What Happens During a DUI Arrest in NJ?

October 10, 2019

Overview: DUI Charges

Have you ever gotten behind the wheel after having a drink or two? Few of us will admit it, but thousands are arrested for the crime every year. Are you wondering how exactly a typical DUI arrest goes down in New Jersey? Get all the details about the phases of a DUI arrest below.

The Stop

An officer must have a valid reason for initiating a traffic stop. That means the officer must witness you violating a traffic law or have a reason to believe you committed a crime. Under no circumstances is an officer legally allowed to stop and detain someone without probable cause.

In most DUI cases, the officer witnesses a violation like speeding, drifting out of a lane or driving recklessly. Whatever the case may be, always ask the officer why he pulled you over.

In other situations, you may have been stopped at a DUI checkpoint.

The Questioning

After being stopped, the officer will ask for your license, registration and insurance. You need to provide this information, and it’s advised that you try to be as respectful as possible during the process. The officer will explain why you were pulled over, and they may give you an opportunity to explain yourself. All the while, the officer is observing you for any signs of intoxication. They may also peek in your windows to see if any evidence of drinking is in plain view. Often, they’ll directly ask you if you’ve been drinking.

You are under no obligation to answer any of the officer’s questions or even to explain the original alleged traffic violation. It’s best to be as honest as possible without incriminating yourself.

The Investigation: Collecting Evidence

If the officer suspects you’ve been drinking, then an investigation will follow. The officer may ask you to perform a field sobriety test or submit to a breathalyzer. They may ask to look around inside your vehicle for any empty cans or bottles.

The Arrest

Depending on what happens during the investigation, you may be placed under arrest. If you get arrested, then that means the officer found enough evidence to charge you with a DUI. You’ll be placed in handcuffs, transported to jail and booked. Your next steps should be securing bail and an attorney.

Contact an Experienced Summit 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 Morris County, Union County, Essex County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 833-4724 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 60 Morris Turnpike #3, Summit, NJ.

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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