DWI Appeal

November 5, 2019

Proof of Operation of a Vehicle in DWI Cases Is Analyzed by New Jersey Court

If a person is charged with a DWI crime in New Jersey, the State must prove each element of the alleged offense to obtain a conviction. In other words, the State must not only prove that the defendant was impaired due to the ingestion of alcohol, but also that the defendant was operating a vehicle while he or she was impaired. Recently, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, discussed what constitutes sufficient evidence of the operation of a vehicle to obtain a DWI conviction. If you reside in New Jersey and are currently charged with a DWI crime, it is advisable to meet with a capable New Jersey DWI defense attorney to discuss what evidence the State may introduce against you.

Facts Surrounding the Defendant’s Arrest

It is reported that the police were called to check on a suspicious vehicle parked in a residential area. Upon arriving on the scene, the police observed the defendant was asleep in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The police woke the defendant up and questioned him regarding where he was that evening. The defendant stated that he was at a birthday party for his brother and became tired on the way home, so he pulled over and fell asleep. The defendant admitted to consuming one glass of wine.

Allegedly, the defendant submitted to field sobriety testing, which he failed. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the police station, where he was given a breathalyzer test. The test showed that the defendant’s BAC was 0.08%. The defendant was charged with and convicted of DWI. He appealed, arguing in part that the trial court committed an error in finding beyond a reasonable doubt that he operated his vehicle while intoxicated. Continue reading

October 28, 2019

New Jersey Court Discusses a DWI Defendant’s Right to a Speedy Trial

by Jonathan F. Marshall

DWI defendants have numerous rights under the law, including the right to a speedy trial. In other words, criminal defendants have a right to be tried within a certain amount of time from when the charges against them are filed, and if they are not, the charges may be dismissed. Recently, the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey discussed the factors weighed in determining whether a violation of a defendant’s right to a speedy trial has occurred in a DWI case. If you are a New Jersey resident charged with DWI, it is prudent to meet with a skillful New Jersey DWI defense attorney to discuss your rights.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was charged with DWI in November, 2013. There were numerous appearances scheduled and adjourned or continued. The trial was ultimately scheduled for May, 2015. At the time of the trial, the defendant filed a motion to dismiss based on the grounds the State violated his right to a speedy trial. The court denied the motion, and the defendant entered a conditional guilty plea, after which he was sentenced. The defendant then appealed the court’s denial of his motion to the law division, which affirmed the trial court ruling. Subsequently, the defendant appealed to the Superior Court, which affirmed the prior order.

The Right to a Speedy Trial Under New Jersey Law

Under New Jersey law, to evaluate whether a defendant’s right to a speedy trial has been violated, the court will assess the length of the delay, the reason for the delay, the prejudice the delay caused the defendant and the defendant’s assertion of the right to a trial. Continue reading

October 21, 2019

New Jersey Court Discusses Reliability of Blood Tests in DWI Cases

by Jonathan F. Marshall

Under New Jersey law, it is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Typically, a DWI defendant’s blood alcohol level is established via a breath or blood test. In many cases, the defendant may be able to avoid a conviction by discrediting the results of any test that was administered. Recently, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, discussed what evidence is needed to prove that the results of a chemical test are deemed unreliable, in a case in which the defendant appealed his DWI conviction. If you live in New Jersey and are faced with DWI charges, it is wise to speak with a seasoned New Jersey DWI defense attorney about your case.

Factual and Procedural Background of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was stopped by a police officer for following too closely behind the officer, using high beams, and a lack of front headlights. During the stop, the officer noted that the defendant’s breath had an odor of alcohol. The defendant admitted to drinking, and the officer administered a field sobriety test, after which he arrested the defendant. The defendant was ultimately transported to a hospital, where he underwent blood tests, which revealed his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be .163%. He was charged with multiple violations, including driving while intoxicated and driving with a BAC over 0.08%.

