DWI Defense Attorneys in Trenton, NJ Protecting Drivers Against Drunk Driving Charges and License Suspension in Mercer County, Somerset County, Burlington County, and Throughout The Delaware Valley / Greater Philadelphia Region
Being charged with a DUI or DWI can be more impactful and disruptive than you may expect. The consequences of a conviction can include heavy fines, license suspension, jail time, and a criminal record. Even a first offense can have serious consequences, and a first conviction will make any future charges much more severe. Instead of just hoping for the best while representing yourself, let a team of seasoned Mercer County DUI lawyers defend your best interests.
When you meet with our DWI defense attorneys in Trenton, NJ, at Cohen & Riechelson, you can benefit from a knowledgeable and committed team that is dedicated to drastically improving the outcome of your case. Local court systems do not take these charges lightly, and you should not either. We are prepared to defend you against your DWI and DUI charges through every step of your defense process.
The Primary Differences Between DUI And DWI Charges
People commonly use the terms DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) interchangeably, but there are some primary differences. DUI charges are primarily for instances where the driver is impaired by alcohol, whereas DWI charges are for those who are under the influence of drugs and other substances.
Police also charge someone with a DUI for having a blood alcohol content, or BAC, level of more than 0.08% for adults, and even less for minors. The higher this BAC level is, the more severe the charges can be.
It is common for officers to conduct a field sobriety test in either instance, but these tests are not always accurate, and we may be able to challenge them in court.
What You Can Expect After Your DUI/DWI Arrest
Knowing what comes next in your DUI case will help you better prepare for it. In most cases, the DUI/DWI process includes:
- Administrative license suspension: Many states suspend your license automatically unless you request a hearing.
- Arraignment: During this legal proceeding, the formal charges against you are read.
- Pre-trial options: Potential means of resolving your case without trial include plea negotiations, motion hearings, and diversion programs.
- Possible trial: If the case cannot be resolved through negotiations, you will need to present your defense arguments in court.
As your Mercer County DUI lawyers, we will advocate for your best interests through every stage of the process and meet any deadlines that come up along the way. We will prepare you for whatever comes next and ensure you have the information and guidance you need to feel confident about your case.
Developing a Viable Defense for Your Unique Case
Instead of applying the same boilerplate defense strategies for all of our clients, we take the time to learn about the unique information in every case we take, so we can develop personalized defense strategies for everyone. Depending on the factors of your charges, we may be able to pursue defense strategies such as:
- Improper traffic stop: The stop may have lacked probable cause.
- Faulty field sobriety tests: Poor instructions or medical conditions can affect results.
- Breathalyzer inaccuracies: Devices may be poorly calibrated or improperly used.
- Violation of rights: Lack of Miranda warnings or illegal searches can be grounds for evidence to be suppressed.
- Rising BAC defense: BAC may not have been over the limit at the time of driving.
By proving any of these defenses through a meticulous and thorough explanation of the evidence that supports the defense, we can fight for the outcome you deserve in your case.
The Legal Penalties Our DWI Defense Attorneys in Trenton, NJ, Will Fight Against
DUI and DWI charges come with more severe penalties, depending on how many prior convictions you have. These scaling penalties are why it is so important to fight every charge you face, including your first offense. Depending on what charges you were facing, penalties for a conviction can include:
- First offense:
- Fines, potential jail time, and license suspension (typically 6–12 months)
- Required attendance at alcohol education or safety programs
- Second and subsequent offenses:
- Heavier fines, longer suspension or revocation, mandatory jail, or community service
- Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirements
Aggravating factors such asa high BAC, a minor in the vehicle, refusal to submit to testing, or an accident with injury may increase penalties.
Our Mercer County DUI lawyers will act on your behalf to seek any methods of reducing the sentencing from a conviction or find any method of pursuing alternative penalties, such as probation.
The Collateral Consequences of a Conviction
In addition to the legal penalties that come from a DUI or DWI conviction, there are other consequences that can arise outside of the courtroom. After your conviction, you may experience collateral consequences such as:
- Lost scholarships, licensing, or security clearances
- Higher premiums on your car insurance or canceled policies
- Loss of employment or denied employment opportunities
- A damaged reputation among friends, family, and colleagues
- Travel restrictions, including in countries like Canada
Never make the mistake of assuming that your first offense will only result in a minor fine or possible mandatory courses, because you can also experience any of these collateral consequences. We recognize what is at stake, even for first-time offenders, and we are committed to helping you overcome your charges.
How Our Mercer County DUI Lawyers Can Protect You
From the moment we take your case, we will begin doing everything possible to help you. Our attorneys will scrutinize all the evidence the prosecution has, including police reports, body cam footage, and chemical test data. We will negotiate with the prosecution to seek reduced charges or possible participation in diversion programs. We can also help you request an administrative hearing to protect your license so you can continue working and providing for your family.
In cases where we must defend you in court, we will be prepared for litigation and present a strong defense to shield your rights, future, and freedom. We will keep you informed about how we are representing you, give you an honest opinion of how we expect things to resolve, and present you with any options you have in your defense.
Do Not Wait to Start Defending Your Future
The sooner you reach out to our criminal defense team, the more time you give our Mercer County DUI lawyers to develop a plan you can depend on. Call us at 609-528-2596 or email us here to schedule an appointment today.