East Brunswick DWI lawyer Leon Matchin is dedicated to helping motorists beat driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges and preserve their privilege to drive. For over 10 years, Mr. Matchin has successfully challenged evidence relating to drunk driving arrests. He provides effective legal representation to clients charged in the Municipal and Superior Courts of Middlesex, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties, as well as in other local communities.
New Jersey’s Drunk Driving LawsNew Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) 39:4-50 prohibits operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 percent or more, drivers may still be arrested for DWI with lower BAC levels. Even small quantities of alcohol or drugs can impair driving. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50(a), DWI does not only apply to motorists with BACs between .08 and .10 percent, but also drunk drivers who:
Parents and guardians convicted of DWI while driving a passenger under 17 years of age are also guilty of a “disorderly persons” offense and forfeit their right to drive for up to 6 months. DWI penalties increase with BAC levels, previous offenses, and if an accidental injury is involved. To avoid these serious consequences, you should consult a drunk driving defense lawyer in Middlesex County. Courts may require that repeat DWI and refusal offenders install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. First-time offenders with BAC above .15% also have to install the device.
DWI Penalties and ChargesMotorists convicted of alcohol or drug-related DWI face severe criminal penalties. Because all New Jersey drivers give implied consent to submit to chemical or breath tests by holding a license, the penalties for refusing the test often exceed those imposed on first-time offenders. The penalties for a first DWI with BAC between .08% and .10% may include:
Failure to pay DWI surcharges may result in indefinite license suspension, wage garnishment, or a lien against property. However, a drunk driving defense attorney can potentially help Middlesex County drivers avert or minimize these penalties. Because New Jersey law does not provide conditional/special work licenses during suspension, motorists are strictly prohibited from driving until their privileges are restored. Driving with a DWI suspension may result in an additional 1 to 2-year suspension.
Fighting Drunk Driving ChargesIf you have been charged with a DWI-related offense, Middlesex County drunk driving defense attorney Leon Matchin can help. Since 2001, Mr. Matchin has successfully fought drug and alcohol-related convictions for motorists throughout New Jersey. For example, by challenging the collection or quality of evidence obtained by law enforcement, Mr. Matchin can eliminate the basis of the case against you, requiring dismissal. Knowing the serious consequences of a DWI conviction, you should act now to preserve your driving privileges and financial future. Call (833) 732-7320 today for a free consultation or contact us online.