New Jersey DWI Lawyer Blog
As drunken driving defense attorneys representing motorists accused of DWI and drug DUI here in the Garden State, I and my large staff of skilled trial lawyers have more than 100 years of collective legal experience to bring to the fore. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall provides clients with knowledgeable representation in cases involving drunken driving, impairment by prescription drugs or an illegal controlled dangerous substance (CDS), breath test refusal, and other alcohol and drug-related charges.
We are extremely dedicated to representing motorists who have been accused of DWI, drug DUI, marijuana possession in a motor vehicle, as well as underage drinking and driving, among others. With our extensive experience in civil and criminal cases, we can offer clients statewide the services of qualified legal representation combined with skilled and informed drunken driving defense.
Especially here in New Jersey, where heavy DWI enforcement is a common sight and penalties for convicted drunk driving offenders can be very stiff, it is important to have a the best legal defense possible. Whether a person has been arrested for DWI following a routine traffic, at a sobriety checkpoint, or following an alcohol-related roadway accident, there is no good reason to enter a courtroom alone with only hope on one’s side.
While New Jersey is in no way the only state to have strict anti-drunk driving laws, state and local police are constantly arresting drivers who may or may not have had too much to drink before hitting the road. In many cases, it is not unheard of for an accused drunk driver to simply plead guilty to a DWI charge because he or she believes they have no hope of winning against the local prosecutor’s office. If only because of the potential monetary penalties, which can be substantial for many individuals these days, it is wise for any person think twice before opting for a guilty plea.
Stories of drunk driving arrests abound in the papers and online every week. Take, for instance, some of the typical cases that happen on a regular basis in this state. In Middletown this past February, numerous individuals were charged with a range of offenses, which the weekly police blotter showed, as follows:
— A 29-year-old man living on Blue Jay Court in Howell, NJ, was arrested by a patrolman and charged with marijuana possession (under 50g) as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.
— A 24-year-old female from the Keansburg area was arrested stopped by a mobile patrol, after which she was charged by police with drinking and driving.
— A 45-year-old Port Monmouth resident was taken into custody following what most likely was a routine traffic stop. According to police reports, the woman was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Unlike many individuals, however, she was held by police pending a court appearance in front of a Middletown judge.
— An 18-year-old underage teenager from the Lincroft area was picked up by police officers and charged with underage possession of alcohol.
— A 15-year-old teen from the Leonardo area was stopped by a Middletown, NJ, patrolman on suspicion of marijuana possession. The minor was found to have less than 50g of cannabis, as well as related drug paraphernalia, and was charged accordingly.
— Four underage teenagers (one local boy, two from the Lincroft area and another from Red Bank) were arrested by officers for possessing alcohol. Because the teens were all 17 years of age, they were each charged with underage possession of alcohol.
— A 37-year-old man from the local area was stopped by police, likely for a traffic infraction, and was observed by the officer in charge to be intoxicated. As a result, the driver was arrested on the spot and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
— Middletown police officers arrested a 23-year-old local man and charged him with possession of weed (less than 50g), plus possession of drug paraphernalia.
Middletown, NJ Police Blotter: Feb. 22-27; Patch.com; March 4, 2013
Middletown Police Blotter: Feb. 13-21; Patch.com; February 23, 2013