, but also received summonses for the object hanging off his mirror and not using his headlights.

On a separate occasion, a Cranford officer stopped a vehicle around 1:30am at a motor vehicle checkpoint set up along Elise Street near Johnson Ave. The initial traffic violation was due to a defective rear brake lamp, but upon further investigation the patrolman apparently detected evidence of drugs in the vehicle. The passengers of the vehicle were all arrested on drug charges, including the 18-year-old driver, who was charged with possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Another drug possession arrest happened on a Wednesday morning at another vehicle checkpoint when a police officer observed a Pontiac Grand Am with apparently heavily tinted windows. Following routine questioning, the officer charged the 18-year-old driver with drug possession.

Police & Fire Cranford Police Charge Eight Drivers With Marijuana Possession, Patch.com, October 5, 2010

With the coming holiday weekend police agencies around the Garden State will be on a heightened alert for partiers and other people driving while intoxicated between picnics and family gatherings. Regardless of the bad economy, drunken driving arrests and summonses are certain to increase in the next couple weeks.

As a New Jersey DWI defense attorney and drunk driver lawyer, my job is to help motorists who have been arrested by state police, municipal patrolmen and other law enforcement personnel for DWI and drug DUI traffic offenses. Many of these arrests occur at so-called sobriety checkpoints, which are frequently set up throughout the New Jersey area.

As part of the upcoming drunk driving enforcement campaign, known as "Over the Limit, Under Arrest," police units have taken to the streets in an effort to cut the instances of driving while under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs.

According to news reports, law enforcement agencies are already conducting patrols and operating DWI roadblocks until September 6. Police officers in will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of this summer's campaign. The state and local effort is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility police patrols and public education.

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety typically provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run these programs. As one report mentioned, the state's traffic safety division said that last year New Jersey saw 185 fatal DWI-related car crashes -- according to reports, that number represents nearly a third of the almost 600 fatal accidents statewide in 2009. Authorities reported that nearly 70 of those alcohol-related deaths happened during the summer.

Over the Limit, Under Arrest, NorthJersey.com, August 26, 2010

When it comes to drunken driving arrests, police agencies all across New Jersey are now required to give instruction to DWI suspects in a language they can understand. The latest change in police procedures as they apply to drunk driving offenders is a result of a July decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

The Court's 4-3 ruling on July 12 states that patrolmen must now communicate to a motorist suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol in a language that he or she understands that they are required under the law to submit to a breathalyzer test to determine blood-alcohol content (BAC).

The downside from a drunk driving defense standpoint is that this new requirement will likely reduce the opportunities for appeals, according to some law enforcement professionals.

The ruling came from a case out of Plainfield, NJ, where a man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a 2007 accident. According to court records, the defendant spoke only Spanish and did not understand the patrolman's English-language instructions stating that the motorist was required by state law to submit to a breath test. Although the man's conviction for DWI remains intact, his conviction for breath test refusal and the associated seven-month license suspension was vacated by the Court's ruling.

The New Jersey Attorney General's office has reportedly recorded translated instructions into 10 separate languages including Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Portuguese. The recordings are posted on a New Jersey government website (njpdresources.org) so that police can easily can play them for suspects prior to administering a breath test.

Court: Police must translate breath test requirement, if needed, NorthJersey.com, July 22, 2010