Red Bank DUI Lawyers

If you or a loved one is facing charges related to driving under the influence (DUI) in Red Bank, New Jersey, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your legal options. At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, we understand the serious consequences of a DUI conviction, and our experienced legal team is here to help. We provide aggressive, personalized representation to help protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.

What Is a DUI in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a DUI charge refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The law specifically prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, you can also face a DUI charge if drugs, including prescription or over-the-counter medication, impair your ability to drive safely.

New Jersey enforces strict penalties for DUI offenses, and a conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and even jail time. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Red Bank, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible to understand your rights and options.

Common DUI Charges in Red Bank

There are a few different DUI-related offenses you could be charged with in New Jersey, each carrying its own penalties:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): This charge is for driving with a BAC of 0.08% or more. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory driving courses, and potential jail time.
• Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test: If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test when asked by an officer, you can face penalties, including automatic license suspension, fines, and other consequences.
• Drug DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescription, illegal, or over-the-counter, can result in DUI charges. Police may rely on field sobriety tests or blood tests to prove drug impairment.
• Underage DUI: New Jersey has a Zero Tolerance Law for drivers under 21 years old. If a minor is caught driving with a BAC above 0.01%, they can face DUI charges, even if their BAC is lower than the legal limit for adults.

Understanding the specifics of your charge is key to developing an effective defense. The Red Bank DUI lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can help guide you through the complexities of DUI laws and work to mitigate the potential impact on your life.

Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Red Bank

A DUI conviction in New Jersey carries serious consequences, some of which can affect your personal and professional life for years to come. The penalties depend on factors such as your BAC at the time of the arrest, whether it was a first or repeat offense, and if there were any aggravating factors (such as causing an accident or having a child passenger).

For a First DUI Offense, Penalties May Include:

• A fine ranging from $250 to $400.
• License suspension for three months.
• 12-48 hours of mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC).
• Possible jail time (up to 30 days).
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle if your BAC was 0.15% or higher.

For a Second DUI Offense, Penalties Increase and May Include:

• A fine ranging from $500 to $1,000.
• License suspension for two years.
• 48 hours to 90 days in the IDRC.
• Possible jail time (up to 90 days).
• Installation of an IID.
• Community service requirements.

For a Third DUI Offense:

• A fine ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
• License suspension for 10 years.
• Up to 180 days in jail.
• Installation of an IID.
• Mandatory community service.

These penalties show just how severe the consequences can be if convicted. In some cases, a DUI conviction may also lead to increased insurance premiums and difficulty obtaining employment.

Defenses Against DUI Charges in Red Bank

While a DUI charge is serious, there are several defense strategies that may help reduce or even dismiss the charges against you. The right defense approach depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.

Here are some potential defenses:

• Illegal Traffic Stop: If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to stop your vehicle, any evidence gathered during the stop may be inadmissible in court. Our lawyers will review the circumstances surrounding your traffic stop to determine if it was conducted legally.
• Improper Administration of Field Sobriety Tests: Officers are required to administer field sobriety tests in a specific manner. If they fail to follow the proper protocol, it could weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Breathalyzer Test Malfunction: Breathalyzer devices can malfunction, providing inaccurate readings. Our lawyers will examine whether the device was properly maintained, calibrated, and operated at the time of your test.
• Drug Impairment: If you were charged with drug DUI, we may be able to challenge the results of blood tests or the method used to test for impairment. In some cases, the presence of certain medications does not necessarily mean you are impaired.
• Medical Conditions or External Factors: Certain medical conditions or external factors (such as fatigue or illness) can cause behaviors that resemble impairment but are not related to alcohol or drugs. We may be able to use this information in your defense.

Why Choose Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC?

At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, we bring years of experience and a deep understanding of DUI law to every case we handle. We know how to analyze the evidence, challenge procedural mistakes, and develop strategies designed to protect your future. Our legal team will fight aggressively on your behalf to minimize the impact of the charges, whether through negotiation or trial.

We are committed to providing compassionate legal support while working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. From the moment you contact our firm, we will prioritize your case and guide you through each step of the legal process.

Contact the Skilled Red Bank DUI Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Today

If you are facing a DUI charge, it’s important to take immediate action. The sooner you contact an experienced lawyer, the better chance you have of minimizing the impact of the charges. At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your options. Let us protect your rights and work for the best possible outcome. Call the Red Bank DUI lawyers at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. Located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, and throughout New Jersey.