How to Defend Against Your DWI in New Jersey

July 11, 2021

Were you recently pulled over and charged with driving while intoxicated in New Jersey? The steps you take now until your court date will make a difference in how much you pay, and how these charges affect your future.

Is It Possible to Get a DWI Dismissed in New Jersey?

One of the most common legal defenses, a motion to suppress evidence from a traffic stop with a lack of probable cause, may lead to a DWI being dropped. This specific defense questions the officer’s right to pull you over. Police officers must have a reasonable suspicion to pull someone over. Additionally, they must have a reasonable belief that the driver is under the influence if they take you in during the traffic stop.

For example, if an officer pulled you over for speeding and during that traffic stop, questioned that you had been drinking, they may have been in their rights to charge you. However, if you can prove that you were not speeding, then this calls into question their right to pull you over in the first place.

Other DWI Defenses Available

This is not the only DWI defense available. A few other defense options may include:

Challenging the accuracy of the Field Sobriety Test
Challenging the authenticity of the Observation Period
Failure to provide discovery
Challenging the Field Sobriety conditions

If there are any questions as to the specific actions that occurred when the officer pulled you over, or during the field sobriety test, you may have a defense.

When to Hire a DWI Lawyer

If you were recently pulled over and charged with a DWI in New Jersey, it may be beneficial to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. A DWI in New Jersey can lead to legal fines, jail time, required attendance in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), or requirement of an ignition interlock system.

Additionally, if you are convicted, it may affect your employment opportunities, both now and in the future. You can also almost guarantee an increase in your insurance rates with a DWI on your record. These are just a few of the reasons why hiring a DWI lawyer is worth it. The costs that come with a DWI conviction can be expensive. A lawyer can help you evaluate your defense options and ensure you do so within the allowed time limit. They can also help you build your case, ensuring you have the evidence you need to successfully defend yourself.

Prior DWI Charges?

If this is not your first offense, you may receive even more strict consequences. It is possible for the state to suspend your driver’s license. Your insurance company may also deny you coverage. DWI charges are expensive. Talk with a DWI defense lawyer before you accept your charges. A DWI charge is not necessarily a conviction.

Depending on the details of your case, you may have defense options available. If you have priors, considering your legal defense options may be even more important to your case.

Contact an Experienced Essex County DWI Defense Attorney About Your Drunk Driving Charges in New Jersey

Have you been charged with a DWI or DUI offense in New Jersey? A drunk driving conviction could leave you with a permanent record, and it could result in your driver’s license being suspended for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified DWI defense lawyer about your case. The lawyers at Zegas Law represent clients charged with drunk driving, breath test refusal, and related offenses in Essex County, Union County, Morris County, Middlesex County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 379-1999 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 60 Morris Turnpike, Summit, NJ 07901.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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