Monmouth County · Ocean County · Atlantic County · DWI Defense Attorney
When New Jersey police pull over a driver under suspicion of drunk driving, they are likely to make an arrest and formal charges of DWI. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 200,000 arrests are made for DWI and related charges in America every year, more than any other single criminal offense.
I have more than 30 years of criminal defense trial experience. If you have been charged with DWI or a related traffic offense in Ocean County, Atlantic County or Monmouth County, New Jersey, exercise your right to defense counsel. Call me right away.
I have seen too many drivers simply give up their rights and plead guilty to the drunk driving charge, thinking it will be the quickest, easiest or least expensive way to put the incident behind them. The truth is there is nothing quick, easy or inexpensive about having a DWI conviction on your record. The police and prosecutor may think they have a solid case for a conviction, but there is always a defense that can help you dismiss or minimize the charges and penalties.
Your Rights Begin at the Traffic Stop, but They Don't End There
Under New Jersey law, driving is a privilege conferred by the State, rather than a right. However, that does not give the police the right to detain you without reason. The State has the burden of proof to show why the police had probable cause to pull you over and administer a field sobriety test and/or breath test.
An effective DWI defense begins with challenging the police's reasons to suspect that your behavior behind the wheel was a danger to yourself and other drivers on the road. If the prosecutor knows that probable cause was insufficient, it can often result in dismissing charges, or reducing the charges to a non-alcohol offense.
After the arrest, the police and prosecutor must protect your rights by following exact procedures at the police station. The Alcotest machine, blood test or urine test must be administered precisely, and the test results must be conclusive. Any discrepancy in procedure or calibration of the test equipment can result in a successful challenge to the prosecutor's case.
I investigate testing equipment and materials to make sure the test administrator is certified and the equipment has been calibrated according to the law. For Alcotest machine tests, I hire certified experts to review detailed information, which may affect outcome of the case.
Helping You Avoid the Harsh Penalties and Keep Your Driver's License
Although penalties for a DWI conviction in New Jersey are harsh, there are strategies I pursue that may minimize your sentence. Whether you are facing your first or third offense, I will work with the prosecutor to find an alternative to a conviction, or minimize the penalties. If that cannot be done, we will try the case and put the State to its proofs, leaving no stone unturned in your defense.
Graduated Fee Structure
You will find my fees reasonable and competitive. To help you avoid excessive legal fees, I usually charge a graduated fee, depending upon the level and type of services you need. The truth is there is nothing inexpensive about DWI defense, but effective legal counsel is not nearly as costly as a conviction will be on your record.
Call an Experienced Toms River and Lakewood Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
From my office in Toms River, I advise and represent clients in communities throughout Ocean County, Atlantic County and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Call me toll free at 800-599-1882 or contact my office by e-mail to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Toms River DWI lawyer today.
