It may seem that bad things happen in groups, but this is probably just the law of averages in action. Still, the police in Passaic County had their hands full not long ago when more than a half-dozen motorists were arrested for drunken driving in less than three days in the Clifton, NJ, area.
As New Jersey DWI attorneys working in Passaic, Ocean, Bergen and other counties around the state, we know that this is just business as usual for local law enforcement. It must be remembered that not every drunken driving arrest results in a conviction. The penalties for multiple DWI or drug DUI convictions can be quite stiff, so it makes sense to contact a qualified drunk driving defense lawyer to discuss your particular situation. Here are some examples:
Hit-and-Run Accident
A 72-year-old Clifton man was arrested and charged with DWI on a Thursday evening when, according to reports, police responded to a hit-and-run accident on St. Andrew’s Boulevard. The officers detected signs of drunkenness when the questioned the elderly gentleman. Giving him several field sobriety tests to perform, which he could not, the officers arrested and took him into custody. He was charged with DWI after having his blood-alcohol content (BAC) recorded at 0.10 percent. Police also charged the man with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
Asleep in a Running VehicleThe next morning, just before 2am, police observed a driver asleep in his ’05 Nissan Altima near the intersection of Van Winkle and Highland Avenue. Approaching the car, officers saw that the keys were still in the ignition and they could hear the engine running. Police awakened the 32-year-old Passaic resident to question him, during which they reportedly detected signs of alcoholic intoxication. The man allegedly failed several field sobriety tests, after which the officers arrested him and took him to headquarters. After registering a BAC of 0.10, he was charged with DWI.
Car Accident on Clifton AvenueA 38-year-old Teaneck driver was arrested and charged with DWI following an automobile accident along Clifton Avenue. During the interview of one of the drivers involved in the crash, officers detected telltale signs of inebriation, so they administered several field sobriety tests. Apparently unable to successfully complete these tests, the man was arrested and taken into custody. Back at police headquarters, he was charged with DWI after measuring 0.24 percent BAC on a breath testing device. In addition to DWI, he was issued summonses for operating a vehicle on a suspended driver’s license and driving an unregistered vehicle.
CDS in a Motor VehicleAccording to police reports, police located a Dodge truck on Abbe Lane with the supposed driver asleep behind the wheel. The patrolmen tried to wake the 31-year-old Clifton man, but apparently could not rouse him. As the vehicle’s doors were apparently locked, the Clifton Fire Department was called in to open the vehicle. During the operation and while questioning the now awakened driver, police saw a white powder on the center console.
Asking the driver if he had recently used cocaine, the man reportedly told the officers, “not that much.” Following additional questioning and several failed sobriety tests, the man was arrested. At police headquarters, he refused any further testing and was charged with DWI, refusal to test, having controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in a motor vehicle, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police Blotter, Clifton Journal, NorthJersey.com, October 1, 2010