Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of Summer, and it is also a weekend when many people get pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI) in New Jersey. The police maintain a heavy presence on the roads throughout the weekend—with the specific goal of catching people who get drunk and then get behind the wheel. If you get arrested, what do you need to know? Here are some important tips from Essex County DUI lawyer Scott Gorman:
1. Make Sure You Know What To Do
Facing a DUI charge in New Jersey is a serious matter. A conviction could mean fines, loss of your driver’s license, jail time and other penalties. As a result, whether you live in New Jersey or out of state, you need to take all of the steps that are necessary to defend yourself effectively. Among other things, this means making sure you know your court date, making sure you know the specific charge(s) you are facing, and consulting with a DUI lawyer promptly.
2. Make Sure You Protect Your Legal Rights
You have clear legal rights when the police pull you over on suspicion of DUI. You also have clear legal rights after a DUI arrest. If you fail to protect your rights (i.e. by talking to the police when you don’t have to), you could have a much harder time asserting an effective defense in court.
On the same token, if the police or prosecutors violate your rights (i.e. by pulling you over without reasonable suspicion or withholding exculpatory evidence), this could provide a defense in your New Jersey DUI case. An experienced Essex County DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights and use them to your advantage.
3. Make Sure You Know What is at Stake
As mentioned above, DUIs carry substantial penalties under New Jersey law. The financial costs of a DUI conviction in New Jersey can easily climb into the thousands of dollars; and, while jail time is unlikely for a first-time offense, it is a risk. If you refused the breath test or have a prior conviction on your record, you are facing even greater penalties.
4. Make Sure You Don’t Overlook Potential Defenses
Even if you were driving drunk on Labor Day weekend, you could still have defenses to your New Jersey DUI charge. At this point, you need to avoid making any assumptions—including any assumptions about whether prosecutors will be able to convict you in court.
5. Talk to an Essex County DUI Lawyer
Given all that you have at stake and the variety of possible defenses to DUI charges in New Jersey, you need to speak with a lawyer about your case. You have no reason not to—especially since you can get a free consultation. From helping reduce your sentence to helping you avoid a conviction entirely, there are several ways an experienced lawyer can help, and it will be well worth putting experience on your side.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Essex County DUI Lawyer Scott Gorman
Did you get a DUI on Labor Day weekend? If so, Essex County DUI lawyer Scott Gorman can help. Call 201-489-9199 or contact us online now for your free initial consultation.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
