Whether you live in New Jersey, you attend college in New Jersey or you traveled to the Jersey Shore for spring break, facing a DWI in New Jersey is a very serious matter. New Jersey law imposes severe penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI), and judges in the state take DWI cases very seriously. Here, Essex County DWI lawyer Scott Gorman explains five important facts you need to know about your case:
Fact #1: You Have the Right to a Lawyer
One of the most important facts to know after getting a DWI in New Jersey is that you have the right to a lawyer. Dealing with a DWI that you got on spring break is a very serious matter. Not only could you be facing fines, insurance surcharges, loss of your driver’s license and even jail time, but a DWI conviction can significantly limit your employment prospects after graduation.
Fact #2: You Should Not Plead Guilty
Given the substantial consequences of a DWI conviction, you should not plead guilty. If you plead guilty, your DWI conviction will go on your permanent record, and the judge will impose a sentence commensurate with the prosecution’s allegations against you.
Fact #3: You Cannot Afford to Ignore Your DWI
Just as you should not plead guilty, you also should not ignore your DWI. If you do, you will be found guilty in your absence—and the judge could even issue a bench warrant for your arrest based on your failure to appear. A DWI conviction in New Jersey can lead to thousands of dollars in fines and surcharges, and if your DWI prevents you from getting a job, these could represent just a small fraction of the lifetime financial costs of your conviction.
Fact #4: New Jersey Prosecutors Can Use Several Forms of Evidence to Convict You
When facing a DWI charge, it is important not to make any assumptions. For example, many people assume that they will be able to avoid a conviction by disputing their breathalyzer results. While this defense might work, it also might not. In New Jersey, you can be convicted of DWI based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or the fact that your driving abilities were impaired. So, even if you are able to challenge your BAC reading, you could still get convicted based on your arresting officer’s testimony.
Fact #5: Even if You Were Drunk, You May Still Be Able to Avoid a Conviction
While there are several ways that New Jersey prosecutors can convict you, there are also several ways that you can avoid a conviction. This includes ways to avoid a conviction even if you were driving drunk. To find out how you can fight your DWI charge, you should speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Request a Free Consultation with Essex County DWI Lawyer Scott Gorman
Did you get a DWI on spring break in New Jersey? If so, Essex County DWI lawyer Scott Gorman can help. To learn more in a free and confidential consultation, call 862-250-6201 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
