Seeing the flashing lights of a police cruiser behind your vehicle may make you uneasy. One of your primary thoughts is probably trying to figure out why they’re pulling you over. In order to initiate a traffic stop, the police officer must have reasonable suspicion,...
Drunk Driving
What is the standardized field sobriety test?
People who are pulled over for the suspicion of drunk driving are often asked to take a series of tests to determine whether they’re impaired or not. Some of these tests require the person to perform specific tasks so the officer can observe how they handle them....
What is the BAC limit in New Jersey?
If a driver is pulled over, their blood alcohol content (BAC) may be tested by the police. BAC stands for the amount of alcohol in a person’s body. A driver’s BAC levels can be tested with a breathalyzer, urine test or blood test. Each state has a specific limit of...
What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, operating a motor vehicle means you have given implied consent to submit to breath testing if a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence. This is an important aspect of the state's DUI enforcement strategy. Refusing the test can lead...
Sleeping it off in your car? Why this could still lead to a DUI
Going out for drinks with friends is a common way to unwind at the end of the week. Many head to bars, restaurants or local pubs to relax. If you drove, you might wonder, "Should I take an Uber or Lyft, or just rest in my car before driving home?" This predicament can...
Can coffee sober you up? Myth or reality?
Many people believe that drinking coffee can help sober you up after consuming alcohol, but this notion is largely a myth. While caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that can temporarily increase alertness, it does not speed up alcohol metabolism...
Is it true that eating food can help you sober up quickly?
Many people may be under the impression that there exist quick fixes to sobering up quickly. When facing a situation where you've had too much to drink, you might hear advice about eating a big meal, drinking coffee or taking a cold shower. These popular beliefs about...
Past mistakes and future challenges: The penalties for repeat DWI convictions
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in New Jersey. Even for first-time offenders, the penalties can include fines, a license suspension and other consequences. However, the consequences become even more severe if you have prior DWI charges. A single...
How does a DUI impact my professional licensure?
A conviction for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have severe repercussions that extend beyond legal penalties and fines. For professionals such as doctors, nurses, and commercial drivers, a DUI can jeopardize their licenses and, by extension, their ability to...
How can drivers stay safe and avoid DWIs?
Drunk driving is a highly dangerous behavior with serious implications. Before getting behind the wheel, drivers should be aware of the potential risks to themselves and others. Likewise, understanding the legal repercussions of driving while intoxicated can also help...
Next steps after a DUI arrest
An arrest for driving under the influence is a big deal, but your life is not over. There are several steps you can take to protect your interests and build your DUI defense before your court date. Call your boss A drunk driving charge may affect your employment,...
Traveling abroad? An adult child’s DUI can hinder vacation plans
With summer around the corner, you may be planning your annual family vacation. However, if you're traveling internationally, your adult child's guilty DUI conviction can limit where you go. DUIs charges can lead to a host of consequences, including hefty fines and...
Potential penalties for a first-time DWI in New Jersey
If someone is caught drinking and driving, they could be charged for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and could face serious consequences. The consequences that they may face depend on a number of factors though. One of the factors is how high their BAC was at the time...
The complicated issue of parked car DWI
Law enforcement, safety organizations and insurance companies alike spend significant resources reminding New Jersey drivers to avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired. Whether this impairment involves alcohol, drugs or strong medication, these agencies...
Spring or summer break revelry can have real-life consequences
As annual rituals come and go, spring and summer breaks remain prominent. College students from New Jersey and throughout the nation head due south to Florida for days upon days of revelry. Businesses prepare for the uptick in people and revenues. However, the yearly...