Experienced Passaic County DWI Lawyers Fighting For Your Rights
Authorities in Passaic County can be very aggressive in their enforcement efforts against drunk driving. If they stop you for DWI on Interstate 80, I-287, U.S. Route 202, U.S. Route 46 or other highways and roads in the area, at lot can be at stake. Protect your rights by putting our trusted Passaic County DWI lawyers at Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law on your side.
From our convenient North Haledon, Hackensack and the Bronx, New York, offices, we offer skilled DWI/DUI defense representation to drivers in Paterson, Wayne, Passaic, Clifton and throughout Passaic County, New Jersey. With an experienced criminal defense team that includes two certified trial attorneys, we are ready to stand up for you in and out of the courtroom.
Let us provide you with the honest guidance, dedicated support and determined advocacy you need when facing DUI charges in Passaic County. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
Is DWI A Criminal Offense In Passaic County?
No, under New Jersey Law, DWI is generally not a criminal offense. Instead, it is a traffic offense, which does not result in a criminal record in the event of a conviction. The state uses DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) interchangeably.
An important thing to note is that this means that the procedures in DWI matters are quite different from standard criminal cases. For example, DUI trials generally do not have juries; rather, a judge makes the ultimate decision on guilt or innocence. Given this, it can be crucial to have the help of attorneys experienced in the unique aspects of traffic offense cases. Our knowledgeable Passaic County DUI lawyers can guide you through every step of the process.
DWI Charges Can Expose Passaic County Drivers To Significant Penalties
While DUI is not a criminal offense, a conviction can still have a huge impact on your life. The DWI penalties you could face include jail time, fines/surcharges/fees, suspension of your driver’s license, a requirement to install and ignition interlock device and mandatory Intoxicated Driver Resource Center classes. The severity of these penalties depends on factors such as the nature of the offense, whether you have prior DWI offenses and your blood alcohol content (BAC). Our experienced attorneys understand how much can be at risk in Passaic County DWI cases and will aggressively fight to protect your best interests.
What Is The Legal Limit In Passaic County?
In all New Jersey counties, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC at or exceeding 0.08. Some drivers have even lower limits, such as commercial drivers (0.04) and individuals under 21 (0.01). While you could potentially face DWI charges even if you test below these limits, BAC evidence often plays a significant role in Passaic County DUI cases.
Challenging New Jersey Breath Test Results
Testing at or above the legal limit isn’t a guarantee of a conviction. You could challenge the results of breathalyzer tests on various grounds, such as that:
- The test was administered incorrectly
- The testing machine wasn’t functioning properly
- The test came out of an unlawful arrest or invalid traffic stop
Our Passaic county DUI attorneys have considerable experienced addressing breath test matters in New Jersey drunk driving cases and can advise you on your options.
Can You Only Face A DWI/DUI Charge In Relation To Alcohol?
No, intoxicated driving charges aren’t limited to alcohol-related incidents in Passaic County. You can also have such charges brought against you for driving while impaired by other substances, including illegal drugs and prescription medications. If you are facing allegations of drugged driving, our team can provide you with tailored defense strategies backed by over two decades of combined legal experience.
Can You Keep Driving After A Passaic County DUI Conviction?
Your ability to drive after a DUI conviction depends on the specifics of your case. For a first offense with a BAC under 0.15, you generally won’t face a license suspension. Instead, you’ll have a temporary license forfeiture that will go away once you install an ignition interlock device. For repeat offenses or a BAC over 0.15, your license will typically be suspended for a time. Unlike many states, New Jersey doesn’t offer conditional licenses during suspensions. Our Passaic County DWI lawyers can help you understand these potential consequences and work to protect your ability to drive.
What Could This Mean For Your Driving Record?
A DWI conviction goes on your driving history abstract as a permanent mark. It generally can’t be removed. It’s crucial to keep this in mind when making decisions on how to respond to Passaic County DUI charges.
Tenaciously Protecting Your Future
A Passaic County DWI case can have many lasting impacts. So, when facing charges, it is vital to take steps right away to safeguard your future. Our team can help you explore your defense options. With our honest, hard-working and aggressive approach, we are committed to fighting for you.
Contact Our Skilled Passaic County DUI Attorneys Today
When the stakes are high, you need advocates you can count on. Discover what our team can do for your DWI defense. Set up a free and confidential consultation with us today by reaching out via our contact form or calling 201-212-4532.