If you have been arrested in Westampton, NJ for Driving While Intoxicated, then it is likely that you have a lot of questions and many concerns. One thing is certain, however; you need to hire an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer to vigorously defend your charges. Contesting a DWI is a difficult battle that may take months or even a year of court appearances and litigation. Our goal at the The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is to aggressively defend every client’s case by challenging the state’s evidence at every possible turn. Our team of skilled DWI lawyers and former prosecutors are often able to accomplish this diligent work through experience, knowledge and a unique skill set that few attorneys in the entire state of New Jersey can match. Some of our attorneys are certified instructors of the SFST (standard field sobriety testing) in accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. SFST is the protocol used by all New Jersey local and state police to administer to suspected DWI drivers. In addition, we have been trained by Draeger Industries, the manufacturer of the Alcotest machine, on its functionality, design, and maintenance. The Alcotest is NJ’s version of the Breathalyzer. If you would like to learn more about how our attorneys can assist you or your loved one with your first, second or third Soutampton DUI offense, please contact our Mount Laurel office at (856) 234-8900. Every initial consultation with an experienced DWI defense lawyer is free of charge.
DWI Stops in Westampton New Jersey
A large township consisting of various busy roadways including 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike, the Westampton Township Police Department and state police are very active; writing a significant number of tickets every year. In the event that you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated then you will be summoned to appear in the Westampton Municipal Court. The Westampton Township municipal prosecutor is not allowed to offer any plea-bargaining for DUI defendants in line with the guidelines of the AOC (administrative office of the courts). As such, fighting a DWI charge on your own very difficult. Making matters even more difficult is the fact that you are not allowed a jury trial for drunk driving charges in New Jersey. Rather, your guilt or innocence will be decided at the sole discretion of the municipal judge. There is a mandatory loss of license for even a first time offense and additional penalties that include an interlock device installed in your car, mandatory drunk driving classes, community service, and thousands and fines and surcharges. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you avail yourself of the abilities of a skilled and aggressive DWI lawyer.
Westampton Township NJ Refusal Lawyer
The mandatory penalties for first, second, and third offense DWIs, Refusal, Underage DWI charges, and School Zone DUI offenses are actually built in to the New Jersey statutes. This means that, unlike other charges that leave sentencing to the judge’s discretion, judges must sentence according to statute. For example, if your BAC reading is a .08% or .09% then you will lose your license for a mandatory 90 days for a first offense. However if you’re reading is a .10% or higher, then you will lose your license for at least seven months and up to one year for the same first offense. In you face a second offense DWI, you will lose your license for a mandatory two years and be subject to a mandatory installation of an interlock device in your car. The chance of jail time increases sharply as well. Third offense DWI charges result in a mandatory 10-year loss of license. Further, you will go to Burlington County jail for a mandatory six months. As illustrated above, DWI penalties in New Jersey are severe. If you are facing these charges then you need a tough and experienced DWI defense attorney to fight them. To speak with our lawyers and build a case strategy customized to the particular facts of your case, please contact us at (856) 234-8900 for a free consultation.
