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Salem County DWI Lawyer

Need help with DWI charges in Salem County? Navigating the legal system and avoiding the most severe consequences of a DWI conviction is crucial. Whether it’s your first offense or not, a DWI charge can affect your driving privileges, financial stability, and freedom. Getting top-quality legal representation is essential when you’ve got so much to lose.

The Law Office of Steven Ellman can help. With 39 years of courtroom experience, Salem County DWI defense lawyer Steven

Ellman has a strong track record handling all types of drunk driving cases. He understands the stress and challenges of these cases and offers a committed, hands-on approach to fighting for your rights. Contact our law firm for a free consultation.

What Constitutes DWI in Salem County?

Under New Jersey law, you can face charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) if you operate a motor vehicle while your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. A BAC level over the legal limit suggests you have enough alcohol in your system to affect your driving ability negatively.

Even if your BAC is below 0.08, you can still face a DWI charge if alcohol or drugs impair your ability to drive. Furthermore, if you’re under 21, New Jersey’s zero-tolerance policy says you can face DWI charges if there’s any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while driving.

Possible Penalties for DWI

A New Jersey DWI conviction can lead to serious penalties, which vary considerably based on your BAC level and individual circumstances. Here’s an overview of the penalties you could face:

First-Time Offenses

BAC over 0.08 but less than 0.10 – Fine between $250 and $400, up to 30 days in jail, driver’s license forfeiture until you install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car for three months
BAC is 0.10% or higher but less than 0.15% – Fine between $300 and $500, up to 30 days in jail, license suspension, IID required for seven to 12 months
BAC is 0.15% or higher – The court will determine your fine and possible jail sentence. Penalties also include driver’s license suspension for four to six months and an IID required for nine to 15 months after license restoration.

Second Offenses

$500 to $1,000 fine
30 days of community service.
At least 48 hours and up to 90 days in jail
License suspension for one to two years.
IID for two to four years after license returned

Third and Subsequent DWI Offenses

$1,000 fine
30 days of community service
180 days in jail (possibly reduced to as little as 90 days if you participate in an approved rehabilitation program)
License forfeiture for eight years.
IID for two to four years after license reinstated
Other Penalties for All DUI Offenses

All DWI offenders in New Jersey must also:

Participate in the evaluation, referral, and program requirements in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC).
Pay an annual auto insurance surcharge for three years post-conviction.
Pay a $100 surcharge to the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund, a $100 Motor Vehicle Commission restoration fee, and a $100
Intoxicated Driving Program fee.
Pay a $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee and a $75 Safe and Secure Community Program fee.

Although a DWI is a traffic violation and not a crime in New Jersey, you could face additional criminal charges and civil penalties depending on the facts of your case. The prosecution might push for harsher penalties if you already have a criminal record or engaged in other criminal activity when the stop occurred. Or if your actions led to a car accident that injured or killed someone else, the victim or their family could file a personal injury case against you.

Defense Strategies for DWI Charges

Dealing with an intoxicated driving charge can be daunting, but there are several defense strategies your DWI lawyer can use to challenge the charges, such as:

Illegal traffic stop – Your lawyer could argue that the police didn’t have a valid reason to pull you over. If the stop was illegal, any evidence is likely inadmissible in court.
Improper police conduct – Law enforcement agencies must follow strict protocols during traffic stops and arrests. The defense focuses on whether police misconduct or procedural errors played a role in your arrest. Examples include a police officer failing to read your Miranda rights or using excessive force.
Faulty sobriety test – This strategy involves questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests. The court might deem the evidence unreliable if the tests were conducted incorrectly.
Inaccurate breathalyzer results – Breath tests aren’t foolproof. Your lawyer could challenge the breathalyzer’s calibration or highlight medical conditions that could have affected your results.
Mishandling of blood sample – If your case involves a blood test, your attorney could argue that there was an error in how your blood sample was handled, stored, or analyzed.

A successful defense could mean a more lenient sentence, reduced charges, or a case dismissal. You need a Salem County DUI defense lawyer to examine your case and identify the best strategy to pursue a favorable outcome.

Why Choose The Law Office of Steven Ellman?

New Jersey clients choose The Law Office of Steven Ellman for affordable, proven, and transparent legal services. Other reasons include:

Decades of experience – Steven Ellman brings over three decades of courtroom experience to your case. He knows the ins and outs of New Jersey’s legal system, which is essential in obtaining successful results for clients facing DWI charges.
Proven track record – Steven Ellman has a well-earned reputation across New Jersey for securing favorable outcomes in DWI and traffic violation cases. His record includes an 80 percent success rate in getting his clients’ charges dismissed.
Personal commitment – You’re not just another case number when you choose Steven Ellman. He gets to know you personally. This means you get a top lawyer who cares about your situation and uses that knowledge to build a customized case for you.

Contact a DWI Defense Lawyer in Salem County, NJ, Today

Remember that you are always innocent until proven guilty. The Law Office of Steven Ellman is here to provide the guidance you need if you have been charged with DWI in Salem County, NJ. Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you move forward with confidence.

Tell Us About Your Case

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Salem County 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.