DUI & DWI Attorney in Morristown
Dedicated to Providing Effective Defense for DUI and DWI Charges in NJ
New Jersey has some of the harshest drinking and driving penalties in the country.
Convictions for DWI/DUI and other serious traffic offenses can result in:
- Loss of license
- Jail time
- Installation of an interlock device
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Fees
- Surcharges
- Increased insurance costs
If you have been arrested for a DUI in New Jersey, get the help of an experienced Morristown DWI lawyer by calling The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura and scheduling a consultation.
Call our Morristown DWI lawyer at (973) 832-0841 now and get started on learning more about your case and what strategies to pursue.
What are the Penalties for DWI / DUI in New Jersey?
DWI Defense in New Jersey has developed into a complex, highly technical field that combines aspects of criminal defense with aspects of science and procedures unique to the area of DWI/DUI. You can visit the Motor Vehicles Website for a summary of the associated penalties. People often misunderstand that you do not need to be impaired or "intoxicated" to be convicted of DWI—it is a violation of the law to operate a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or above, regardless of the level of impairment.
Penalties for a DUI or DWI can include:
- Fines between $250-1,000 depending on whether this is your first offense
- License suspensions ranging from three months to ten years
- Jail sentencing
Unlike other states, New Jersey does not allow for a conditional or “worker’s” license, meaning a driver suspended for DWI cannot operate a vehicle for any reason. If a driver is caught operating a vehicle while under suspension for DWI, there are substantial enhanced penalties, including mandatory jail time.
Wet Reckless Defense in NJ
A successful defense for DWI charges will first challenge the results of any blood alcohol test administered to the driver by the arresting officer. When the blood alcohol results are suppressed or undermined, the focus will pivot to the actual impairment of the driver. One possible defense strategy is to plead what is known as a “wet reckless,” reducing the charge from a felony down to a misdemeanor.
Our DWI attorney in Morristown, NJ has successfully defended many DWI cases, in which the odds seemed to be stacked against the accused.
What is the Difference Between a DUI and DWI Charge in NJ?
DUI means someone is illegally driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while DWI means that a person was illegally driving while intoxicated.
The state of New Jersey sees no difference between the two acts, so the terms can be used interchangeably. Prosecution and sentencing is the same for both, as they are both included in the same set of statutes. Both acts share the same set of consequences, detainment, surcharges, license suspensions, and program requirements.
How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in NJ?
In New Jersey, a DWI conviction will stay on your record for the rest of your life. A DWI can affect a present DWI depending on the length of time between DWIs. For example, if you were charged with a DWI within ten years of your previous conviction, the second DWI will be charged with harsher penalties. If you receive a second DWI within ten years of your first DWI conviction, then the second DWI will become a first DWI. If you win a DWI conviction, there are still certain complications that can still arise from the case such as higher insurance rates, trouble passing job screening.
Can You Get Fired for a DUI in NJ?
In New Jersey, a DWI conviction will not prevent you from being hired or fired from a school job, but if your job requires you to drive, then your employer can fire you.
Refusal to Submit Breath Samples
Refusing to submit to a breath test in New Jersey is a separate offense in and of itself (N.J.S. 39:4-50.4a). Many people arrested on suspicion of DWI believe that the way to “beat” a DWI is to refuse to provide a breath sample. That may have been the case years ago, but the State of New Jersey has since closed that loophole by enacting stiff penalties for those that refuse to take the test. A first conviction for refusal carries a minimum 7 month loss of license (up to 12 months) and the same financial penalties of a DWI. (Note-the law on this issue differs from state to state, the foregoing only apples to the NJ).
Call our Morristown DWI Attorney at (973) 832-0841 now and get started on your consultation today.
Why Choose Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura?
Put Our Strategy to Work for You
-
We Strategize Based Off Each Clients’ Unique Situation
-
Extensive Knowledge That Equals Results
-
Complex & Aggressive Criminal Representation
-
Your Initial Consultation Is Free
-
Our Firm Believes in Transparent Communication
-
We Provide Personalized Attention to Each Case
Devoted to Our Clients
We Understand What it Takes to Win a Case
At Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"Knowledgeable, kind, and calm."The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura is outstanding. Knowledgeable, kind, and calm, their team showed unparalleled expertise and handled everything with aplomb in court. Compassionate and understanding, they resolved my situation promptly and eased my anxiety. Highly recommend.Steve D.
-
"I recommend him and would use him again"I was in a super stressful situation in which a driver was claiming I caused damaged to their vehicle while driving amongst other things..Mr Scura answered my initial phone call at 7pm at night, and was extremely knowledgeable and kind. He handled everything professionally, and in a timely manner always responding to all of my questions and obtained a very fair and optimal outcome in my case. I’d like to also mention he took all of the stress out of the situation for me at a time in my life that was immensely stressful! I recommend him and would use him again ( but hopefully don’t have to)A Franks
-
"I highly recommended Attorney Joseph S. Scura"I hired Joseph S. Scura for my criminal case in Superior Court. Joseph was able to downgrade this case to municipal court and at the end have the matter dismissed. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. Joseph was very supportive and never disappointing from the very start. I was able to reach out to him any time by text message or phone call with timely responses. His suggestions were very positive and genuine. I highly recommended Attorney Joseph S. Scura and his team for any criminal case.Pieter W.
-
"Joe Is An Excellent Attorney"Joe is an excellent attorney whose phenomenal research and analytical skills, and ability to anticipate the opposing party's next move help him and his client choose the best strategy for each aspect of the case. He helped me settle a case in my favor.Vera
-
"Skill and professionalism commendable."My dog and I were in serious trouble, and Joe Scura negotiated the best possible solution for both of us. He remained patient and respectful with me during what turned out to be a lengthy ordeal, but it ended well.Katherine
-
"Extremely knowledgeable Professional"I couldn't recommend Joe Scura and his team more highly. Five stars is not enough. An extremely knowledgeable professional who follows up promptly and maintains contact. He patiently guided me through the legal system and worked tirelessly to turn a potentially serious situation into a dismissal without trial. I hope that there will never be another situation where I would need an attorney, but if so, I would call upon Joe's services without hesitation.William
-
"Total Professionalism"Mr. Scura handled my court case in Hunterdon County recently with total professionalism. He made a very difficult situation for me less emotional and was able to help me reduce the charges and reach a settlement without further court appearances.Syndi
-
"Highly Intelligent and Quick Witted"Joe Scura is an outstanding lawyer. He's highly intelligent and quick witted. We won our case by Joe getting it dismissed. I'd hire him again in a second. I'd highly recommend his services to anyone in need.Kenneth