Drunk Driving Attorney Middletown NJ
At the first sight of flashing lights and a cop’s siren may leave some wondering if they will need to contact a Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyer. This is sure to put most people into an immediate state of panic and anxiety. Nowadays, drivers may feel like no matter what they do or say, they will be viewed as guilty to the officer. Thankfully, there are dedicated and qualified Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. that you can rely on to help fight the DWI charge against you, or at least minimize the repercussions if possible.3 Unknown Facts About Drunk Driving Charges
Searching for a drunk driving attorney Middletown NJ has to offer might seem overwhelming at first. Anyone dealing with a DUI or DWI charge is likely under a great deal of pressure. At Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., we understand that drunk driving charges can be incredibly stressful. A successful DWI or DUI offense might depend quite a bit on receiving legal counsel from a drunk driving attorney Middletown NJ residents trust.
One problem that many drivers encounter is that they weren’t entirely aware of specific drunk driving laws in the first place. Each state can enact its own DUI laws and, in some cases, specific counties can enact their own laws. Even though many of these laws are similar, the exact penalties and punishments can vastly differ. As an experienced drunk driving attorney Middletown NJ has to offer might explain, understanding drunk driving legislation is not always easy. Take a look at some of the lesser-known policies regarding drunk driving:
1. It’s possible to be charged if you are riding drunk on a bicycle. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you would actually be charged.
Laws regarding drunk driving vary from state to state, and the exact definition of “driving while intoxicated” can vary, too. Some states consider “vehicles” to be any device that can be operated on a public street or highway, even if a device does not run with a motor. Other states only consider “vehicles” to be those that operate with a motor or operate above a certain speed.
In states that don’t allow for DWI charges on a bicycle, it could still be possible for a police officer to charge the bicyclist with reckless driving or public drunkenness. These charges are often considered less serious than DUI or DWI charges, as a seasoned drunk driving attorney Middletown NJ offers might know — but these are still serious charges nevertheless.
2. It’s also possible to be arrested for drunk driving on private property.Although this might not be as common as drunk driving arrests on public streets, it can still happen.
Most states allow police officers to stop and question any drivers if there’s reason to suspect that the driver is intoxicated, as an experienced drunk driving attorney in Middletown NJ could attest. This could include the parking lots of privately-owned bars, of convenience stores, or even stadium parking lots. Some states also allow police officers to press charges against individuals who operate golf carts under the influence. In these cases, it could be possible for an officer to arrest an individual on a privately-owned golf course.
3. Drunk drivers can be found guilty if they are involved in a car accident — even if another person caused the accident. This is because courts generally consider an intoxicated person to be one who is driving carelessly. If a driver is drunk, as an experienced Middletown NJ drunk driving attorney may confirm, the court is more likely to assume that the drunk driver was at least partially responsible for the accident.
In this type of situation, the drunk driver could potentially be facing multiple charges, or could encounter a more severe punishment for a drunk driving conviction.
Consequences of a DUI
A DUI is more than a ticket. Rather, the consequences can be considerable. A DUI can have a dominio-like effect on your entire life. Apart from the criminal penalties, such as fines, mandatory court reporting, rehab, jail time, probation, or community service, you may have problems with other areas of your life, such as:
- Loss of a driver’s license
- Loss of a professional license
- Loss of child custody
- Inability to work or live in certain places
- Limited travel ability
- + More
Depending on the severity of your case’s factors will depend on the severity of consequences. For instance, if this is not your first DUI, you can expect greater penalties. Likewise, if children were in the car with you, or you caused an accident, the penalties will almost certainly be greater.
Insurance Consequences
Following a DUI conviction, your insurance company may view you as a higher risk driver. As a result, they may increase your policy with immediate effect. An increase could be as great as 50%, and this can last for 3-5 years. In other words, if your current insurance is $1000 per year, it may now cost you $1500 per year. Should this last for 5 years, you will pay $2500 extra in insurance alone! Once many people with DUI charges understand this, they choose to call a drunk driving attorney in Middletown, NJ. An attorney is not free, but if he or she can reduce these charges or have them deferred, the financial consequences could be much less than what you would incur without legal help.
