Articles Posted in DWI Law and Legislation

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driving drunkA DWI arrest can be scary and extremely high-stakes, as a conviction can adversely impact almost every aspect of your life. If you have been charged with a DWI, you should know that you have rights. Our trusted New Jersey DWI attorneys work hard to deliver the highest quality counsel representation in DWI cases. You can rest assured that we understand what is at stake, which is why we will build the strongest possible defense in your case. 

Proposed Law

A proposed state law would expand the DWI ignition interlock program in New Jersey. Currently, you only have to have an ignition interlock device is you have a BAC of .15 or higher or if you are a repeat offender. Under the new law, anyone convicted of a DWI would be required to have the device installed in his or her vehicle for three to 18 months, depending on how drunk the driver was. The device works like a Breathalyzer, if your BAC is too high, your car will not start.

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Legal News GavelNot all DWIs are created equal. While all potential DWI charges can adversely affect one’s life, the consequences can be even more severe if the percentage of alcohol in your blood exceeds 0.10 percent. If you or someone close to you has been charged with a DWI in New Jersey, you need to reach out to a skilled New Jersey DWI attorney. With years of experience, we can provide you with the legal assistance you need throughout the entire process.

Last month, a New Jersey woman was arrested and charged with an aggravated DWI after a two-car crash in Lake George. According to the Warren County Sherriff’s Office, a deputy responded to an accident involving two vehicles. Upon arrival, the deputy noticed that one of the drivers exhibited signs of inebriation. S.G., age 56, then failed field sobriety tests. She was then given a breath test which showed that her BAC was .24 percent, which is more than double the legal limit.

Under New Jersey law, if a person is found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC of 0.08 percent or above, they are considered to be driving while intoxicated (DWI). The zero tolerance BAC limit for drivers younger than 21 is 0.01 percent. In most cases, there is an additional category of DWI that carries more severe penalties. If a driver is found to have a BAC of 0.10 percent of higher, it is considered an aggravated DWI, though it is not officially referred to as that.

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Legal News GavelWhen a driver is stopped due to driving while intoxicated (DWI), a frequent problem that arises after an investigation has been done involves the driver resisting arrest. If you or a loved one has been charged with resisting arrest in New Jersey, it is vital that you speak with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney. With extensive experience, we are committed to providing aggressive and effective DWI defense services every step of the way.

Last month, 48-year-old actor Vince Vaughn was arrested in California for a DUI and resisting arrest. Vaughn was stopped at a checkpoint in Hermosa Beach around 1 a.m. local time before being taken into custody. His passenger was also arrested for public intoxication. The news comes after the Manhattan Police Department announced that there would be DUI checkpoint over the weekend with a “zero tolerance” policy where any driver over the legal alcohol limit would be arrested.

In New Jersey, resisting arrest during a DWI stop can land you in serious trouble. The basic offense of a DWI in the state consists of driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. If you are under 21 years of age, you can be charged with a DWI for a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher.

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Legal News GavelMost people know that if they operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can be charged with a DWI. However, few people know that you can be charged with a DWI even if you are not driving the vehicle. If you are a passenger who has been arrested or charged with a DWI, you need to contact a skilled New Jersey drunk driving defense attorney as soon as possible. The aftermath of such a charge can be costly both in terms of time and money, but we are committed to helping you fight the charges.

Under New Jersey law, any individual who operates a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug may be found guilty of driving while intoxicated (DWI). When it comes to DWI charges based on inebriation by alcohol, the person’s blood alcohol concentration must be 0.08 percent or higher.

New Jersey’s DWI statute is quite broad. In fact, under New Jersey Statute 34:4-50(a), a police officer can charge a person sitting in a passenger seat for a DWI if the passenger “permitted” the driver to operate the motor vehicle while under the influence. It is important to note that in order for the passenger to be charged, the passenger must have been under the influence as well or found to have knowledge of the offense.

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Legal News GavelAssault by auto is an extremely serious charge that can be even worse if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If convicted, you could lose your job, not to mention jeopardizing your personal reputation. If you have been arrested for a DWI, you need to reach out to a skilled New Jersey DWI attorney who can help. We have extensive experience in defending DWIs and criminal charges, and we can apply our knowledge to your case.

Under New Jersey law, an individual is considered to be driving while intoxicated (DWI) when he or she is found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. It is important to note that you can also be charged with a DWI if you are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any drugs (illegal, over-the-counter, or prescription) that impair your ability to drive safely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 10,000 Americans die in drunk driving accidents each year. In addition, nearly 200 of these deaths occur in New Jersey.

The law in New Jersey contains a specific provision that addresses assaults involving automobiles. When someone other than the accused drunk driver suffers injuries as a result of an accident caused by a DWI, the police may file a separate charge known as assault by auto. Unlike a DWI charge in New Jersey, which is a traffic violation instead of a criminal charge, assault by auto is a criminal charge. Assault by auto occurs if a person drives a vehicle recklessly and causes a bodily injury to another person. Bodily injury is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition, and a serious bodily injury is a bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or serious, permanent disfigurement, or the protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

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Legal News GavelIf you have been charged with a DWI, you need to contact a skilled New Jersey DWI attorney as soon as possible. A DWI conviction can have serious and long-term detrimental consequences for almost every aspect of your life. With meticulous attention to detail, we can offer strong representation against DWI charges.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently released a study that reveals interlocking systems prevent drunk driving in all types of drivers. In other words, laws under which impaired driving offenders are required to install alcohol interlocks in their vehicles have reduced the number of drunk drivers across the country by 16 percent.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2016, about 10,500 individuals were killed in drunk driving crashes. In New Jersey, the basic offense of a DWI consists of driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. You should be aware that a DWI charge is not just limited to alcohol. Any drugs – prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal – that impair a person’s ability to drive safely can form the basis of a DWI. A DWI conviction can subject you to serious penalties, including fines, fees, license suspension, ignition interlock device, community service, and even jail time.

