How to Avoid a New Jersey DWI
- Dan T. Matrafajlo
- Fri Jun 2023
- Accident,DWI,
- 0
New Jersey has some of the harshest drunk driving penalties in the country. With thousands of dollars in fines and up to 30 days jail time for a standard first-time conviction, a driving while under the influence (DWI) charge is not to be taken lightly.
Although your best bet is to avoid getting pulled over for drunk driving in the first place, if you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to immediately contact an experienced and aggressive New Jersey DWI attorney to protect your legal rights.
Tips on Avoiding a Drunk Driving Arrest
With the harsh and severe penalties in mind, what can you do to avoid a DWI arrest? Although it may simply not be possible to avoid getting pulled over in some instances, below are some steps you can take to mitigate your risk of a DWI arrest:
- Know the risks of drunk driving. If you are familiar with the safety risks you present to yourself, your passengers, and other motorists on the road, you are far less likely to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
- Know the penalties for a DWI. With the potential for thousands of dollars in fines, jail time, and other penalties, a New Jersey DWI conviction can cost you in many ways.
- Know the practical consequences of a DWI. In addition to the statutory penalties assessed by New Jersey law, a drunk driving conviction can cost you your job, get you kicked out of school, and face other life-altering consequences.
- Know your rights and obligations. If you get pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, it is important that you know your rights and obligations. This knowledge can help you avoid making mistakes that could lead to a DWI arrest.
- Don’t drink and drive. Again, the best way to protect yourself (and others) is never to drink and drive in the first place.
What To Do If You Are Pulled Over
The smallest mistake you make when you get pulled over can increase your chances of a drunk driving conviction. Our New Jersey DWI defense attorneys recommend:
- Stay in your vehicle with your hands on the wheel until the law enforcement officer instructs your otherwise.
- Remain calm and avoid looking or appearing to be nervous or scared.
- Act in a polite and courteous manner. You should answer the officer’s basic questions without raising your voice or appearing harsh or antagonistic.
- You are required by New Jersey law to submit to a breath test. However, if you are asked to do so and the Alcotest is administered improperly, your test results should be deemed inadmissible in court.
Contact Us Today!
If you have been arrested for a DWI offense, you should discuss your case, including any potential meritorious motions to suppress, with an experienced New Jersey DWI attorney. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, please call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-248-4404.
