DUI Charges in New Jersey? Don’t Face the Judge Alone – Your NJ Drunk Driving Defense Attorney Is Here.

As of December 2025, the following information applies. In New Jersey, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) involves serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. These charges are aggressively prosecuted. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides dedicated legal defense for these matters, aiming to protect your rights and future.

Confirmed by Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

What is a DUI in New Jersey?

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, in New Jersey refers to operating a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or under the influence of certain drugs. Unlike some states, New Jersey typically refers to these offenses as DWI – Driving While Intoxicated. It’s a serious traffic offense, not a criminal charge, but the consequences can still be life-altering, affecting your driving privileges, your wallet, and your freedom. Even if you feel fine, if your BAC is over the legal limit, you’re facing significant legal trouble. These laws are strict, and the state takes these infractions very seriously.

Takeaway Summary: A New Jersey DUI (often called DWI) is a severe traffic offense with significant penalties for driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or under the influence of drugs. (Confirmed by Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.)

How Do You Fight a New Jersey DUI Charge?

Being accused of a DUI in New Jersey can feel overwhelming, but remember, you have rights and options. The process of defending yourself can be complex, involving legal deadlines, scientific evidence, and court appearances. It’s not something you should try to figure out on your own. Here’s a basic overview of steps involved, keeping in mind that every case has unique details:

1. Understand Your Charges

   First, get a clear picture of what the state is alleging against you. This includes the specific statute you’re accused of violating, the reported BAC level, and any other circumstances, like refusing a breathalyzer test. An experienced nj dui defense attorney can help you decipher the legal jargon and understand the potential outcomes.

2. Collect All Evidence

   Your lawyer will gather all available evidence, including police reports, dashcam or bodycam footage, witness statements, and calibration records for the breathalyzer equipment. This evidence is vital for building your defense strategy. Sometimes, mistakes made during the stop or testing can weaken the prosecution’s case significantly.

3. Challenge the Stop

   A police officer must have “probable cause” or “reasonable suspicion” to pull you over. If the stop was unlawful, any evidence collected afterward might be inadmissible in court. This is a common defense strategy for drunk driving cases, requiring a thorough review of the initial interaction.

4. Evaluate Field Sobriety Tests

   Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are often subjective and can be influenced by factors like weather, road conditions, or pre-existing medical conditions. A seasoned dwi attorney new jersey will scrutinize how these tests were administered and interpreted to identify any inconsistencies or errors.

5. Analyze Breathalyzer Results

   Breathalyzer machines aren’t infallible. They require proper calibration, maintenance, and correct operation by the officer. Your defense may involve challenging the accuracy of the device, the way the test was given, or even the chain of custody for the results. Blood tests can also be challenged based on collection and analysis protocols.

6. Negotiate or Go to Trial

   Depending on the strength of the evidence and your defense, your attorney will either negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea bargain or prepare to take your case to trial. A plea bargain might involve reduced charges or penalties, while a trial gives you the chance to present your full defense before a judge.

Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the more opportunities you’ll have to build a robust defense against your New Jersey DUI charges. Acting quickly can make a real difference in the outcome.

Can I Lose My Job Because of a New Jersey DUI Charge?

The thought of losing your job after a DUI charge in New Jersey is a very real and frightening concern for many people. It’s not just about the immediate legal penalties; it’s about the ripple effect these charges can have on every aspect of your life. While a DUI itself isn’t a criminal conviction in New Jersey, the consequences can still be severe enough to impact your employment. Many employers view a DUI or DWI as a serious breach of responsibility, especially if your job involves driving a company vehicle, transporting others, or maintaining a professional license. Some employers may have policies that require immediate disclosure of such charges, while others might only discover them during background checks for promotions or future employment opportunities.

Even if your current job isn’t directly tied to driving, the implications for your reputation and trustworthiness can be significant. Losing your driver’s license, a common penalty for a New Jersey DUI, can make it impossible to get to work if public transport isn’t an option. This indirect impact on your ability to perform your job responsibilities can lead to termination or difficulty finding new employment. Furthermore, certain professional licenses, such as those for healthcare workers, pilots, or commercial drivers, can be suspended or revoked following a DUI conviction, making your career prospects incredibly challenging. This is why having an experienced drunk driving lawyer nj on your side is so important, not just for the legal battle but for understanding and mitigating these wider impacts on your professional life.

