It’s the holiday season, and that means the police are hitting the roads to arrest as many drunk drivers as they can. The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety’s annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign runs from summer through the end of the year; and, as the holidays approach, we typically see patrols and checkpoints increase statewide. If you get arrested for drunk driving during the holiday season, it will be important for you to speak with a Morristown DUI lawyer promptly.
What To Know if You Get Arrested for DUI During the Holidays
New Jersey has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Additionally, since New Jersey classifies DUI as a “traffic offense” rather than a “crime,” DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement. A conviction can truly impact all aspects of your life, and you need to do everything you can to avoid unnecessary consequences.
Here are some more important facts to know if you get arrested for DUI during the holidays in New Jersey:
1. There are Several Potential Defenses to a DUI Charge
Regardless of the facts of your case, you have defenses available. At the very least, you can argue that the prosecution doesn’t have the evidence it needs to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There are several potential defenses to a DUI charge—including defenses you may be able to assert even if you were clearly drunk behind the wheel.
2. There are Several Ways Prosecutors Can Prove a DUI Charge
While there are several ways you can fight a DUI charge, there are also several ways prosecutors can prove your guilt. As a result, you cannot take anything for granted. To present a successful defense, you need to consider all relevant facts, and you need to be prepared to counter all of the evidence prosecutors have in their possession.
3. Mistakes Can Jeopardize Your Defense
When facing a DUI charge, there are some costly mistakes you need to avoid. If you do or say the wrong thing, you could put your defense in jeopardy.
4. Repeat Offenders Face Even Greater Consequences
While first-time offenders face severe penalties under New Jersey law, if you get arrested again you will face even greater consequences. These consequences include thousands of dollars in fines, fees and surcharges; up to a two-year driver’s license suspension; and up to 90 days in jail.
5. The Judge Won’t Have the Holiday Spirit
You cannot expect the judge to go easy on you because it is the holidays. Judges in New Jersey take drunk driving very seriously, and they will not hesitate to impose a severe sentence if one is warranted.
Speak with a Morristown DUI Lawyer for Free
If you are facing a drunk driving charge in New Jersey, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with Morristown DUI lawyer Scott Gorman in confidence, call 973-796-3800 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
