DUI terms and the importance of a DWI attorney in NJ – Jonathan F. Marshall

From Cyberlaw: Difficult Issues Winter 2010
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In the US it is a crime in all states for a motorist to operate a vehicle while affected by the effects of alcohol or other drugs, including prescription drugs. Depending on the state, the offense is called driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). In New Jersey both offenses are prosecuted under the same law.

When accused of a DUI charge and the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) evidence shows that the person was intoxicated, a skilled DUI attorney can request that the case be dismissed or the charges reduced. Upon being convicted of a DUI, you will receive some type of criminal sentence (such as community service, a fine, even jail) and your driver's license will likely be suspended or revoked, depending on the severity and whether it is a first or repeat offense. 

DUI terms you should know

  • Implied Consent: In NJ, there exists implied consent to police stops and a BAC test as a condition of receiving a driver's license. Failure to submit to a BAC test breaks this agreement and results in driver's license suspension.
  • Blood Alcohol Concentration: Also known as BAC, this term refers to the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream, which is used to determine the level of intoxication of a motorist.
  • Drug Recognition Experts: A DRE is an officer specially trained to determine the drug impairment of a DUI suspect.
  • DUI Checkpoints: These are roadblocks set up by the police, usually along busy roads in which motorists and randomly controlled.

Why you need a DUI Attorney

The courts take drunk or impaired driving seriously, especially since it poses a deadly risk to other road users. Therefore, the stakes in a DUI case are quite high. Those convicted of a DUI generally lose their license for a certain period of time, pay a hefty fine, and sometimes spend time in jail, especially if it is a repeat offense. Even if your DUI attorney cannot dismiss the case, he or she may be able to negotiate lighter sentences or reduced fines. Getting legal support from the moment you are accused of drunk driving is crucial if you are to obtain a favorable outcome.

Another good reason to hire a DUI attorney to represent you in your current DUI case is that the penalties will worsen with subsequent convictions. You may think that you will save money now by not hiring a lawyer, but if you are convicted of DUI again, in the next 10 years, it could result in heavy fines and you will not be able to overcome it financially.Check out this list of lawyers in NJ to find an experienced attorney near you.

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