Challenge DUI and Drunk Driving Charges
A drunk driving arrest can happen to anyone. If you are having drinks with friends in Hoboken, watching a basketball game in Newark or out to dinner with friends in the city, it is easy to have one drink too many.
If that extra drink is the one that puts you above the legal limit in New Jersey, and you get pulled over, the potential consequences can be devastating.
What Should I Do After I Have Been Pulled Over?
- Cooperate with the police officer; be polite and do not argue.
- DO NOT MAKE ADMISSIONS (ex. I had two beers); You have the right to remain silent.
- The less you say the better. The police officer will be observing your breath and your speech (ex. smell of alcohol, slurred speech, etc.)
- Try not to move around too much. The police officer will be observing your movements for signs of intoxication (ex. swaying, falling over, leaning against car)
- DO NOT REFUSE A BREATH TEST! You do not have the right to refuse a breath test. If you refuse to submit to a breath test, you will be charged with refusal, which can sometimes be worse then an actual DUI/DWI charge.
- Once you are released, call or e-mail attorney James J. Sayegh (available 24/7) after you are released to discuss the next steps and schedule a free initial consultation.
Protect your rights. Call 973-821-4393 or 888-808-2798 or e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your DUI case, repeat DUI case, drug charge, underage drinking case, disorderly persons offense or reckless driving case with an aggressive, intelligent and attentive criminal defense lawyer.
Penalties for First-Time DUI and Subsequent DUI with BAC over .10%
- First-time DWI or DUI — You are looking at a potential of 30 days in jail, significant fines, loss of your driver's license for one year, and a DMV surcharge of $1000 a year for three years.
- Second offense — You may be facing jail time of not less than 45 days and not more than 90 days, a $1000 fine, two year license suspension and a DMV surcharge of $1000 a year for three years.
- Third or subsequent DUI — You are facing 180 days in jail, a loss of your driving privileges for 10 years, a $1000 fine and a DMV surcharge of $1500 per year for three years.
- College students and others underage (under 21) — You don't need a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08% to be arrested for a DUI if you are under 21 years of age. If your BAC was .01% or higher when you were stopped by the police, you could be facing 30 to 90 days license suspension, 15 to 30 days community service and participation in a alcohol awareness program. If your BAC was above .08%, the fines and penalties will be the same as for drivers over 21 years of age (e.g. fines, license suspension and jail time).
- Drunk Driving / DUI in a School Zone — If you were arrested for a DUI in a school zone, the fines and penalties imposed above will be increased dramatically. The period of license suspension for a first or repeat offense will be DOUBLED in each case. For example, for a third DUI with a school zone sentence enhancement, you will lose you license for 20 years!
Retain a Skilled and Resourceful DUI Defense Lawyer
Retain a DUI defense lawyer who is committed to providing your case with the attention that it requires and the legal defense that you deserve. Attorney James J. Sayegh will help you understand your legal rights, your legal options, realistic expectations and how he can vigorously, intelligently and skillfully resolve your legal matter.
Free Initial Consultation — Call 973-821-4393 or 888-808-2798 or E-Mail
When you need a lawyer who will fight for you and put your interests first, call the Law Office of James J. Sayegh. Schedule a confidential, free initial consultation today.
