why do i have to contazct my lawyer or court for dwi in nj

by Stanley Barton 3 min read

A lawyer is vital to your ability to either have your DWI dropped or reduce the penalties you will face if you are found guilty of having driven while under the influence of alcohol. One of the main things that a lawyer can do as you face a DWI charge is to craft a defense on your behalf.

Full Answer

Is DWI a criminal offense in New Jersey?

Mar 04, 2020 · If you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated, your lawyer can work to mitigate the severity of the penalties that you will face. (Points are not added to drivers’ licenses following a DWI charge in New Jersey, so there is no need to use a lawyer to get points off of your license.) Contact an Experienced New Jersey DWI Lawyer Right Away

What happens if you get a second DUI in New Jersey?

That is why the Supreme Court of New Jersey has directed the Board on Attorney Certification to administer the attorney certification program in an effort both to protect consumers from false advertising and to raise the level of competence of attorneys in this State. This program is designed to help you make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer.

What is a “quasi-criminal” DUI in New Jersey?

Aside from negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor, an experienced DWI/DUI attorney knows the important elements of the case that the prosecution must prove to the Judge to prove you are guilty. Having knowledge of the law, your attorney can …

What is the BAC limit for a DWI in New Jersey?

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey. A DWI or DUI conviction is a serious offense. A conviction in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties in NJ could cost you thousands of dollars, tarnish your driving record forever – and even lead to imprisonment. After you or a loved one has been arrested, you ...

Can a DWI be dismissed in NJ?

If the prosecution fails to produce evidence requested by the defense, the judge could dismiss the DUI charges.

How long can a DUI case stay open in NJ?

There's a New Jersey Supreme Court case that came out recently called State v. Cahill. This case addresses the 60-days rule. The Court discussed the unrealistic time limitation that 60 days rule sets for DWI cases.

Do you lose your license immediately after a DUI in NJ?

IDRC: The driver can be required to spend between 12 and 48 hours in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and pay an IDRC fee of $230. License suspension: With a BAC of 0.15% or greater, a person's license can be suspended for 4 to 6 months. Fine: The fine goes up to between $300 and $500 with the higher BAC.

What are the top 3 mandatory sanctions for a DUI in NJ?

If you are arrested for DUI and it is your first offense, the penalties will include a drivers license suspension of 3 to 12 months; fines and fees of approximately $750 to $1,000; up to 30 days in jail; up to 48 hours of driver instruction at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) and a $1,000 per year ...May 28, 2016

How do you beat a DUI case in NJ?

Some additional strategies that you can use to win a DWI case and get the charges dismissed include:
  1. Challenging The Field Sobriety Tests.
  2. Challenging The 20 Minute Observation Period.
  3. Failure to Provide Discovery.
  4. Field Sobriety Conditions.
  5. Invalid Video Evidence.
  6. Your Right to a Speedy Trial.
  7. Challenging the CAD Report.

Is there a statute of limitations on DUI in NJ?

The statute of limitations for a DWI is 90 days. Within 90 days following the incident, the officer has to ticket and serve the defendant with those tickets.

Is a DUI in NJ a felony or misdemeanor?

Criminal Charge. New Jersey law states that a DWI is a traffic offense not an indictable crime (felony) or disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor). If a motorist is convicted, then the conviction appears on his or her driving record.

What's the difference between DUI and DWI in NJ?

As you may already know, DWI is the abbreviation for “driving while intoxicated” and DUI stands for “driving under the influence”. In New Jersey, there is no difference between a DWI and DUI, so the two terms can be used interchangeably without error.

How often are DUI charges reduced NJ?

The New Jersey state judiciary reported that in 2017, 71 percent of DUI charges resulted in guilty verdicts, down from 85 percent ten years prior. In addition to that decrease in guilty verdicts, the number of guilty charges that were dismissed by the court rose to nearly one out of every four cases – 24 percent.

Is a DUI a felony?

Under most circumstances, a first-time conviction for driving under the influence is a misdemeanor, but there are circumstances under which a DUI can be a charged as a felony crime. These circumstances vary by state and jurisdiction.Mar 28, 2020

Is jail time mandatory for 3rd DUI in NJ?

New Jersey DWI penalties for a third offense include the following: a fine of $1,000. mandatory imprisonment in the county jail of not less than 180 days. driver's license suspension of ten years.

What are the consequences for being caught DUI in NJ?

There will be a mandatory fine of between $300 and $500, an IDRC requirement of 12 to 48 hours, insurance surcharges of $1,000 annually for three years, and up to 30 days in jail. If a second DWI offense is committed within ten years of the first, the defendant's driver's license will be suspended for two years.

