Here in the Garden State, we have the most densely populated areas in the entire country. As such, it can be expected that the frequency of criminal and civil offenses will be that much more concentrated. Whether one believes that drunken driving continues to be a problem in counties such as Ocean, Sussex, Bergen and Hudson, local and state law enforcement authorities are on a more or less constant alert to motorists who are possibly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.
Impaired driving can encompass a range of activities, from driving while intoxicated by alcohol (such as beer, wine or hard liquor), operating a car or truck while impaired by a doctor-prescribed medication or pain killer, such as valium or oxycontin, or even an illicit drug like cocaine or marijuana. While alcohol and prescription medications are not illegal per se, their effect on a driver’s ability to control his or her vehicle can result in a chargeable offense. But, unlike these former two, illegal drugs (also known as controlled dangerous substances [CDS]) bring with them not only the potential for a traffic-related offense, but also the possibility of criminal charges as well.
The following news items are just a brief example of the types of arrest that take place every day in this state. As New Jersey DWI defense lawyers, my firm is committed to representing those individuals who believe themselves to have been falsely accused of drunk driving or drug DUI.
Fanwood Police Arrests
A 29-year-old Elizabeth, NJ, resident was taken into custody by local police following a late night traffic stop. According to police reports, the driver was pulled over for what appears to have been a routine traffic stop. However, during the roadside interview, officers detected what they believed to by the odor of alcohol emanating from the suspect’s vehicle. The patrolmen requested the driver exit the car and perform several of the standardized field sobriety tests. Unable to successfully complete them, the motorists was arrested on the spot and charged with DWI. Police released the driver to another responsible individual following processing an pending a court appearance.
In another instance, police reported that a 28-year-old driver from Newark was stopped by officers during the early morning hours along a stretch of E. Front St. The driver apparently had an active warrant out of Hillside, NJ, which was compounded by the officers’ discovery of what they suspected to be cannabis on the driver’s person. The suspect was processed for the marijuana possession charge and then turned over to the Hillside PD for the pending warrant.
Clark, NJ, Police Arrests
Officers took a 22-year-old man into custody in the Central Avenue area after apparently observing the suspect allegedly selling drugs. The Westfield resident was arrested and charged with CDS possession as well as intent to distribute. The man was reportedly processed and then released on $10,000 bond pending a court hearing.
Previous to the above arrest, in what likely began as a routine traffic stop ended up in the arrest of a Scotch Plains, NJ, driver who was allegedly intoxicated behind the wheel of his vehicle. The incident occurred near the intersection of Central Ave. and Raritan Rd. During the police stop, officers arrested the 34-year-old man and reportedly charged him with DWI. The suspect was processed and then released pending a hearing date.
Out-of-State Driver Arrested in Bergen County
Officers from the Glen Rock PD reportedly arrived at the scene of a traffic accident in which a New York resident’s vehicle hit a utility pole on the roadside in the area of Serafin Place. According to police reports, the driver allegedly fled the accident scene after losing control of his pickup truck and crashing into the pole. Officers were able to locate the injured man not far from the site of the collision. He was charged with careless driving, driving while intoxicated as well as leaving the scene of an accident. EMS crews treated the man’s injuries and then transported him to Hackensack University Medical Center for further treatment.
Fanwood PD Arrest Two for Possession, One for DWI; Patch.com, May 15, 2012
Police: Intoxicated Man Crashes Into Pole, Flees Scene; Patch.com, May 8, 2012
Police Blotter: Car Stolen From Ramapo Way Driveway, Patch.com, May 7, 2012
Clark Police Blotter: Items Taken From Cars On Carolina & Picton Streets, NJToday.net, April 30, 2012