What Is the “Reasonable Suspicion” Standard in a New Jersey DWI Case?
Just because you were charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey, it does not mean that you will be automatically found guilty on the charges. In order to convict you on a DWI charge, the state prosecutor has the burden of proving each element of the offense. This includes proving that the police did not violate your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
As a general rule, in order to conduct a search, seize property, or make an arrest, the police must have a warrant. However, the courts have identified exceptions to this rule. Courts have ruled that law enforcement can briefly detain an individual without a warrant and without “probable cause” to obtain a warrant, if the officer can show “reasonable suspicion” of some sort of wrongdoing. This is a lower standard than probable cause, a distinction that is most important when it comes to drunk driving charges under New Jersey law.
Defining “Reasonable Suspicion” Standard for Traffic Stops
New Jersey courts have held that law enforcement may only stop a vehicle if they are able to provide specific facts that support a suspicion of a criminal or motor vehicle offense. In other words, the officer must be able to prove that specific observation led him or her in suspecting drunk driving or other offenses, such as driving recklessly or with an expired registration. This is called the “reasonable suspicion” standard. Other reasons the officer might site to meet this standard include:
- Erratic driving
- Accident
- Speeding
- Making an unsafe lane change
- Driving too slow
If the officer is unable to provide such facts and is thus unable to meet the reasonable suspicion standard, the stop will be deemed illegal under the Fourth Amendment. It should also be noted that just because a police officer states that the arrest was based on “reasonable suspicion,” it does not mean that his or her actions actually met this legal standard. As such, it is important to hire a New Jersey DUI defense attorney to review the facts of the case to determine whether in fact the police officer met this standard prior to the DUI arrest.
Call a DWI Attorney in New Jersey
If you or someone you know has been issued a DWI citation or arrested for drunk driving in New Jersey, an experienced attorney can help. Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-355-7100 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
