Long Branch DWI Lawyer

Long Branch DWI Attorney

Being arrested for a DWI can be a terrifying experience, and facing a conviction that could dramatically alter your life is daunting at the least. It’s important to have someone knowledgeable, unafraid to stand up for your rights, and ready to advocate for you. A Long Branch DWI lawyer has the skills and know-how to do just that.

At Michael Rosas Law PC, we understand how overwhelming this can feel, and we’re here to lend you not just our experience and knowledge of DWI cases but also to give you support to carry you through.

How We Can Help

Michael Rosas is the founding lawyer of this firm, and he has achieved multiple acquittals over the past few years. He has a deep understanding of DWI laws and wants to use that understanding to help you. He served as Assistant District Attorney for Richmond County District Attorney’s Office and was appointed to the District Ethics Committee by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

He has the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights and can do so at every opportunity. This experience also allows him to tailor your defense to your unique circumstances, giving you a chance at a successful outcome.

Long Branch DWI Law

In New Jersey, 26,447 people were arrested for DWIs from July 2023 to June 2024. New Jersey’s driving under the influence laws are among the strictest in the country. A DWI conviction could mean jail time, a suspended driver’s license, an ignition lock, and hefty fines, not to mention an impact on your reputation and your ability to be hired.

The blood alcohol concentration, BAC, must be below 0.08% for drivers over 21. Drivers under 21 with a BAC over 0.01% can be arrested for a DWI. New Jersey law prohibits anyone from driving under the influence of any of the following substances: 

• Alcohol
• Narcotics
• Hallucinogenic drugs
• Any habit-forming drugs
• Prescription drugs, if they are taken more than prescribed

Implied Consent

Under the Implied Consent Law, drivers grant implied consent to be tested with a breathalyzer or chemical test. If the driver refuses to participate, then they could be arrested.

Long Branch also operates under the Per Se DWI law. “Per se” means “by itself.” If your BAC is above 0.08%, then that might be enough to face a conviction, and officers don’t have to prove that reckless driving was involved.

A DWI lawyer is intimately familiar with DWI laws and can explain them in further detail with you.

Hire a DWI Lawyer

Just because you’ve been charged with a DWI doesn’t mean you’ll face a conviction. Hiring a skilled DWI lawyer can help you form possible defenses for your particular case. Some defenses for a DWI might include:

• Challenging the field sobriety tests. While this is the usual form of testing, it’s not perfect and has been known to make mistakes. Officers are also required to perform these tests in a certain way. If they don’t follow procedure, then that calls the results into question.
• Challenging the breathalyzer. Breathalyzers must be calibrated correctly, and they can be affected by things like mouthwash and even medical conditions like diabetes or acid reflux.
• Violating procedures. Procedures must be followed, or your rights might be at stake. If an officer doesn’t follow these procedures, then the evidence could be called into question.
• Challenging the evidence. Police reports can be inconsistent, or a dash cam might show something different than what has been reported. These can challenge the evidence and throw a conviction into question.

These are only a few of the possible defenses. A DWI lawyer is skilled at figuring out the defense that might apply to your specific case. An experienced lawyer can develop a solid case on your behalf and can represent you at Long Branch’s Municipal Court on Broadway or elsewhere.

FAQs

Q: Can I Hire an Attorney to Appear for Me in DWI Court?

A: It’s possible that an attorney can appear on your behalf if you’re charged with a misdemeanor DWI. Otherwise, it might be wise to appear in court with your attorney. If you face a felony charge, like domestic violence, then you will need to be present along with your attorney. If you are unsure whether you can attend or not, speak with a DWI lawyer to get a clear picture of how not attending might affect your outcome.

Q: Do DUI Lawyers Take Payments?

A: Lawyers understand how overwhelming facing these charges can be and understand that money can be tight, especially if employment is affected by the DWI charge. While the cost to hire a DWI lawyer might seem costly, having someone who understands the charges and how to fight them can mean saving money in the long run. Some lawyers do offer payment plans. To get an idea of the cost, speak with a DWI lawyer today.

Q: How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in New Jersey?

A: In New Jersey, a DWI stays on your driving record permanently because it’s classified as a traffic violation and not a criminal offense. Insurance companies and some potential employers will be able to see this on your record. According to the ten-year step-down law, the penalty after ten years might be minimized. For example, if someone is arrested with a DWI at least ten years after the previous one, then their repeat offense might receive similar penalties to the first.

Q: Should I Fight a DWI?

A: Being convicted of a DWI can impact your life in various ways, including jail time, hefty fines, and affecting your ability to be employed. Whether you decide to fight a DWI might rely on the circumstances surrounding your arrest and other factors. An experienced DWI lawyer could guide you through your possible defenses and help you decide if fighting the DWI will be able to help minimize or maximize your potential penalties.

Contact Michael Rosas Law PC

Michael Rosas is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey and has years of experience with criminal defense. Our firm is passionate about helping those who have been charged with driving under the influence stand up for their rights. We can use our experience and knowledge of the law to help dismiss or, at the very least, minimize your penalties.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and are unsure how to move forward, contact us today to schedule a consultation.