As New Jersey drunken driving defense attorneys my firm understands how dozens of drivers every week end up being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and even prescription medications (drug DUI). It makes little difference where you live, be it Bergen, Morris, Atlantic or Middlesex County, the police are constantly on the lookout for potentially drunken drivers.
Over the years, driving while intoxicated (DWI) has become a serious offense in the Garden State, not to mention all across the U.S. Law enforcement agencies and the court system takes a dim view of motorists who get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of beer, wine and hard liquor. Of course, the state’s strict enforcement of and penalties for drunken driving does not alter the fact that anyone arrested and charged with a DWI or DUI is considered innocent until proven guilty.
As a former municipal prosecutor, I am well aware of the procedures and strategies used by the state to gain a drunk driving conviction. The following news items are a sampling of typical DWI and DUI arrests that can lead up to possible convictions for impaired driving and breath test refusal, among others.
Bridgeton
In a possible case of marijuana possession in a motor vehicle, a 26-year-old local resident was allegedly sitting in a vehicle in front of his home when police officers approached the car. According to police reports, the suspect then got out of the vehicle, at which time the patrolmen observed a bag of what they suspected was marijuana hanging from his pocket. After searching the man’s person, officers found additional marijuana on the suspect totally just over 30 grams. The man was arrested and charged him with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed in Cumberland County Jail in lieu of bail.
In another incident, a 41-year-old Bridgeton woman was involved in a traffic accident near the intersection of Burlington Ave. and E. Commerce St. According to police reports, the woman apparently left the scene of the crash on foot, but was apprehended a short while later. Officers apparently detected evidence of alcohol on the suspect’s person and she was arrested and charged with DWI. No injuries occurred as a result of the crash and the woman was released on her own recognizance.
Holmdel
Several drivers were arrested for drunken driving in the Holmdel area. Based on police reports, a 30-year-old Robbinsville man was charged with DWI following a routine traffic stop along a stretch of Rte 35. On the same day, another driver, a 26-year-old resident of Morganville was also arrested following a traffic stop along Rte 35.
In a possible case of underage drinking and driving, several 18-year-olds were arrested after the vehicle in which they were riding was apparently stopped by police for a routine traffic offense along a stretch of Rte 520. Officers likely detected evidence of alcohol on the five underage occupants, which precipitated the arrest of all occupants. The five teens — three from Oceanport, one from Little Silver and one from Shrewsbury — were charged with underage possession of alcohol.
A vehicle carrying two Holmdel residents was stopped by patrolmen on Laurel Ave for what was likely a routine traffic offense. The 29-year-old man and woman were both arrested. The male suspect was charged with possession of a CDS and an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. The female was charged with CDS possession as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police Blotter: Theft of contractor equipment; shoplifting; CDS and alcohol-related offenses, Patch.com, April 2, 2011
Bridgeton Blotter – possession of marijuana, driving while intoxicated, Kia stolen, NJ.com, March 29, 2011, 4:15 PM Updated: Tuesday, March 29, 2011