A person arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) must act quickly to preserve their legal rights. This means contacting a qualified New Jersey DUI lawyer immediately following arrest.
When you hire a DUI lawyer in New Jersey, the attorney should be available to answer your questions, review your police report and advise you of your options.
You will likely be booked into jail. If you are arrested for a serious offense, you may be required to post bail. Once released from custody, you will be subject to further investigation, a mandatory breath test, and your driver's license will be suspended for at least one year.
The police will record the results of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which will be entered into the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database. The DMV will then assess points against your driver's license, and your insurance premiums will increase accordingly.
An arrest for driving while intoxicated can lead to criminal charges including DWI, aggravated vehicular assault, reckless driving and more. These offenses carry significant penalties and may require you to attend alcohol education programs or community service.
It is important to remember that it is the responsibility of the arresting officer to determine whether or not there is probable cause to charge a suspect. The arresting officer will have probable cause if he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that the person was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it was a danger to himself or herself and/or others.
Once a decision is made to charge a person with a crime, a warrant of arrest will be issued. A warrant of arrest means that the arresting officer has probable cause to believe the person committed the offense, and is authorized to take the person into custody.
After the warrant of arrest is issued, the prosecutor's office will be notified. If the prosecutor decides to bring the case to trial, the court will set a date and time.
In many cases, the decision to hire a DUI attorney is not necessary. However, if you are unsure about your ability to make a valid decision regarding your defense, or if you feel you need help navigating the complicated legal system, it may be wise to consult with an experienced New Jersey DUI attorney.
A good attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case. A good attorney will do this by building strong relationships with the prosecutors and judges in your case. The attorneys at the Law Offices of David J. Brown have more than 40 years of combined experience handling all types of drunk driving cases. Whether you are facing a first offense or a third offense, we will work to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today at to schedule a free consultation.