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Reasons to Hire an Attorney When Charged With a DUI/DWI in NJ

Reasons to Hire an Attorney When Charged With a DUI/DWI in New Jersey

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are two different terms New Jersey uses for the same traffic violation. Charges apply when a person operates a motor vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol that impair driving abilities.

New Jersey takes DUI/DWI charges extremely seriously. After an arrest, you may face expensive fines, limitations on your ability to drive a vehicle, and possibly even jail time. For these reasons, many people feel understandably anxious after being charged with a DUI/DWI in New

Jersey.

However, some individuals make the mistake of trying to deal with these charges alone. Legal representation from an experienced lawyer is critical when facing DUI/DWI charges, as it can help you protect your future and avoid the harshest consequences. Attorney Steven Ellman has a proven track record of securing favorable results for people facing DUI/DWI charges in Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey. He is ready to put his experience and skills to work for you.

Contact the Law Office of Steven Ellman today for a free and confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help you navigate the criminal justice system.

Benefits of Retaining an Attorney in DUI/DWI Cases

Hiring an attorney for DUI/DWI cases in New Jersey can offer several key advantages, including:

Legal knowledge – A qualified lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the legal process and procedures involved in New Jersey DUI/DWI cases. Their familiarity with the nuances of NJ traffic laws and courts can help you feel confident as you prepare for the journey ahead.
Analytical ability – An experienced attorney can offer a comprehensive analysis of the circumstances leading to the arrest. If the police failed to follow the required procedures, your lawyer can use this analysis to seek dismissal of the charges.
Dedicated representation – Having a professional advocate at DMV hearings can make all the difference as you contest a license suspension.
Resources – A reputable DUI/DWI attorney will have access to expert witnesses whose testimony could strengthen your defense. Furthermore, a lawyer’s relationships with prosecutors, courts, and DMV officials will allow them to know which strategies will work best as they seek to secure a favorable result in your case.
Negotiations skills – Experienced attorneys are not only skilled litigators but also have the ability to negotiate for alternative sentencing.

Potential Defenses for DUI/DWI in New Jersey

Many people believe that DUI/DWI charges mean an automatic conviction. However, it is not necessary to accept defeat. There are several potential defenses a knowledgeable attorney may use when defending DUI/DWI charges, such as:

Questioning the legality of the traffic stop – If there was no probable cause for the stop, any evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible.
Challenging the accuracy of field sobriety tests – These tests have margins of error and can be improperly administered.
Exploring medical conditions – Conditions like diabetes or injuries can mimic signs of intoxication during sobriety tests.
Prescription medications – Some legal medications can cause false positives on breathalyzers.
Environmental factors – Conditions like weather or road construction can influence sobriety test performance.
Errors in chemical testing – Mistakes in how tests were conducted can put their results in doubt.

A knowledgeable attorney can consider these and other defense strategies to help protect your future.

Consequences of a DUI/DWI Conviction in NJ

Another reason for hiring a DUI/DWI attorney in New Jersey is that the stakes are so high. Even for a first conviction, penalties include:

Three-month license suspension
12 hours to 30 days of jail time
Fines of $250–$400
Annual $ 1,000 auto insurance surcharge for three years
Possible ignition interlock device installation for 6 to 12 months

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is deemed to be higher than 0.10 percent or you have had a prior DUI/DWI conviction, the penalties can become even more severe. Hiring an attorney can help protect you from the worst of these penalties.

Law Office of Steven Ellman: Proven Excellence in DUI/DWI Defense

Your choice of DWI/DUI lawyer may be one of the most consequential decisions you make at this challenging time. The legal team at the Law Office of Steven Ellman has a long record of success defending clients facing DUI/DWI charges. Reasons to choose us include:

Decades of focused experience handling DWI/DUI cases in New Jersey
In-depth knowledge of state laws, procedures, and players in the legal system
Access to skilled expert witnesses and partnerships with labs and toxicologists
Proven track record of achieving positive outcomes, including dismissals, acquittals, and charge reductions
Client-centered and customized defense strategy tailored to the specifics of each case
Compassionate support and clear communication at every step of the process

Testimonials from previous clients confirm our dedication to every case that comes before us.

Understanding the Costs: Attorney Fees vs. Conviction Penalties

While legal representation requires an upfront investment, the long-term costs of a DUI/DWI conviction can be far more expensive.

While every case is different, an experienced attorney can often get charges reduced or dropped altogether, along with decreased fines, improved probation terms, and other reduced penalties. When you tally up fines, surcharges, insurance hikes, suspended driving privileges, lost work time, and other costs, the serious consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Viewed as an investment in your future, attorney fees can be well worth the expense.

Contact a New Jersey DWI/DUI Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you have been charged with drunk driving in New Jersey, you probably feel overwhelmed with worry, anxiety, and fear about the potential consequences. However, it is crucial to avoid allowing these emotions to stop you from doing what you can to protect yourself and your liberty.

The most critical step you can take in this stressful situation is to consult with an experienced New Jersey DUI/DWI defense attorney today. Steven Ellman has the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to put your mind at ease, mount a strong defense, and work for a more favorable outcome in your DWI/DUI case in Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey.

Do not leave your future up to chance. Call the Law Office of Steven Ellman or contact us online today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options. The consultation is confidential and comes without strings attached.

Tell Us About Your Case

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Reasons to Hire an Attorney When Charged With a DUI/DWI in NJ

Hands down the best Attorney in South Jersey! I was charged with Careless Driving and DWI. I was broken and devastated. After reading his positive reviews, I chose Steven Ellman. He calmed my nerves and assured me that he would do his best. After months with the court, the DWI charge was dismissed and brought down to careless driving. He was a calming and confident presence in court and always explained the process well. I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. Highly recommended!

- CHRISTOPHER M.