Trusted DUI Defense Attorney in Elizabeth, NJ
If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence (DUI), you need to take the situation seriously. A conviction could lead to jail time, fines, and a license suspension, dramatically impacting your life. An Elizabeth DUI defense lawyer can help you defend yourself against these potentially life-changing charges.
Trust the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss
You can trust the team here at the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss to help you with all aspects of your DUI case. We have many years of experience in handling similar cases, and our trial attorney, Jared B. Weiss, has extensive knowledge of how to leverage DUI laws to get you positive results at the Elizabeth Municipal Court. Reach out to discuss the specifics of your case today.
Why Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer?
From July 2022 through July 2023, Elizabeth saw 162 DUI arrests, ranking it second in Union County for the most DUIs. Traffic stops and arrests are common on the New Jersey Turnpike, US Routes 1, 9, 22, and 27, and Elizabeth’s surface streets.
If you’re one of the many people facing DUI charges in Elizabeth, you need to hire a DUI defense lawyer right away. Your attorney can:
- Examine the stop
- Review the field sobriety tests
- Dispute the chemical tests, if appropriate
- Suppress illegal evidence, if relevant
- Handle DMV hearings
- Manage court filings
- Negotiate a plea deal
- Represent you in trial
Having a skilled attorney on your side is the most effective way to improve your odds of keeping your license and your freedom. Even if a conviction seems inevitable, your lawyer may be able to help you get a reduced sentence and explore diversion programs that could avoid a permanent criminal record.
Legal Limits
In New Jersey, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for adults over the age of 21. Because the Garden State is a zero-tolerance state for underage drinking, the limit for those under the age of 21 is 0.01%. If you are caught driving with a BAC higher than these legal limits, you can face a per se DUI offense even if you did not violate any other traffic laws. The state doesn’t have to prove that you were driving negligently or recklessly. Just the fact that your BAC was above the legal limit is enough to support a conviction.
You may still be convicted of a DUI if your BAC was under the legal limit, but your driving was impaired by drugs or alcohol. In these cases, the burden of proof falls on the prosecution to show that you were driving negligently or recklessly. If you have an open container in the vehicle, that could be considered proof that you were driving while intoxicated, even with a legal BAC.
Implied Consent Laws
New Jersey has implied consent laws that apply to chemical breathalyzer testing following a traffic stop for a DUI. It requires you to take a breathalyzer test if a police officer reasonably believes you to be intoxicated, and failure to do so can lead to additional penalties outside of any DUI penalties you may receive, which can include:
- Fines of $300 to $500
- Referral to the state’s Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- A license suspension until you install an ignition interlock device
You could face more significant penalties for a second or subsequent refusal to submit to testing.
The state’s implied consent law only applies to breathalyzer testing. It doesn’t include blood or urine testing or field sobriety tests. You can refuse field sobriety tests without facing sanctions.
FAQs
What Is the Average Cost of Hiring a DUI Lawyer in New Jersey?
The average cost of hiring a DUI lawyer in New Jersey varies. Factors that could influence the cost of hiring an attorney include the complexity of your case, whether it must go to trial for a resolution, and how experienced your attorney is. More experienced lawyers often charge higher hourly rates than those who are new to the practice of law, but you are likely to get what you pay for.
Is a Lawyer Worth It for a DUI?
A lawyer is worth it for a DUI. These are serious charges that can leave you facing jail time, fines, and the suspension of your license. If you want to maintain your freedom and keep your driving privileges intact, the most effective way to do that is to hire an Elizabeth DUI defense attorney as soon as you can after your arrest.
What Is the Ideal Defense Against a DUI?
There is no one ideal defense against a DUI. Determining the right defense requires analyzing the particulars of your case, including whether any constitutional rights violations occurred during the initial traffic stop or your subsequent arrest, how the evidence of your intoxication was handled, and the other facts of the case.
How Often Do DUI Cases Get Dismissed?
DUI cases get dismissed occasionally due to insufficient evidence, illegal traffic stops, and flawed field sobriety testing. We can help you evaluate the chances of getting your case dismissed. If that is not an option, plea reductions and diversion programs also pose viable alternatives to going to court and receiving a full sentence for your DUI.
Trusted Elizabeth, NJ DUI Defense Lawyer Near You | Local Law Firm
If you’ve received a DUI in New Jersey, you need to work with a skilled Elizabeth DUI defense lawyer who can help you come up with an effective defense strategy and safeguard your rights throughout the legal process. You can trust the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss to help.
Jared B. Weiss is an NJ Certified Municipal Court Trial Attorney who has been in practice since 2006. When you contact our office, you can rest assured that our lead attorney handles all cases and never passes anyone off to assistants or paralegals like some of the larger firms do. You can trust us to handle your DUI case with the seriousness and care that it deserves. Contact our local law firm to schedule an initial consultation today.
