Morris County DWI

Have you been charged with DWI? In New Jersey, driving while intoxicated otherwise known as driving under the influence in violation of NJSA 39:4-50, is one of the most serious offenses you could be charged with. An offense as serious as DWI requires an equally serious, skillful, and aggressive attorney to advocate on your behalf. At LS&P Lawyers we will work relentlessly to achieve the best outcome possible. We have one of the few attorneys in the state that is certified in the administration and maintenance of the Alcotest and the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. We have a high record of success, which we attribute to this training and our DWI trial experience.

Typically, a DWI case begins when a police officer pulls over the driver of a motor vehicle for a traffic violation. During the initial conversation with the driver, usually when the officer is asking for the driver’s credentials (license, registration, insurance), the officer is looking for signs that the driver is intoxicated. These signs include the smell of alcohol or drugs emanating from the individual, watery and red eyes, slurred speech, etc.

If the police officer suspects the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol he will ask the driver to step out of the vehicle and begin a series of sobriety tests to determine if the driver is more likely than not intoxicated. If the police officer concludes there is probable cause to arrest the driver for DWI then the driver is placed under arrest and brought to the local police station.

Once at the police station the police officer will ask the driver to submit to a breath test in order to determine the persons blood alcohol content ("BAC"). You have the right to refuse to take the breath test. However, you will be charged with a separate offense of refusal which carries arguably tougher penalties than a DWI conviction in some instances. Also, a refusal charge is tougher to defend. Nonetheless, there are defenses to refusal, including that an officer must fully inform you that refusing to submit to the test will result in a separate "refusal" charge and the police lacked probable cause to arrest you. If you consent to the breath test then the officer must begin a 20-minute observation period before it can be administered.

If you have been charged with DWI it is crucial to get an experienced DWI attorney on your side immediately. From the moment you are pulled over until the moment you are released from police custody following a DWI arrest, a lot of things take place. There are many stages in the process and therefore there are various grounds to be challenge police conduct. Often the police make mistakes and do not follow proper procedure, which can result in a dismissal of the charges. However, pinpointing unlawful police conduct and challenging it is best left to an experienced DWI attorney.

If you are facing drunk driving charges in Morris County, a skillful and aggressive criminal defense attorney can help ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Being arrested for drunk driving is very serious and the reality is it is hard to beat. However, with zealous legal representation it is possible. Short of an outright dismissal, there is a lot that can be done to ensure you receive minimal consequences.

At LS&P Lawyers we have ample experience representing clients for drunk driving charges including:

• A first time DWI
• Refusal to submit to a breath test
• Multiple DWI arrests or convictions
• Assault by auto

If you are charged with DWI a lot is at stake. The consequences of a DWI conviction are severe. At LS&P Lawyers our lawyers have extensive experience with DWI cases in the municipal and county courts throughout New Jersey. Getting through a DWI conviction with minimal consequences requires a knowledgeable attorney. Below is the list of penal consequences following a DWI conviction:

• Up to 30 days in jail
• 90 Days license suspension
• $250 – $400 fine
• Fees - $230 IDRC; $100 DDF; $75 SNF
• Surcharge: $1,000 per year for 3 years
• 12 to 48 hours participation in Intoxicated Driver Resource Center ("IDRC")

• Up to 30 days in jail
• 7 months to 1 year of license suspension
• $300 - $500 fine
• Fees - $230 IDRC; $100 DDF; $75 SNF
• Surcharge: $1,000 per year for 3 years
• 12 to 48 hours participation in IDRC
• Installation of an ignition interlock device for 6 month to 1 year if your BAC .15 or higher

• 48 hours to 90 days in jail
• $500 - $1,000 fine
• 2 year license suspension
• Fees - $280 IDRC; $100 DDF; $75 SNF
• Surcharge: $1,000 per year for 3 years
• Installation of an ignition interlock device for 1 to 3 years
• 30 days of community service
• 12 to 48 hours participation in IDRC

• 180 days in jail
• 10-year license suspension
• $1,000 fine
• Fees - $280 IDRC; $100 DDF; $75 SNF
• Surcharge: $1,500 per year for 3 years
• Installation of an ignition interlock device for 1 to 3 years
• 12 to 48 hours participation in IDRC

Call LS&P Lawyers today to begin your DWI defense.