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DWI Defense Leveraging More Than Two Decades of Experience to Protect Your Future

DWI Attorney in New Brunswick, NJ

Why Choose Our Skilled Team at Roberts & Teeter, LLC

Facing a DWI charge can be stressful and overwhelming. At Roberts & Teeter, LLC, we offer the experienced legal support you need. Located in New Brunswick, our lawyers provide personalized legal representation, ensuring that you always have direct access to our knowledgeable team.

In addition to our devoted attention, we pride ourselves on our accessibility. When legal complications arise, having an approachable legal team makes a significant difference. Clients in New Brunswick consistently appreciate our open communication, which includes detailed updates and the opportunity to discuss concerns at any stage.

Moreover, our firm is deeply rooted in the New Brunswick community. We have built a substantial network, including local experts and resources, which are invaluable when navigating the local legal landscape effectively. We leverage these local insights to deliver a defense that accounts for every possible nuance.

Facing a DWI charge? We offer free consultations, affordable services, and are available 24/7. Contact a DWI attorney in New Brunswick now to protect your future. Call (732) 607-5553 or reach out online.

Understanding DWI Laws in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the crime of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is primarily defined under New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) § 39:4-50. A person commits this offense if they operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater.

To convict you of a DWI, the state must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following elements:

  • Operation of a Motor Vehicle: This means you were in actual physical control of the vehicle. This can be a contested element in cases where a person is found in a parked car with the keys in the ignition.
    • Intoxication: The prosecution must prove that you were intoxicated. This is typically established in one of two ways:
    • Per Se DWI: The state proves that your BAC was 0.08% or greater, based on a breathalyzer (Alcotest) or blood test result.
  • Subjective DWI: The state proves that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that your mental or physical faculties were substantially impaired, even if your BAC was below 0.08%. This is often proven through an officer's observations and your performance on Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs).

The prosecution's case often relies on a variety of evidence, including police officer observations of your driving, your performance on FSTs, and the results of a breath or blood test. This highly subjective evidence is frequently ripe for challenge by an experienced New Brunswick DWI lawyer.

Classifications of DWI Charges in New Jersey

New Jersey does not classify DWI as a felony or a misdemeanor; it is considered a serious traffic offense. However, the penalties increase significantly based on the number of prior convictions and your BAC level.

  • First Offense: The penalties depend on your BAC.
    • BAC of 0.08% to 0.10%: A fine of $250 to $400, a jail term of up to 30 days, a license suspension until an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is installed, and mandatory use of an IID for 3 months.
    • BAC of 0.10% to 0.15%: A fine of $300 to $500, a jail term of up to 30 days, a license suspension until an IID is installed, and mandatory use of an IID for 7-12 months.
    • BAC of 0.15% or higher: A fine of $300 to $500, a jail term of up to 30 days, a license suspension of 4-6 months, and mandatory use of an IID during the suspension and for an additional 9-15 months.
  • Second Offense within 10 years: A fine of $500 to $1,000, a mandatory jail term of 48 hours to 90 days, a license suspension of one to two years, and mandatory use of an IID for two to four years after your license is restored.
  • Third or Subsequent Offense within 10 years: A fine of $1,000, a mandatory jail term of 180 days, a license suspension of eight years, and mandatory use of an IID for two to four years after your license is restored.

It is also important to note that a DWI charge can be filed alongside other offenses, such as reckless driving or possession of a controlled substance. A knowledgeable DWI attorney in New Brunswick will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Penalties of a DWI Conviction in New Jersey

A conviction for a DWI charge in New Jersey can result in a complex web of direct penalties and far-reaching collateral consequences that will impact your life for years to come. 

