Law enforcement in New Jersey is committed to keeping drunk drivers off the road and to holding those accountable who do drive under the influence. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in the state of New Jersey, you may be facing overwhelming consequences that can follow you for years to come. When facing such charges, it is important to retain the services of an attorney who can effectively explore all defenses to benefit your case. At The Law Office of Attorney Conway, we have decades of experience representing clients who have one or more DWIs on their record. If you need a Bergen County DWI attorney who can fight for a favorable outcome, contact our firm today.
Being charged with driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense. If you are facing charges, whether it is your first or third, Attorney Conway is here to help. Our legal team is well-versed in the intricacies of New Jersey law and in the defenses that may be available to either reduce your consequences or drop the charges altogether. We have represented clients for years when they are faced with charges related to the following offenses:
The penalties for a DWI charge will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of previous offenses, as well as your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at the time of your arrest. That said, a brief overview of the potential penalties for DWIs in New Jersey is as follows:
Even for a first-offense DWI, you can expect far more than a “slap on the wrist.” That said, some of the penalties you may face for a first-offense DWI in New Jersey are as follows:
BAC 0.08% to 0.10%
BAC Over 0.10%
BAC Over .15%
For a second-offense DWI, you can, unfortunately, expect to face even harsher penalties than you would for a first offense. This is because now, New Jersey courts will treat you as a repeat offender. Some of the penalties you may face for a second-offense DWI in New Jersey are as follows:
If this is your third offense within 10 years of your second offense, you can, unfortunately, expect to face even harsher penalties. Some of the penalties you may face for a third-offense DWI in New Jersey are as follows:
In any case, regardless of the offense you are facing, it is imperative to have a competent Bergen County DWI attorney in your corner who can effectively combat your charges. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you are in the right place.
You need a Bergen County DWI attorney who can effectively challenge your DWI charges. Regardless of whether you are facing your first or your 3rd DWI, your rights must be completely protected. Our firm will explore all defenses to free you of these charges. Our firm is dedicated to your future. In our pursuit of success, we look to see if the following applies to your situation:
Illegal stop: If we can prove that a police officer stopped you illegally, your rights were violated and we will fight that in court. The United States and New Jersey Constitution protect citizens from illegal stops. There must be a valid reason to stop you. If they didn’t and it was an illegal stop, the evidence against you may be inadmissible in court.
20-minute rule: New Jersey law forces officers to observe a subject for no less than 20 minutes before conducting a chemical breath test. During the test, police officers must look for signs of regurgitation that can skew the results and ensure that the test is as accurate as possible. If this protocol was not followed and it can be proven, it is a valid defense to dismiss the charges.
Sobriety test protocol: There are three field sobriety tests that can help a police officer assess the likelihood that the subject is intoxicated. For these tests to be admissible, the police officer must follow proper protocol, including reading the instructions before performing the assessment, demonstrating the test, allow female subjects to remove heeled shoes, recognize that an individual has a health issue that makes passing the test impossible.
One law that many people in New Jersey are unaware of is that if the owner of a vehicle who is intoxicated allows another person (who they believe to be “less intoxicated”) operate their vehicle, both individuals can be charged with a DWI. If the owner of the car already had multiple DWI convictions, the penalties they face may actually be more serious than those that the driver faces.
A DWI conviction in New Jersey often results in hefty fines and fees, jail time, loss of driving privileges, and perhaps even the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in the state of New Jersey, it is crucial to retain quality legal counsel. For strong DWI defense when it matters most, contact a Bergen County DWI attorney from The Law Office of Attorney Conway today.
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