As we slowly transition to fall there is still a great deal of sunshine and warm evenings to enjoy. The persistence of weekend parties and late-night gatherings will likely result in numerous drunk driving arrests throughout the Garden State by local and state law enforcement officers. As a New Jersey DWI attorney, I make it a habit to warn friends and associates to drink responsibly and utilize the services of a designated driver whenever necessary.
Morris County communities were recently in the news regarding police reports of intoxicated drivers stopped for driving under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs, sometimes even illegal drugs. The following are some examples.
Hanover Township
A recent drunk driving checkpoint netted several drivers charged with DWI by the Hanover police between Thursday, September 3, and the following Friday. News reports describe a 47-year-old man from out of state who was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as being issued a motor vehicle summons for possession of drugs in a motor vehicle. A second driver, as 37-year-old Wharton resident was stopped and charged with DWI and driving with a suspended license. Finally, a 61-year-old driver from North Caldwell, NJ, was arrested for drunk driving, as well as reckless driving.
An East Hanover resident was arrested for DWI in the early morning hours after she was pulled over for making an illegal turn on Route 10. According to reports, the 27-year-old woman was arrested after failing several sobriety tests, after which she was taken to police headquarters for a breath test. She was released to a friend after receiving summonses for DWI and making an improper turn.
Jefferson Township
A 24-year-old Wantage resident was stopped by police after the woman’s car struck a guardrail on September 10. She was arrested by police and charged with driving while intoxicated, as well as receiving numerous motor vehicle summonses. Police reports show that the woman was taken to St. Clare’s-Dover Hospital to be treated for minor injuries and was released, pending a municipal court appearance.
A 20-yeal-old local resident was charged with DWI and underage drinking during a motor vehicle stop on Espanong Road on September 7. According to police, the young man was cited and released, pending a court appearance.
An Andover resident was allegedly observed running a stop sign. The 27-year-old was charged with DWI, cited and released, pending a court appearance.
A Jefferson woman allegedly struck a parked vehicle while driving drunk with her eight-year-old son in the car. According to reports, the 33-year-old mother was traveling on Nolan’s Point Road on September 5 and was seen hitting a parked vehicle. She was charged with drunk driving and DWI with a minor in the vehicle.
Morris Township
A 27-year-old resident of Madison, NJ, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Old Turnpike Road just after 2am on Sunday. Police stopped the man’s 2000 Jeep and to administer a field sobriety test, which he failed. Police took the man back to headquarters for breath testing, which confirmed he was over the legal limit. He was also charged with reckless driving and for driving on a revoked license.
Police Blotter, DailyRecord.com, September 12, 2009