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Passaic County, NJ DWI Lawyer

Passaic County, NJ DWI Attorneys

New Jersey law enforcement agencies arrested over 20,000 drivers in a recent year on suspicion of drunk driving. Many of those arrested likely lost their driving privileges, paid fines, and spent time in jail. If you face driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges, a lawyer can fight to protect you from harsh penalties and a negative driving record.

At the Law Office of Steven Ellman, our Passaic County DWI attorney has decades of experience helping clients through challenging legal circumstances. We handle all types of DWI and DUI cases, including first

or repeat offenses and underage drivers. It costs nothing for you to speak with a DWI attorney about your case, so learning more about your rights comes with absolutely no risk. Contact our award-winning law firm today for a free consultation.

What Is a DWI/DUI in Passaic County?

In Passaic County and the entire state of New Jersey, the legal definitions of DWI and DUI are interchangeable. They both refer to the unlawful act of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Passaic County is 0.08 percent. If a chemical test shows that your BAC is at or above this limit, you face a potential DWI/DUI charge. However, a single alcoholic beverage can affect your judgment and reaction time – even if you are not legally intoxicated at the time of the traffic stop. A police officer may arrest you on suspicion of impaired driving even if your BAC is less than 0.08 percent.

A DUI lawyer in Passaic County can help you understand the charges against you. They can also seek ways to decrease the potential legal and financial consequences with a strategic and vigorous defense.

Drunk Driving Penalties in Passaic County

Penalties for a DWI in Passaic County are harsh. They escalate based on your alleged BAC and prior DWI/DUI convictions. Aggravating factors can also have an effect, such as a DWI with a minor in the vehicle, an accident that results in serious bodily injury or property damage, or an underage driver. Here is a guide to what to expect for a DWI conviction in Passaic County:

First DWI with BAC Between 0.08 and 0.10 Percent

Fines from $250 to $400
Required ignition interlock device (IID) for at least three months
12 hours of instruction at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
$1,000 annual auto insurance surcharge for three years
Up to 30 days in jail

First DWI with BAC Between 0.10 and 0.15 Percent

Fines from $300 to $500
Required IID for at least seven months to one year
12 hours of instruction at an IDRC
$1,000 annual auto insurance surcharge for three years
Up to 30 days in jail

Second DWI Offense

Fines from $500 to $1,000
License suspension for one to two years
Required IID during suspension and up to four years after license restoration
Completion of required IDRC
30 days of community service
$1,000 annual auto insurance surcharge for three years
48 hours to 90 days in jail

Third DWI Offense

$1,000 fine
License suspension for a minimum of eight years
Required IID during suspension and up to four years after license restoration
Completion of required IDRC program
30 days of community service
$1,500 annual auto insurance surcharge for three years
180 days in jail, with court’s option of substituting up to 90 days in a treatment program

All DWI Offenses

$100 Motor Vehicle Commission restoration fee
$100 Intoxicated Driving Program fee
$100 surcharge to Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund
$75 fee to the Safe and Secure Community Program
$50 Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee

Why Do I Need a Passaic County DWI/DUI Defense Attorney?

Few people are comfortable navigating complex legal issues, and even fewer can do it effectively. The prosecution has trained lawyers whose job is to obtain a conviction. It is only fair that you have a qualified attorney who can form a strong defense. There are many benefits of hiring a DWI lawyer in Passaic County, including:

Extensive experience in DWI cases – A skilled DWI/DUI attorney brings a wealth of experience handling similar cases. Their familiarity with the intricacies of DWI laws and legal precedents allows them to navigate your case with insight and nuance.
Strategic defense skills – With over 35 years of legal experience, the Law Office of Steven Ellman can assess your case and pinpoint potential weaknesses, such as questionable DWI test results or an unlawful traffic stop.
Established professional relationships – A DWI attorney with local ties often has good working relationships with Passaic County courts, prosecutors, and judges. These established roots can boost negotiation efforts.
Exceptional litigation capabilities – Other times, the best result is only available by fighting it out before the court. An experienced DWI defense attorney gives you more options for pursuing a solid defense, whatever that entails.
Dedicated protection of driver’s rights – A DWI license suspension makes working, attending school, or caring for family impossible. Having a DWI attorney defending your driving privileges can alleviate this burden.
Deep network of resources – A well-established DWI/DUI attorney often has a deep network of resources and subject experts to support your defense.
Legal protection – You have the right to legal counsel and to avoid self-incrimination. A DWI attorney defends your civil rights throughout the process.

Contact Our Passaic County, NJ DWI Lawyers Now

You cannot change past decisions or actions. But by contacting an experienced, you could positively impact your future. The Law Office of Steven Ellman is an established, results-driven firm dedicated to helping clients with DWI and other serious charges. We have the resources and knowledge to examine the evidence, question witnesses, and challenge DWI test results.

If you face a potential DWI conviction, reach out to a criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Steven Ellman. You deserve an experienced legal advocate looking out for your best interest. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with a Passaic County DWI attorney.

Tell Us About Your Case

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Passaic County, NJ DWI Lawyer

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.