New Jersey DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer

Experienced DUI/DWI Defense Lawyers Help Clients Fight DUI/DWI Charges Across New Jersey

If you have been arrested on DUI/DWI charges in New Jersey, the reality of how serious the situation can be will begin to set in quickly.  Loss of your driver’s license can impact every aspect of your life—and, on top of that, you may be facing jail time and steep financial penalties.  You don’t have to sit back and accept the penalties at face value.  A skilled New Jersey DUI/DWI defense lawyer can fight to uphold your rights.

The trusted lawyers at Team Law have over 60 years of experience navigating the New Jersey legal system.  We have a reputation as strong and aggressive advocates for our clients.  Our lawyers don’t back down when faced with a challenge.  We will thoroughly research your case to explore every option to fight the charges against you.

New Jersey law does not allow for plea bargaining in DUI/DWI cases.  Because of this, the skill of your defense lawyer is key to getting your case dismissed regardless of your past history.  In other words, the judge does not have the discretion to look at your previously clean criminal record and decide to give you a break.  You need the best possible lawyer to poke holes in the case against you so that the judge and prosecutor have a legal reason to dismiss. 

If you were charged with DUI/DWI in New Jersey, don’t wait to get legal help.  Call Team Law to speak with an experienced New Jersey DUI/DWI defense lawyer today.

We Have Offices By Appointment in Elizabeth, New Brunswick, Plainfield and Additional Locations Throughout New Jersey

Don’t go it alone. From our nine office locations throughout New Jersey, the experienced DWI/DUI attorneys at Team Law have defended clients against drunk driving charges for more than 60 years. We know there are ways to discredit evidence in DWI/DUI cases and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your reputation and your ability to drive. Our office locations include:

• Clark Location
• Edison Location
• Elizabeth Location
• Jersey City Location
• New Brunswick Location
• Newark Location
• Orange Location
• Perth Amboy Location
• Plainfield Location
• Summit Location
• Union City Location
• Westfield Location
• West New York Location

Penalties for New Jersey DUI/DWI

All drivers know that DUI/DWI charges are taken seriously in the New Jersey courts.  Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal (the terms DUI and DWI are used interchangeably).  Punishment will depend upon:

• Your blood alcohol content (BAC of 0.08% or higher), as registered by the Alcotest breathalyzer machine
• Whether you have had another DUI/DWI in the prior ten-year period

For first offenders, possible penalties for DUI/DWI include:

• License suspension
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, which will register your BAC upon starting the vehicle
• Up to 30 days in county jail
• Drug and alcohol counseling
• Mandatory participation (for up to 48 hours) at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
• Monetary fines of up to $500
• An insurance surcharge equal to $1,000 per year, for three years
• Increases to your car insurance premium rates

The period over which your license will be suspended depends upon your BAC levels (and how soon you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle under newly enacted laws).  The license suspension period can range from three months to 15 months.  In most cases, however, you will be able to drive provided that you install the device in your vehicle at your own expense. 

If you are charged with a second DUI/DWI within ten years of your first DUI/DWI, the penalties increase substantially.  You will likely face:

• A suspended license for between one and two years (two years under the old New Jersey law)
• Monetary penalties between $500 and $1,000
• Community service (usually 30 days)
• Mandatory participation (for up to 48 hours) at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
• An insurance surcharge of $3,000 per year, for three years
• A mandatory 48-hour sentence in county jail and potential jail time of up to 90 days
• After you apply to have your license reinstated, you will have to install an ignition interlock system in your vehicle for between two and four years

As you can imagine, third-time DUI/DWI offenders will face even harsher penalties, with up to 180 days in jail and much higher financial penalties. 

Experience, Reputation, Dedication: Team Law Explores Every Option in Your DUI/DWI Defense

When charged with any DUI/DWI, you need a lawyer who understands the types of defense strategies that work in these cases.  Unlike other criminal cases, it is not enough to argue that you have no prior criminal record—so you deserve a break.  In DUI/DWI cases, strong evidence is needed to prove that the charges should not stick. 

At Team Law, we have the experience and resources to research and develop a strong defense tailored to what happened in your case.  All cases are different, and some common examples of defense strategies include:

• Constitutional violations.  We will investigate to determine whether the police had probable cause for the traffic stop, probable cause to require sobriety testing and whether your rights were violated on arrest or questioning.

• Alcotest errors.  The Alcotest breathalyzer is a complicated machine that must be properly maintained and used.  If the police failed to properly calibrate the machine or were not trained to administer the test properly, we may be able to have the BAC reading excluded from evidence.

• Field sobriety testing errors.  Law enforcement are also required to administer field sobriety testing in accordance with specified protocol.  Errors in field sobriety testing can also weaken the state’s case against you.

A strong defense is your only chance of avoiding harsh DUI/DWI penalties in New Jersey.  Our lawyers will go to work investigating your case as soon as you call, so schedule your consultation with our team today.

Contact Our Experienced DUI/DWI Defense Lawyers Today

Everyone makes mistakes.  When it comes to DUI/DWI charges, the skill of your lawyer can play a substantial role in determining whether you get a second chance.  At Team Law, we handle all types of DUI/DWI cases, including first-offense DUI/DWI, underage DUI/DWI and repeat offense cases.  Call or contact our experienced New Jersey DUI/DWI defense lawyers today to learn more about how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI/DWI Defense in New Jersey