Can you plead guilty to a DWI in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Supreme Court has instructed Municipal Courts that no plea-bargains whatsoever are allowed in New Jersey DWI or Refusal cases. A DWI charge is not like a minor traffic violation that is often “plea-bargained” down to a lesser charge. I believe that targeting DWI offenses this way is unjust and troublesome. A defendant charged with a drive-by shooting, a rape, even a murder for hire can engage in plea-bargaining (i.e., plead guilty to a reduced charge); a defendant charged with DWI in NJ cannot. I do not understand this logic.

Is a DWI a prior offense in New Jersey?

An out of state conviction for a DWI that was “substantially similar” to NJ DWI law, will constitute a prior offense in New Jersey for sentencing purposes. It is possible to exclude the out of state conviction with proof that the out of state law was not similar to NJ law, or the conviction was based solely upon a BAC of less than .08%.

What is the BAC of a DWI in New Jersey?

N.J.S. 39:4-50, the NJ DWI statute, makes it unlawful to “operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor … or … with a blood alcohol concentration [BAC] of .08% or more by weight of [blood] alcohol.”

Can you suspend your driving privileges in New Jersey?

New Jersey Courts only have jurisdiction (i.e., the authority ) to suspend driving privileges in New Jersey. A New Jersey DWI conviction will usually be shared with the State where you are licensed. Thereafter, that State DMV can take action against your driving privileges, independent of what happens in New Jersey, under a law known as “reciprocity.”

Is driving while intoxicated a criminal offense?

2C:12-1c. Criminal offenses are heard in the County Superior Court , not the local Municipal Court .

How long is a DWI in jail?

In addition to the penalties for the underlying DWI offense, the defendant is exposed to criminal sentencing if convicted, either for a 3rd-degree crime of assault by auto if “serious bodily injury results” (3 to 5 years in prison) or a 4th-degree crime if mere “bodily injury results” (up to 18 months in prison).

Can you lose your license with an ignition interlock?

Yes, in cases where the ignition interlock device is permitted in place of license loss (E.G., a 1 st DWI offense with a BAC under .15%, or a 1 st Refusal Offense). In other cases, the revocation of your driver’s license is mandatory and absolute for the prescribed period, absent a successful defense challenge.

What About Restricted Licenses to Drive to and From Work?

New Jersey Law does not allow you to have any sort of restricted license if your license is suspended or revoked. If you are found guilty of DWI/DUI, and your license is suspended, you will be forced to find another way to get to work.

CONCLUSION

A DWI/DUI is a very serious offense with very serious. If you have been arrested and charged with DWI/DUI, please call our experienced Municipal Court DWI/DUI attorneys immediately. Fredrick P. Niemann, a knowledgeable attorney will schedule an in-office consultation to discuss your case with you.

What is a DWI in New Jersey?

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey. A DWI or DUI conviction is a serious offense. A conviction in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties in NJ could cost you thousands of dollars, tarnish your driving record forever – and even lead to imprisonment. After you or a loved one has been arrested, you probably ...

Can you defend yourself in New Jersey?

The quick answer is: yes, you are permitted to defend yourself. But, we strongly advise against it. If you are charged with any serious motor vehicle offense, immediately seek help from a qualified lawyer. New Jersey’s DWI laws are complex and the penalties are severe.

What happens if you don't pay your license?

If you haven’t paid it, and you’re stopped for any reason, you’ll be charged with driving with a suspended license. Fines, prison terms and license suspensions are doubled when offense are committed in a school zone or at a school crossing.

Can you get your license suspended in New Jersey?

If you hold an out of state drivers’ license, and you are arrested in New Jersey for drunk driving, your license will only be suspended in NJ. However, New Jersey will report the conviction to your home state and you may face additional penalties there.

What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test in New Jersey?

If you are stopped on suspicion of DWI and refuse a breath test, you will be penalized. New Jersey’s implied consent laws require all drivers to submit to a Breathalyzer test upon arrest. For a first offense, the penalties are: $300-$500 fine. Seven to 12 month license suspension.

How much is the fine for a first offense?

For a first offense, the penalties are: $300-$500 fine. Seven to 12 month license suspension. Installation of an ignition interlock device for a period of six months to one year after license restoration. Automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years after license restoration.

How long can you go to jail for DWI?

10 to 90 days imprisonment. Up to two years added license suspension. Revocation of motor vehicle registration. In addition, if you are involved in an accident while your license is suspended for DWI, and someone is hurt, a 45-day jail sentence is mandatory.

