Morris County DWI Lawyers Providing Tough Advocacy for Morris County Drunk and Drugged Driving Defendants.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence of drugs (DUID) are serious charges. Even first-time convictions usually mean jail time, losing driving privileges for at least three months, fines and penalties, and community service. The consequences get worse with subsequent convictions. They also get worse if your blood alcohol level is .10 or more instead of the standard .08 limit. DWI and DUID drivers are often charged with other traffic violations that can result in points on their driving records.

Protecting the rights of individuals accused of driving under the influence for 60 years

At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PCour lawyers understand the criminal justice system. Many of our Morris County criminal lawyers began their careers as prosecutors. Our lawyers aggressively contest each element of the prosecution’s case to find that one opening can mean the difference between a conviction and freedom. We have a strong record of success in having criminal charges dismissed, obtaining not-guilty verdicts, and negotiating just plea bargains.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) In NJ

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is treated by the New Jersey criminal justice system as comparable, but not identical, to driving while intoxicated (DWI)

Unlike DWI, there is no limit like there is with DWI. For example, if a driver has a .08 blood alcohol content level, the driver is presumed to have driven while drunk. With a DUID case, the test is whether having any narcotic, habit-producing, or hallucinogenic drug in a driver’s system rendered the driver incapable of operating his/her vehicle safely. The impairment of a DUID drive is determined by the testimony of the police officer – which makes a careful cross-examination of the police officer a key part of defending DUID charges.

A driver who operates a vehicle while drugged will face the same penalties if convicted as a drunk driver. A DUID conviction will be considered a prior offense if the driver is subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated.

As with intoxicated drivers, our Morris County DWI and DUI lawyers explain that a driver suspected of driving under the influence of drugs will be asked to undergo a field sobriety test or a drug evaluation test (an examination of the driver’s pupils, blood pressure, and pulse rate). If the officer still suspected drug involvement, the driver will be asked to undergo a blood or urine test. Blood and urine tests often can be challenged for being unreliable and flawed because different drugs interact with the body differently.

Drivers who are arrested for DUI are not required to submit to a chemical drug test, and their refusal cannot be used against them. Commercial drivers who refuse a drug test can be fined. This is a key difference from the implied consent rule for drunk driving, where a refusal can be introduced in court, and the driver risks losing his/her license and paying fines for not taking a chemical alcohol test.

The penalties for driving while possessing drugs

Anyone convicted of a DUID will be subject to some or all of the following types of penalties:

  • Up to 30 days in jail. Jail time increases drastically with subsequent offenses in 10 years.
  • Mandatory fines, surcharges, and fees for a first-time offense:
    • A $300-$500 fine
    • $505 for an IRDC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center) fee, a drunk driving fund fee, an AERF (Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund) charge, and a Neighborhood Services Fund fee
    • $1000 (for three years) in surcharges
    • 12-48 hours at an IRDC

The costs increase significantly if there are future convictions:

  • Driver’s license suspension. Three months for a first offense and more time for subsequent offenses. The time escalates for new crimes. A third offense within 10 years of a second offense means a loss of license for 10 years.
  • The requirement is that an ignition interlock device is used when the operator is allowed to drive again.
  • Community service.

A driving while possessing drugs (which is different than driving under the influence of drugs) offense means losing your license for 2 years and a minimum $50 fine.

In addition, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs can mean points on your driving record if you were also convicted of underlying traffic offenses. For example, if the drunk or drugged driver fails to stop at a traffic signal, the driver will get two (2) points. The full schedule of points can be seen here – http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/Violations/DI-258.PDF

.Speak with an experienced Morris County DWI attorney today.

If you or someone you know was charged with driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there are defenses. Our lawyers at Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC understand how to challenge the machines used to test you and the officers who gave you the tests. Often, we can show the test was unreliable and should not be used. Other defenses, such as questioning the basis for stopping you, can help defeat the criminal charge. To discuss your case with our Morris County DUI and DUID lawyers, please phone (732) 253-4512 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.