The severity of the penalties depends on the specific classification of the offense:

  • Incarceration: Jail time, ranging from a few days to a year for a first offense to 180 days for a third offense.
  • Fines and Surcharges: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands of dollars. You will also be subject to mandatory surcharges from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) of $1,000 per year for three years, and other mandatory fees.
  • License Suspension: Your driver's license will be suspended for a period of time, ranging from a few months to eight years, depending on the number of prior convictions and your BAC level.
  • Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You will be required to install an IID on your vehicle for a period of time, even for a first offense. The IID is a device that prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
  • Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC): All DWI offenders are required to attend and complete a program at an IDRC. The length of the program depends on the number of prior convictions.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a DWI can make it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a DWI conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

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What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

Roberts & Teeter, LLC is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

  • Committed to Communicating with Clients
    The lawyers at Roberts & Teeter, LLC are dedicated to keeping clients informed about their cases.
  • Unique & Personal Representation
    Our clients are not handed off to an associate; they work exclusively with the partners of the firm.
  • Exclusive Focus on Criminal Defense
    Roberts & Teeter, LLC only handles matters and cases associated with criminal defense.

Building a Strategic Defense for DWI Charges

Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned DWI attorney in New Brunswick, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

  • Challenging the Traffic Stop: An officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was illegal, all evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed.
  • Disputing Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): These tests are notoriously unreliable. We can argue that your performance was affected by medical conditions, fatigue, or environmental factors rather than intoxication. The tests are designed to be difficult to pass even while sober.
  • Questioning Alcotest Accuracy: The Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C breathalyzer device used by New Jersey police must be properly calibrated and operated by a certified officer. We can challenge the accuracy of the test results based on issues with the equipment, the testing procedures, or the 20-minute observation period.
  • Contesting an Officer's Observations: We can argue that an officer's observations of your driving or your behavior were subjective and did not prove you were intoxicated.
  • Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.

What to Expect in New Brunswick, NJ Courts

Navigating the New Brunswick court system is challenging, but we guide you with confidence and clarity. Our familiarity with local courts ensures effective representation, handling the intricacies of your case with precision. The Municipal Court, where most DWI cases are heard, has its own procedures and norms that we use to devise a defense strategy. We know the local system inside and out.

Our team is well-acquainted with the judges and court staff, allowing us to anticipate proceedings and make real-time adjustments to our strategies. This is crucial as local law enforcement often has recurrent patterns in traffic stops that we can scrutinize for procedural errors. We keep a close eye out for these opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and arguments, giving you a distinct advantage.

Our Commitment to You

Choosing Roberts & Teeter, LLC means choosing a team dedicated to your rights and future. Here's why clients trust us:

  • Experienced Attorneys: Our attorneys bring years of exclusive focus on criminal law.
  • No Delegation of Cases: We handle your case directly, providing the personal attention larger firms cannot.
  • Free Consultations: Our initial consultation allows you to understand your options without any financial pressure.

Our commitment goes beyond mere legal representation; it extends to building a foundation of trust and understanding with our clients. We take the time to learn about your life, values, and priorities because these insights are essential to creating an effective defense. 

Every client receives personalized attention, which is vital when addressing the unique aspects of each case. We collaborate actively with you in planning your defense, ensuring your voice and concerns are heard at every stage.

Your Next Step: Secure Your Future with Roberts & Teeter, LLC

Our commitment is to transform uncertainty into clarity, relieving stress by offering clear, actionable paths forward. Choosing Roberts & Teeter, LLC ensures personal, strategic legal defense guided by deep knowledge of New Jersey's legal terrain.

Reach out to us at (732) 607-5553 or fill out this online form for a supportive consultation. Let us shoulder the burden of navigating your DWI case while you focus on the future.

Representation Aimed at Results

Aggressively Pursuing the Best Possible Outcome for Each Client
  • Received No Loss of License 2nd Driving While Intoxicated
  • Case Dismissed 4th Shoplifting Offense
  • Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault
  • Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault & Possession of a Weapon
  • DWI Charge Dismissed Driving While Intoxicated
    Experience Wins Cases

    With nearly two decades of combined experience the attorneys at Roberts & Teeter have what it takes to effectively fight your case and protect your future. 

    Meet Your Attorneys