How long does it take to get a DWI in New Jersey?

What Is the 60-Days Requirement for a New Jersey DWI Case? There is something referred to as a 60-days requirement for New Jersey DWI cases. There’s an administrative order established decades ago by the New Jersey administrative office of the courts. This order requires the municipal courts to conclude DWI cases within 60 days from the date ...

What happens after discovery?

After the discovery process is complete, you still need to go back to court to discuss the case with the prosecutor to see if you can resolve it without a trial. And then there’s always an issue of scheduling experts for a trial, which will cause delays.

Is there a DWI law in New Jersey?

On August 23, 2019, Governor Murphy signed Bill S 824 into law. Here we examine the prior DWI sentencing scheme for first-time DUI offenders, outline the updates made by the new bill, and highlight lawmakers’ rationale for making a change to the New Jersey DWI penalties, which Mothers Against Drunk Driving has called the most significant update in close to a decade. If you have been arrested for DWI in New Jersey and are looking for help with your best defense, contact The Tormey Law Firm for help today. You can (201)-556-1570 or request a free consultation online for more information and answers about your specific case. We have multiple office locations in NJ, including in Hackensack, Morristown, New Brunswick, Newark, and Middletown, so we can better serve clients throughout New Jersey.

What happens if you refuse to submit to a breath test?

It is also important to note that if you are charged with refusing to submit to a breath test and it is your first offense, a period of license suspension only applies prior to the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Is DWI a criminal offense in New Jersey?

The DWI in New Jersey is quickly becoming the common man's/woman's initial brush with the court system. While a DWI in New Jersey is not a criminal offense ( as it is in some other states) it nonetheless contains some criminal aspects such as handcuffs (sometimes), arrest and detention that make it appear as if the accused is being charged with a crime. There is also possible jail time associated with a DWI in New Jersey. While jail time is rarely if ever imposed on first time offenders unless some extraordinary circumstances accompany the DWI (for example an accident with injuries, accompanying criminal charges such as drugs or an extremely high blood alcohol reading) it must be noted that repeat offenders can and often do face jail time (there is mandatory jail time in New Jersey for third time offenders).

Can a DWI be expunged in New Jersey?

This means under New Jersey law a DWI (unlike some criminal offenses) cannot be expunged. At Brickfield & Donahue we don’t judge. We defend. If you have been charged with a DWI the experienced DWI attorneys at Brickfield & Donahue would welcome your inquiries. We have helped many people through the process and if you contact us immediately, an experienced DWI defense lawyer from our office will do their best to ensure that your case is handled properly and promptly. To contact a DWI defense attorney at Brickfield & Donahue, call (201) 488-7707 or send us an email.

1. Thinking the Case Is Not Winnable

Many attorneys advise their clients to plead guilty to the DUI charge strictly on the basis of test results or police reports. This can be a costly mistake if the guilty plea affects the client’s livelihood as well as his or her wallet.

2. Not Questioning Whether Rules for the Breath Test Were Followed

In the state of New Jersey, there are certain rules that must be followed in administering a breath test to someone suspected of DWI. If these rules were not followed, a defense can be set forth that the test results are unreliable. The test results could be thrown out of the case altogether.

3. Choosing Not to File a Motion to Suppress

Using the process to help you, rather than being overwhelmed by it. Your lawyer should know how to analyze the information against you, and truly defend you. There are many motions that can help your defense. A successful Motion to Suppress the arrest or the test results could result in a dismissal of your DWI case.

4. Not Investigating the Arrest Location

Seeing the arrest location can be crucial in preparing a solid defense in a DUI case, yet many lawyers don’t bother taking this extra step. The location of a DUI arrest can be very telling in determining the difficulty of performing a roadside test.

5. Not Knowing the Field Tests Better than the Officer that Tested You

If your attorney knows the rules of field testing better than your arresting officer, your lawyer will know whether the officer made errors in your testing that can form the basis for defending your case, and possibly dismissing your DWI charge.

6. The Attorney Does Not Know all of the Extra Penalties Associated With Pleading Guilty or Being Convicted

There are so many consequences that can result from a DWI conviction. It is critical that your lawyer know these consequences in order to help you. Knowing whether prior convictions, other state’s laws, employment circumstances can affect your conviction is information that may change how your case should be handled.

7. Having the Client Testify if the Case Goes to Trial

If you choose to go to trial, you have a choice whether to testify or not. However, what you say can be used against you in court.