Getting charged with drunk driving in New Jersey can be overwhelming and frightening. You may be worried about losing your driver’s license, paying steep fines, or even facing jail time. What you do in the hours and days following your arrest can greatly impact your legal outcome.
At the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC, we help individuals navigate the complexities of DUI charges and fight to protect their future.
Essential Steps To Take After a Drunk Driving Arrest in New Jersey
Understand the Charges You’re Facing
In New Jersey, drunk driving is referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and the terms tend to be used interchangeably. You can be charged with drunk driving if your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or above—or lower if your ability to drive was clearly affected.
Penalties for a DUI conviction can include:
- License suspension
- Hefty fines and court fees
- Mandatory alcohol education classes
- Ignition interlock device installation
- Jail time, especially for repeat offenses
Do Not Plead Guilty Without Legal Advice
Pleading guilty without legal advice is risky—breath tests can be flawed, and traffic stops must follow legal procedures. If the arrest followed a minor traffic violation, the escalation to a DUI charge may be challenged.
An experienced DUI attorney can:
- Review the legality of the stop
- Challenge the accuracy of test results
- Spot mistakes in the legal process that could result in the charges being dropped
Request a DMV Hearing To Protect Your License
After a DUI/DWI arrest, your license may be suspended administratively, separate from criminal charges. You have a short window to request a DMV hearing to challenge a potential license suspension.
This hearing allows you the opportunity to:
- Challenge the evidence against you
- Argue to retain your driving privileges
- Delay or prevent suspension during your court case
Having a skilled attorney represent you at the DMV hearing can significantly improve your chances of getting the outcome you want.
Preserve Key Evidence Immediately
Time-sensitive evidence can make or break your defense. After your arrest, it’s important to gather and preserve:
- Police reports and citations
- Blood or breath test results
- Video footage from dashcams or body cams
- Contact information of any witnesses
- Your own notes about what happened
Hire an Experienced New Jersey DUI Attorney
Facing a drunk driving charge without proper legal guidance is ill-advised. A knowledgeable DUI attorney can:
- Investigate the circumstances of your arrest
- Review test procedures and calibration logs
- Fight for reduced charges or dismissal
- Negotiate alternatives like conditional discharge or treatment programs
- Represent you in court and DMV proceedings
At the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC, we have extensive experience handling DUI cases throughout New Jersey. We understand how to challenge flawed evidence and protect your driving record and freedom.
Read Also: Rear-End Accidents—Who is Responsible?
Contact the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in New Jersey, take immediate steps to protect your rights. Send us an email today, or call us at 856-600-HURT to schedule an appointment. Evening and weekend consultations are available, and we can meet you at your home or the jail if necessary.
