Just because you failed a breath test, that does not necessarily mean you are going to be convicted of DUI or DWI. It is certainly possible, as the law states that you are guilty if you have a breath test result in excess of 0.08%, which is the legal limit for the...
Drunk Driving
Can you be charged with DWI below the legal limit?
A night out with friends or a casual dinner with family can quickly turn stressful when flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. Many people believe that as long as their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below 0.08%, they’re automatically safe from a DWI...
Bergen County sobriety stop ahead—are your rights at risk?
Even the most innocent person will admit that a police stop makes them nervous, and that is because uncertainty puts anyone on edge. The flashing lights, uniformed officers and random questions are enough to make anyone’s palms sweat. The fear of saying the wrong...
What does it mean to commit a per se DUI offense?
Motorists accused of impairment while driving are at risk of criminal prosecution. The state can pursue driving under the influence (DUI) charges, which some jurisdictions call driving while impaired (DWI) offenses. Like every other state in the country, New Jersey...
Is your teen at risk for a DWI? 3 legal facts you should know
Watching your teen gain the freedom to drive is a proud milestone. But that independence comes with serious responsibility, and sometimes, real risks. For many New Jersey parents, the fear of their child drinking and driving is top of mind. Even if your teen makes...
Beware of these sobering-up myths
Sobering up fast is sometimes the number one priority a driver has. Maybe they are out at a friend’s for lunch, with nowhere to be until tomorrow, when an employee calls and tells them they need to get to their workplace fast. Maybe they realize time has flown at the...
Police need a reason to initiate traffic stops
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,...
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...