Reportedly, during the trial, the defendant’s expert testified that the nurse who drew blood from the defendant did not follow the recommended protocol for dissolving the additives in the vials blood is drawn into, which he stated could potentially cause a false elevation of the defendant’s blood-alcohol level. Continue reading

October 15, 2019

New Jersey Court Clarifies Reliability of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test in DWI Cases

by Jonathan F. Marshall

There are numerous factors a judge or jury can consider in determining whether a person is guilty of DWI, and in many cases, the court will rely on cumulative evidence in determining a person’s guilt. If the State does not have sufficient evidence to prove a defendant was driving while under the influence, the defendant should not be convicted. Recently, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New Jersey clarified that the results of a horizontal gaze nystagmus test, standing alone, are not sufficient to prove guilt in a DWI case. If you are faced with DWI charges it is prudent to consult a skilled New Jersey DUI defense attorney to discuss your potential defenses.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is reported that the defendant was charged with and convicted of DWI. He appealed, arguing in part that the court erred in considering the results of a horizontal gaze nystagmus test as proof of the defendant’s intoxication. On appeal, the court reversed and remanded the case for further proceedings.

Sufficiency of HGN Test as Evidence of DWI

The horizontal gaze nystagmus test involves the police holding a pen to either side of a defendant’s face and asking the defendant to gaze toward the pen while keeping his or her head still. A person’s eye will involuntarily jerk when looking to the side, but in instances in which a suspect is intoxicated the jerking will become exaggerated. Continue reading

October 7, 2019

Court Discusses Rights Afforded to New Jersey DWI Defendants

by Jonathan F. Marshall

Many people think that if they are charged with a DWI, a conviction is inevitable. DWI defendants have numerous rights, however, f their rights are violated during the course of a DWI investigation, the state may be prohibited from introducing evidence found during the investigation against the defendant. The Superior Court of New Jersey recently discussed what constitutes a violation of the right against unreasonable search and seizure and the right to Miranda warnings in a DWI case. If you are a resident of New Jersey currently charged with a DWI, it is advisable to meet with a knowledgeable New Jersey DWI defense attorney regarding your case.

Factual Background

Allegedly, in April 2017, the defendant arrived at the home he previously shared with his estranged wife with damage to his car. The defendant’s wife called the police and reported the defendant entered the home through the basement, was slurring his words, smelled of alcohol, and appeared to be intoxicated. The police arrived at the home, and the wife permitted them to enter. Once inside, they found the defendant, who smelled of alcohol, had difficulty walking. In addition his speech was slurred.

It is alleged that the police asked the defendant to exit the home, which he did. Once outside, the defendant admitted to drinking alcohol and stated that he came to the home to finish a project. The police then asked the defendant to submit to a field sobriety test. The defendant complied but was unable to complete the test. The police arrested the defendant for driving while intoxicated (DWI). A subsequent blood test revealed his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be .29%. Continue reading

May 25, 2017

Appealing a DWI Conviction in New Jersey

by Jonathan F. Marshall

Being formally convicted of a DWI is a very serious matter that can have adverse and far-reaching consequences for many aspects of your life. If you have been convicted of a DWI, you may be able to appeal the decision in certain situations. An experienced New Jersey DWI attorney can assess the merits of your case and help determine whether you have sufficient grounds for an appeal. Our firm has handled many DWI cases, and you can rest assured that we know how to navigate these types of situations.

Under New Jersey law, the offense of driving while intoxicated consists of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater. Individuals under the age of 21 will be charged with a DWI with a BAC of 0.02 percent. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04 percent or higher.

An individual convicted of a DWI in New Jersey can appeal his or her conviction. When a defendant appeals a conviction, he or she is asking a higher appellate court to review the case for legal or procedural errors. It is important to note that the appeals procedure is time-consuming and requires a lot of paperwork. In addition, strict deadlines need to be met, or you will lose the right to appeal.