Abogado especializado en casos de conducción bajo los efectos del alcohol en Old Bridge

Trusted DWI Attorney in Old Bridge, NJ

An arrest for a DWI can be a stressful experience for any driver in New Jersey. In the aftermath, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your options. An Old Bridge DWI lawyer can help you through the proceedings. They can explain the process, provide pathways, and be at your side from booking to court verdict.

Acerca de Michael Rosas Law PC

Founding attorney Michael R. Rosas has over 15 years of legal experience defending the people of Old Bridge, East Brunswick, and communities across New Jersey in their DWI cases. He worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Richmond County before opening his own practice, giving him insight into both sides of the law. He is active in the legal community and was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to serve on its Criminal Practice Committee.

Overview of DWI Cases in New Jersey

Drunk driving is a pressing safety concern across the country. Between July 2023 and June 2024, there were 26,447 DWI filings across the state. During the same period, Middlesex County reported 2,286 incidents, a 2% increase from the previous year. Impaired driving can have devastating consequences, with 150 of the 670 traffic fatalities in the state linked to alcohol impairment in 2024.

The term DUI may be used in conversation, but in New Jersey, the official term is driving while impaired (DWI). DWIs occur when someone operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for pedestrian drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for minors. A DWI can be charged to those who permit another intoxicated person to drive, even if they do not operate the vehicle.

DWIs in New Jersey are handled through the municipal court where the arrest occurred. For example, if you were arrested on Old Bridge Matawan Road or US-9 within the municipal boundary, your case would be handled at the Old Bridge Township Municipal Complex at 1 Old Bridge Plaza.

DWI Penalties

The exact penalties you may face for a DWI depend on aggravating factors and previous offenses. Common punishments include fines, installation of an ignition interlock device, an alcohol education program, license suspension, and jail time. For example, a first-time DWI offender may face fines worth $250-$400, jail time up to 30 days, and a 3-month license suspension. Aggravating factors that may escalate punishments include:

• A BAC of 0.10% or higher.
• DWI occurs in a school zone
• The DWI defendant is a minor
• Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test
• The driver caused an accident while impaired
• Dangerous driving, such as speeding, driving the wrong way, or swerving
• DWIs that occur while driving on a suspended license
• A DWI happened with a child passenger

Contrate a un abogado especializado en DWI

A DWI of any type can have long-lasting consequences on your driving privileges and career opportunities. At this confusing time, hire a DWI lawyer to help with your case. Your Old Bridge DWI attorney can provide many crucial services to your defense. A few ways that Michael Rosas Law PC can aid you include:

• Explaining the charges and your options
• Highlighting procedural errors, such as unlawful traffic stops or improper field sobriety test administration
• Challenging ambiguous chemical test results and any chain-of-custody issues
• Representing you in all court appearances
• Negotiating a plea deal that may reduce fines, lower offenses on your record, and shorten or negate license suspensions

Preguntas frecuentes

When Should You Speak With a DWI Attorney?

One question many charged with a DWI wonder is at what point they should speak with an attorney. You should contact legal counsel as early as possible in the proceedings. More time to handle your case can grant your lawyer more options for building defense strategies and negotiating a favorable plea deal. If you are in the later stages of a DWI matter, you should still speak with an attorney, as they can still make a difference in the outcome.

Is a DWI a Criminal Offense in New Jersey?

New Jersey is the only state where a DWI is not an automatic criminal offense. Instead, state DWI laws classify any incident as a serious traffic offense. One impact the classification has is that you cannot request a jury trial for a DWI in New Jersey. Related incidents, such as driving while suspended for a DWI, a DWI that results in someone’s injury, or a DWI with a child in the car, can all go through separate criminal proceedings.

How Likely Is Jail Time for a New Jersey DWI?

The likelihood of jail time in a New Jersey DWI case changes on a case-by-case basis and is based on factors such as previous driving record and aggravating factors. A first-time offender with no criminal history who cooperates with the process is less likely to be incarcerated than a third-time offender who injured someone and resisted arrest. Your attorney can explain your specific chances of serving jail time based on the details of your situation.

What Should You Do After Being Pulled Over for a DWI in New Jersey?

The way you conduct yourself after being pulled over for a DWI in New Jersey can play an important role in determining your options later on. First, stay calm, and ask why you were pulled over. Police must have reasonable suspicion for any traffic stop. Next, cooperate with minimal statements, as anything you say can be used later on. Third, agree to chemical tests. Refusing a breathalyzer test is unlawful in New Jersey and can result in criminal charges.

Speak With an Old Bridge, NJ DWI Lawyer Today

Michael Rosas Law PC understands the many personal, financial, and professional challenges a DWI can bring outside of legal proceedings. Michael Rosas can use his years of experience, skills, and knowledge of the law to make a positive impact on your situation.

Contáctenos hoy mismo to schedule your initial consultation, during which we can learn your account of events, explain potential penalties, and advise on defense strategies. You may also visit our East Brunswick office, located at 1 Tower Center Boulevard.