Blunt Truth: A DUI charge can absolutely jeopardize your career. The stakes are high, and protecting your livelihood often depends on a strong legal defense that considers both the immediate court outcome and the long-term professional fallout. It’s about more than just a fine; it’s about your future.

Why Hire Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your New Jersey DUI Defense?

When you’re facing a DUI or DWI charge in New Jersey, you’re not just up against a legal system; you’re often up against fear, uncertainty, and potentially life-altering penalties. This isn’t the time to go it alone or rely on someone who just dabbles in defense law. You need a dedicated, experienced team that understands the unique aspects of New Jersey’s drunk driving statutes and how to effectively defend against them. That’s where Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. comes in.

Mr. Sris and the team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offer a relatable, yet authoritative, approach to your defense. Mr. Sris himself has stated, “My focus since founding the firm in 1997 has always been directed towards personally taking on the most challenging criminal and family law matters our clients face.” This dedication extends directly to defending clients accused of DUI in New Jersey, ensuring a rigorous and personalized defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. We’re not just looking at the charges; we’re looking at you, your rights, and your future.

We understand the scientific nuances of breathalyzer tests, the legal requirements for traffic stops, and the most effective ways to challenge evidence presented by the prosecution. Our approach is direct, empathetic, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you. We aim to minimize the impact on your driving privileges, your finances, and your reputation, helping you move forward with your life.

When you choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you’re choosing a firm that’s committed to a thorough defense, clear communication, and unwavering support throughout the legal process. Don’t let a DUI charge define your future. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, United States
Phone: +1 609-983-0003

Call now for a confidential case review and let’s discuss your New Jersey DUI defense strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey DUI/DWI

What’s the difference between DUI and DWI in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are often used interchangeably to describe the same offense. Both refer to operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or being under the influence of drugs. There’s no separate legal distinction between them in the state’s statutes.

What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in New Jersey?

For a first-offense DUI with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10%, penalties include a fine, license suspension, IDRC classes, and potential ignition interlock device installation. Higher BACs or drug influence can lead to longer suspensions and more severe consequences, including potential jail time, making a robust defense essential.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in New Jersey?

New Jersey has implied consent laws, meaning by driving on its roads, you’ve consented to a breathalyzer. Refusal results in automatic license suspension, often longer than for a first-offense DUI, plus fines. It’s generally not advisable to refuse, as it adds another penalty to your case.

Do I need a lawyer for a New Jersey DUI charge?

Absolutely. A DUI charge carries severe penalties, and the legal process is complex. An experienced nj dui defense attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights, significantly improving your chances of a favorable outcome. Don’t face the system alone.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a DUI conviction typically remains on your driving record permanently. It cannot be expunged. This means it will impact future background checks, insurance rates, and potentially employment. This long-lasting consequence highlights the importance of a strong defense from the outset.

What if I was arrested for DUI but wasn’t driving?

New Jersey’s DUI laws focus on “operating” a vehicle, which can sometimes extend beyond actively driving. If you were in physical control of the vehicle, even if parked, you could still face charges. An attorney can review the specifics to challenge the “operation” element effectively.

What evidence can be used against me in a New Jersey DUI case?

Evidence can include police observations (driving patterns, appearance), field sobriety test results, breathalyzer or blood test results, and witness statements. Your attorney will meticulously examine all evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Every piece of evidence needs careful scrutiny.

Can a DUI charge be dismissed in New Jersey?

While challenging, DUI charges can be dismissed or reduced if your attorney can demonstrate procedural errors, lack of probable cause for the stop, issues with breathalyzer calibration, or other violations of your rights. A comprehensive defense strategy is essential for pursuing such outcomes.

The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has locations in Virginia in Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Shenandoah and Richmond. In Maryland, our location is in Rockville. In New York, we have a location in Buffalo. In New Jersey, we have a location in Tinton Falls.

Past results do not predict future outcomes.