State Funded Legal Counsel
You might be thinking to yourself that you can opt to state funded legal help. What you might not realize is that this is not always an option. If you make more than a certain amount of money, you will likely not be given access to this service. If you do request it, a judge will review your financial records and make a decision on whether this is available. Furthermore, even if you can access this service, these people tend to be overworked with cases; thus, they will likely not be able to give your own case the attention it needs or deserves. This goes without saying that utilizing these services isn’t recommended, but rather, a decent amount of thought should be given to the idea first. Realistically, you should find out what a good drunk driving attorney in Middletown, NJ has to say.
If it’s my first DWI offense, can it be reduced to reckless driving?
In the past, decreasing a DWI charge to a reckless driving conviction was very much possible. But now, in some states, DWI offenses are taken much more seriously and reducing the charge may not be likely. However, what a Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyer can do is strategize in order to present you in the best light possible, in addition to finding weak spots in the prosecution’s case to help minimize the consequences you face.
Should I consider just representing myself?
It is not advised that you represent yourself when facing your criminal conviction. The reason for this, is because the stakes tend to be much higher compared to other offenses. Having a criminal record can impact your future for many, many years to come. You may find it harder to get approved for housing, college, jobs, and other opportunities. Legal proceedings can be confusing and complex, so having a drunk driving lawyer in Middletown NJ can provide insight that can be quite beneficial to your case.
What if I refused to take any sobriety tests?
Depending on the laws for your state, if you decline to take a field sobriety test, urine sample, blood sample, and breathalyzer test, your case may be viewed as a “refusal”. You could have your license suspended for up to a year even if you prove that you weren’t driving while intoxicated (DWI). This consequence is imposed simply because you refused to take a test. After your case is resolved and several months later, you may be able to get your driving privileges back with help from our Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyer.
How do I know if the officer was video recording my DWI arrest?
After your arrest, you must submit a request as quickly as possible for a copy of the video recording. You and your lawyer can view the video together. Your Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyer can go through the video and explain important points, both positive and negative, and the evidence that may be used against you. If the officer’s testimony in court about your arrest does not match the video, then your case could be dropped.
What if I am guilty of driving while intoxicated (DWI)?
The key thing to remember is that while it may seem to you like you are obviously guilty, there may not be a strong case against you after reviewing the prosecution’s evidence. DWI cases can be very technical, and aren’t as straightforward as you may initially believe. Based on the evidence brought forward, your drunk driving lawyer based in Middletown NJ may be able to negotiate a deal with the prosecution, in exchange for your guilty plea of the DWI.
Why do people hesitate to hire a drunk driving lawyer in Middletown NJ?
Some people aren’t sure whether to consult with a lawyer out of fear that they cannot afford one. However, there are defense lawyers who are affordable, even for a person who believes they won’t be able to pay off legal fees. Our drunk driving lawyer in Middletown, New Jersey offers free initial consultation for new clients too, so there’s nothing to risk by going in and finding out more information first.
Can’t I fight the DWI charge on my own?
While you may be permitted to represent yourself based on the laws for your state, it is ill-advised. If you are hoping to keep your license and endure the minimal repercussions possible, you are significantly more likely to get the results you want if you have professional representation. Your Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyer can talk with you about the details of your arrest, and then develop a strategy for how to fight the DUI charge.
Can I get the DWI charge decreased to a “wet and reckless”?
In past years, there have been cases where drivers who were originally arrested for a DWI get their conviction decreased to a wet and reckless charge instead. Wet and reckless usually has less severe consequences than a DWI. But, laws have started to toughen up on DUI cases and getting it changed to a less serious offense isn’t as easy as it once was. That is why it is important to hire Middletown NJ drunk driving lawyer. Our professionals will tell you that in the state of New Jersey, your charge cannot be reduced to “wet and reckless.”
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you may not want to face those charges alone. For a drunk driving attorney Middletown NJ residents can trust, contact Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. today.
At Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., we remain dedicated to each and every client’ case. Guided by a determination and focus, our skill set enables us to utilize strong defenses that get results. By having Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., on your side, it is possible to obtain an outcome that suits your interests and overall well being. DUIs are nothing to take lightly; therefore, the sooner you call a drunk driving attorney in Middletown, NJ, the better.