Seaside DUI Lawyers
Seaside DUI Lawyers
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with significant legal consequences. DUI laws are designed to discourage individuals from operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Violations can lead to serious and fatal injuries and severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. People injured by impaired drivers often find that their lives are changed forever.
At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, we are committed to representing individuals harmed in DUI-related accidents. Our goal is to educate and assist clients in understanding their rights, potential claims, and the legal processes involved.
What Counts as Driving While Impaired?
Driving while impaired is when a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit operates a motor vehicle.
In New Jersey:
- The legal limit for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent for drivers aged 21 and over.
- For commercial drivers, the legal limit is lower, at 0.04 percent.
- Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol (0.01 percent BAC or higher) can result in a DUI charge.
- Impairment due to drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances, also constitutes a DUI offense.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?
Penalties for a DUI conviction depend on the case’s jurisdiction and specifics. Common consequences include:
- Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Jail time, which can range from a few days to several years.
- Suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.
- Mandatory participation in alcohol or drug education programs.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device on the offender’s vehicle.
- Community service.
Repeat offenders often face harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and increased fines. Additionally, a DUI conviction can lead to increased insurance premiums and a permanent criminal record.
How Can a DUI Charge Affect My Life?
A DUI accident can have profound and long-lasting effects. These impacts are not limited to the immediate physical injuries but also extend to emotional, financial, and social consequences.
Individuals harmed in DUI accidents often suffer severe injuries, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The medical costs can be overwhelming, and you may face ongoing expenses for therapy, medication, and assistive devices.
The trauma of being involved in a DUI accident can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress. You may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. This emotional burden can affect your life, relationships, and well-being.
The financial impact of a DUI accident can be substantial. You may face lost wages due to time off work, reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous employment, and medical treatment and property damage costs.
The social impact of a DUI accident can also be profound. You may experience isolation. Relationships with family and friends may be strained, and social activities that were once enjoyed may no longer be possible.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record?
In New Jersey, a DUI offense stays on your driving record permanently. Unlike some states, where a DUI can be expunged or removed after a certain period, New Jersey does not offer such options. However, for insurance and legal purposes, the impact of a DUI typically diminishes over time, and its immediate consequences may lessen after several years.
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?
In New Jersey, drivers are subject to implied consent laws. This means that by holding a driver’s license, they agree to submit to chemical tests to determine their BAC. Refusing a breathalyzer test can result in immediate penalties, including license suspension and fines. While refusal may prevent immediate evidence of intoxication, it can still lead to DUI charges based on other evidence, such as officer observations and field sobriety tests.
How Can I Lawyer Help Me if I Have Been Charged With Drunk Driving?
A lawyer can significantly assist in navigating the complexities of a DUI charge in New Jersey. They provide invaluable legal experience, helping you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences. By scrutinizing the details of your arrest, a lawyer can ensure that law enforcement followed proper procedures and challenge any evidence that may be flawed or improperly obtained. This includes questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer results and the legality of the traffic stop. Such meticulous examination can lead to the dismissal of charges or a reduction in penalties, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
Additionally, they can advocate for alternative sentencing options like alcohol education programs or community service instead of jail time. If the case goes to trial, a lawyer will provide a robust defense, presenting evidence and arguments to support your innocence or mitigate your culpability. Overall, having a Seaside DUI lawyer increases your chances of a more favorable outcome.
Our Seaside DUI Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Will Fight to Protect Your Rights
If you have been charged with a DUI, our knowledgeable Seaside DUI lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC are ready to assist you. Your future and rights deserve dedicated advocacy. For more information, call 732-800-9474 or submit our online form. Located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.
Manasquan, NJ
Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: 8:30AM – 12:30PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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