Experienced And Aggressive Criminal Defense

DWI/DUI Lawyers

Experienced Bergen County DUI Lawyers Serving Clients Throughout NJ & NYC

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) charge can happen to anyone. All it takes is a mistake in judgment. These charges carry considerable penalties, so they should be taken seriously. Even if it is your first offense, the consequences are significant. DUI/DWI charges may result in the loss of your driver’s license, serious fines, having to put an interlock device in your car and the possibility of going to jail. A skilled Bergen County DUI lawyer from Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law can protect your rights and help minimize the consequences of the charges. As experienced DWI/DUI attorneys and former prosecutors, we have in-depth knowledge of the law and DUI procedures, including those relating to Breathalyzer testing and the Alcotest. We evaluate all the police paperwork and can contact scientific experts to review your case. The Bergen County DUI attorneys at Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law can help. Let us look at your DWI case and determine the best way to defend you. With offices in Hackensack, Wayne and the Bronx, our lawyers represent people accused of DUI/DWI throughout NY & NJ.

If you’ve been charged with DUI/DWI, our certified trial attorneys have helped many satisfied clients, and we will help you achieve the best possible results in your drunk driving matter. Call anytime, day or night, for a FREE legal consultation. We serve all of New Jersey and New York City, including Bergen County, Passaic County, & Hudson County.

The Law On Drunk & Drugged Driving

A blood alcohol level of .08 is the baseline for DUI/DWI cases in both New Jersey and New York. Anyone charged with a refusal to take a Breathalyzer or Alcotest may face the same serious consequences as a person charged with drunk driving. In both states, the consequences increase with an arrest for a second or third DWI. A second conviction may cause you to lose your driver’s license for two years. You may spend some time in jail or in a treatment center. And for a third arrest, you could face a six-month minimum jail sentence and lose your license for 8 years. Accidents involving drunk driving carry increased penalties. If there was an accident with injuries related to your DWI/DUI charge, you could be charged with a felony. Third and fourth degree felonies can result in incarceration. Additionally, there is a law that may require a person convicted of drunk driving to install an ignition interlock device on his or her vehicle. This device requires that the driver provides a breath sample for the vehicle to start. Law enforcement can also arrest drivers if they suspect you are under the influence of drugs or other controlled substances. The penalties are generally equivalent to drunk driving penalties, but you could face additional drug charges. For these reasons, it is critical to contact an experienced Bergen County DUI attorney — especially if you have been arrested for drunk driving before.

Representing Juveniles Charged With DUI/DWI

Our Hackensack DUI lawyers also represents juveniles who have been charged with underage drinking and driving. Any amount of alcohol found in the blood of a minor is cause for a DWI arrest. Underage DWI penalties include driver’s license suspension and fines. While the penalties may be somewhat different for minors, the charge is serious and can have long-term effects on a minor’s life. We offer the aggressive defense they need to protect their rights and futures.

FAQs About DUI/DWI In New Jersey

A drunk driving charge can dramatically impact an individual’s freedom. From loss of driving privileges to actual jail time, drivers might find it difficult to get to work, get to school or simply run household errands. At Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law, our Bergen County DUI attorneys understand the frustration and confusion many individuals feel when facing these charges. While every case is different, there are some common questions that come up time and again.

What To Do If Arrested For DUI/DWI?

If you were arrested for DUI or DWI, it is important that you hire an experienced Bergen County drunk driving defense attorney right away. At this point, law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office are building a case against you and they are likely going to pursue the maximum penalty possible. You need to have a strong defender on your side from the very start. It is important to make sure that all critical evidence is preserved and an DUI/DWI attorney will ensure that. If there is a recording from the police officer’s vehicle or police headquarters, it is necessary to view that video and audio. If blood or urine was taken, the results must be examined.

What Are The Penalties For DUI/DWI In New Jersey?

Depending on your driving history and the circumstances surrounding your arrest, there are numerous consequences, including:

Jail time
Fines
License suspension
Installation of an ignition interlock device
Insurance surcharges
Intoxicated Driver Resource Center class

How Do I Get My License Back After A DUI/DWI In New Jersey?

It is important that you have a Bergen County DUI attorney that stays with you throughout the entire process. Even once the case is concluded in court, there are many administrative requirements that must be fulfilled in order to reinstate your driver’s license. Once you’ve successfully completed the terms of your license suspension, you won’t immediately get your license back. You will likely have to visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to complete a reinstatement application and pay any applicable fees. Even then, until you’ve completed this step and have your new license – or temporary paperwork – you could still be charged with driving on a suspended/revoked license.

Can A DUI/DWI Charge Be Dropped/Expunged?

In New Jersey, a DUI is a motor vehicle offense rather than a criminal offense. As such, there is currently no way to expunge it from your driving record.

What Is The Difference Between DUI & DWI In NJ?

DWI and DUI are used interchangeably, However, people often refer to a DWI when it is alcohol related and a DUI when it is drug related.

Are DUI Felonies In NJ?

They are not felonies unless there is an accident with serious physical injury or death. However, driving while suspended under a DWI offence can be a felony with a state prison sentence of 18 months.

How Long Does A DUI Stay On Your Record In New Jersey?

Because DWI is not a crime but a traffic ticket, it does not appear on a criminal background check. A DWI stays on a person’s driving abstract forever.

Is Jail Time Mandatory for 1st DUI in NJ?

A first DWI has a discretionary jail sentence of up to 30 days.

Can DUI Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?

There is no plea bargaining on DWI in NJ. The case must be defended. A dismissal can only occur if the prosecutor agrees they cannot prove the case or if the defendant is found not guilty after trial.

How Many Points Does a DUI Put on Your License in NJ?

A person does not get any motor vehicle points for a DWI (zero). This is because accumulating points could result in a license suspension. Since a DWI could result in a license suspension, points would be a double penalty.

How Much Does A DUI Cost In New Jersey?

Court costs range between $700-$1500, There is also a mandatory NJ surcharge of $3000. There is a $200 restoration fee and a $200 fee for the DWI course. Finally, there is likely a substantial increase in personal automobile insurance.

Will A DUI Show On A Background Check Or Affect Employment?

A DWI should not appear on a criminal background check. However, it will appear on a person’s driving record. Depending on a person’s job requirement, a DWI could have an impact on their current employment or future opportunities.

Will A DUI Affect Citizenship Application Or Green Card?

A non-citizen should always consult with an immigration lawyer to address their specific situation. We always work with an immigration lawyer when necessary. A DWI conviction can have an impact on a person’s current status and their ability to apply for citizenship in the future.

Can Getting a DUI Result In The Loss Of Financial Aid, Scholarships, Or Expulsion From School/College?

A criminal conviction could result in the loss of financial aid. However, because a DWI is a traffic offence, there should be no effect on college financial aid. It is also unlikely a school would take disciplinary action unless the conduct occurred on school property or during a school event.

Does A DUI Disqualify You From A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)?

A DWI, even if occurred in a person’s personal vehicle, will result in a 1 year CDL suspension. A second DWI will result in a permanent CDL suspension.

Do You Need An Attorney For A DUI?

A person should never handle a DWI case without an attorney. The consequences in court, and in other aspects of a person’s life can be devastating. DWI cases have many complex issues that must be reviewed by an attorney to insure that the best possible outcome can be obtained.

Free Case Evaluation | Se Habla Español

Our Hackensack DWI/DUI attorneys use their experience to help you negotiate for reduced penalties or defend you at trial. To get started, contact us by calling 201-212-4532 or by completing our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation about your criminal defense. With offices in Hackensack, Wayne and the Bronx, our DUI lawyers are here to help you no matter where the charge occurred.