New Jersey DUI Lawyer

A DUI or driving offense is something that can happen to almost anyone who operates a vehicle. Even if you are a diligent driver with a perfect safety record, a momentary misjudgment can land you in a situation where you’re facing charges. Depending on the circumstances, you could be at risk of losing your driver’s license, your reputation, or even your freedom. It may even feel like people no longer see you, just the charges against you.

If you are facing DUI or reckless driving charges, the most important step you can take is finding an experienced DUI lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help you move forward. The right defense attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case and how your future is protected.

DUI attorney Adam Lamparello knows that the charges you are facing don’t define the kind of person you are. He is committed to helping you understand your rights and your options, and to standing up for you against a large and powerful system. Contact Lamparello Law, Education & Advocacy to get the help you need to protect your future.

New Jersey DUI Charges and Penalties

New Jersey takes Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and other alcohol-related driving offenses very seriously. For a first offense, you could be subject to fines of up to $400, license suspension until an ignition interlock is installed, and up to thirty days in jail. If your BAC was higher than .10%, fines will be higher (up to $500) and you will have to have an ignition interlock on your car for an even longer period, up to 12 months.

For a second DWI/DUI, fines range from $500 to $1,000 and you could face a jail sentence of two to ninety days. Your license will be suspended for one to two years, and you may need to have an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle for two to four years.

Penalties increase even further for a third DWI/DUI, with fines of a thousand dollars and 180 days in jail, plus an eight-year license suspension and the possibility of an IID on your vehicle for two to four years.

Other Alcohol-Related Driving Offenses

In addition to DWI/DUI, you could face charges for other alcohol-related driving offenses, including:

• Refusing to submit to a breath test if stopped by a police officer under suspicion of DWI/DUI. The penalties for this offense are similar to those of a DWI/DUI.
• Underage drinking and driving. If you are under the legal drinking age of 21, you could be charged for operating a vehicle with a BAC of just .01%. If an underaged driver has a BAC of over .08%, they will be charged under the regular DUI statute, which carries harsher penalties than the offense of underage drinking and driving.
• Having an open container (unsealed alcoholic beverage) in the passenger compartment of your car. Even if you have not consumed any of it, the mere presence of an unsealed alcohol container creates a presumption that the people in the car have been consuming alcohol.

If you have been charged with any of these offenses, a DUI lawyer can protect your legal rights while working to minimize consequences that could affect your future, including your ability to drive.

Reckless Driving and Other Serious Moving Violations

Lamparello Law, Education & Advocacy also represents clients who are charged with other New Jersey driving offenses, including:

• Reckless driving
• Careless driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
• Driving with a suspended license or without vehicle registration
• Driving without a licensed (driver who has never been licensed)
• Driving without insurance

Even a relatively minor driving offense can result in fines and points on your license. More serious offenses like reckless driving or leaving the scene of an injury accident can result in license suspension and jail time, which could result in the loss of your job and other damage to your future opportunities.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t take any driving offense lightly. These offenses can carry serious financial and personal consequences, from increased insurance costs to jail time. Some consequences can follow you for years, even if they stem from a momentary lapse in judgment. A reckless driving lawyer may be able to help you achieve a reduction in charges or defeat the charges altogether.