Hiring A Qualified NJ DWI Lawyer
“Does it help to hire a local DWI attorney?”
Videos on “How To Get out of DWI Charges” are listed below. Please Click Here to answer any other New Jersey DWI related questions that you might have.
Does it help to hire a local lawyer in a DWI or DUI case?
Answer: Kinda… but it’s not that simple. The concept of hiring a local lawyer applies in being able to utilize relationships with the prosecutor and judge. For example, my main office is in Hackensack NJ. I get a ton of phone calls daily from this area, so I come into contact with the Hackensack prosecutor and judge frequently.
They know that I am a competent lawyer, and if there are any loopholes in this case that can be exploited, they know that I will attack these elements aggressively. As a result, if I want into a room to talk about the case and we agree that there were several mistakes made in the arrest, the prosecutor is far more likely to negotiate some type of plea instead of risking a loss on the day of a trial.
On the other hand, if the arrest is iron-clad, there were no mistakes, and somehow there is nothing that can be challenged about the DWI case, it wouldn’t matter if the prosecutor was my best friend and the judge is my Dad. They will not negotiate based on the fact that my office is across the street. Instead, they will throw the book at you and shake my hand heartily as I walk out of the room. The fact that I’m a local lawyer only plays a role in assessing my competence when exploiting existing loopholes and potential challenges in your case. If those exist, it becomes a very good thing that the judge and prosecutor know who I am. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter.
My recommendation is to talk to a few attorneys licensed to practice in the state of your arrest, and you will know which one is ready to fight, and who is just after your money.
“These videos explain how we will fight against your DWI charges:”
Challenge the Initial Motor Vehicle Stoppage
Challenge the Field Sobriety Tests
Challenge the 20 Minute Observation Period
Challenge the Alcotest 7110 machine itself
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Charges in New Jersey
Does hiring a local DWI lawyer in New Jersey make a difference?
It can help, but only if the attorney is skilled enough to identify weaknesses in your case. A local lawyer who regularly appears before the same prosecutors and judges builds credibility, which can lead to better negotiations when legitimate challenges exist in your arrest. However, no amount of local connections will help if the case against you is solid.
How do you fight DWI charges in New Jersey?
There are several ways to challenge a DWI charge in NJ. A defense attorney can challenge the initial motor vehicle stop, question whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, scrutinize the 20-minute observation period, or attack the reliability of the Alcotest 7110 breathalyzer machine itself.
Can DWI charges be dismissed in New Jersey?
Yes. If errors were made during the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, the observation period, or the breathalyzer process, an experienced attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Each case depends on the specific circumstances of the arrest.
What should I look for when hiring a DWI attorney in NJ?
Talk to multiple attorneys licensed in New Jersey and pay attention to who demonstrates a clear strategy for fighting your charges versus who is simply looking to collect a fee. Look for an attorney who understands breathalyzer procedures, field sobriety testing protocols, and has experience challenging DWI arrests in court.
What is the 20-minute observation period in a New Jersey DWI case?
Before administering a breath test, New Jersey law requires officers to observe the suspect for at least 20 minutes to ensure nothing interferes with the test results. If this observation period was not properly conducted, it may be grounds to challenge the breath test evidence.
Can the Alcotest 7110 breathalyzer results be challenged in court?
Yes. The Alcotest 7110 machine must be properly calibrated and maintained according to strict protocols. If there are issues with the machine’s maintenance records, calibration, or the way the test was administered, the results may be challenged and potentially excluded from evidence.
If you think that my law firm can help you, please don’t hesitate to call me any time, day or night. I understand what you’re going through, and I’m here to help. I offer free consultations and you can call me anytime.
Legally Reviewed By:
Travis J. Tormey, Esq.
Criminal Defense Attorney | New Jersey