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Legal News GavelBeing arrested for a DWI can be extremely daunting. If you have been charged with a DWI, it is vital to reach out to a skilled New Jersey DWI attorney who can help. With years of experience, we understand how to navigate these complex claims and protect your rights throughout the entire legal process. We know how stressful these matters can be until they are completely resolved, but you can rest assured we will handle your case efficiently and diligently.

The type of vehicle a person is operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have different consequences under the law. In a number of states across the country, a person riding a bicycle while intoxicated can face the same DWI charges as people driving a regular motor vehicle or commercial drivers would face. New Jersey, however, does not treat drinking and biking as a DWI offense.

Title 39 of the Motor Vehicle & Traffic Regulation laws in New Jersey governs bicycling on public roads. A bicycle is defined as a two-wheeled vehicle but is not considered a motor vehicle under the New Jersey DWI statute. The DWI statute only applies to drivers who operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, including cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, dirt bikes, and ATVs. You will not be charged with a DWI if you are riding a different type of non-motorized vehicle, such as a skateboard or rollerblades. As a result, someone who is riding a bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be charged with a DWI violation in New Jersey, although they may face other charges, such as public intoxication or disorderly conduct.

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Legal News GavelA DWI conviction has the potential to derail your life. If you have been arrested or charged with a DWI, you need an experienced New Jersey DWI attorney without delay. With years of experience, we understand the nuances of this area of law and how to challenge a DWI arrest. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of each and every one of our clients throughout the entire legal process.

A study of municipalities around New Jersey written by NJ.com found that some local police departments are much more assertive than others in enforcing these laws. You may be surprised to know that some New Jersey cities prohibit the sale of alcohol within city limits. In fact, more than 30 municipalities still forbid the sale of alcohol. Nationwide, approximately 18 million people live in dry areas, which make up about 10 percent of the land area in the U.S. Some of these people even live in “dry counties” but still see higher rates of deadly crashes and arrests.

Similarly, the rates of DWI arrests in these New Jersey “dry towns” are higher than similarly situated New Jersey cities that allow the sale of alcohol. Collingwood had 18 total DWI arrests in 2016, a 20 percent increase from 15 in the prior year. Wildwood Crest saw a significant spike in DWI arrests, jumping 63 percent from 27 in 2016 to 44 in 2017. Cities like Haddon Heights and Haddonfield experienced slightly decreased rates of DWI arrests from the prior year.

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Legal News GavelIf you have been charged with underage driving while intoxicated (DWI), you should not hesitate to get in touch with a experienced New Jersey DWI lawyer. Even though a New Jersey prosecutor may refer to an underage DWI as a “Baby DWI” – you should not let the name fool you. When it comes to these “Baby DWIs,” prosecutors will often seek maximum penalties in a case, which is why it is imperative to have a trusted legal advocate on your side.

In New Jersey, the offense of a DWI involves driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. However, there may be many situations in which an underage driver may get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol. If you are below 21 years of age and are suspected of driving after consuming alcohol, you may be charged with an underage DWI, also sometimes known as a “Baby DWI.” It is important to note that there is a a significant difference between a standard DWI and a Baby DWI, which can be prosecuted if the defendant had a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher.

New Jersey has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Penalties for underage DWI are serious and may include the loss of driving privileges, community service, monetary fines, and partaking in an alcohol and traffic safety education program. While the consequences for a Baby DWI might be less severe than a regular DWI, there is still a lot at stake. College acceptances, scholarship awards, car insurance rates, and even future job prospects could all be adversely affected by an underage DWI conviction.

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Legal News GavelBeing charged with a DWI can be extremely daunting because these charges can affect many aspects of your life. As a result, these charges should never be taken lightly. If you have been charged with a DWI, you need the help and guidance of a seasoned New Jersey DWI attorney who can protect your rights. With years of experience, we are dedicated to advocating for our clients throughout the entire legal process.

Police have to adhere to certain rules and procedures when they make a DWI stop as well as when they make a DWI arrest. If these rules are not properly followed, a DWI charge may be reduced or dismissed altogether. Some of the motions that may be appropriate in your case are as follows:

  1. Illegal stop:  a motion that states you were stopped illegally, and thus any evidence based on the stop should be tossed out. In New Jersey law, a police officer may stop a motor vehicle if that officer has an “articulable and reasonable suspicion” of a violation of law by the driver or a passenger. This is a lower standard than “probable cause,” which is needed to make an arrest, but still requires detailed objective facts that would lead to a determination that the defendant broke a law. For instance, if you are pulled over for running a stop sign, the traffic violation would establish probable cause for the stop.
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