A drunken man driving a car with a bottle of alcohol in his hand.A man holds a driving wheel and a bottle of beer.

Union County DUI Lawyer

Are you facing a drunk driving charge in Union County, New Jersey? A knowledgeable attorney from our law offices can offer essential legal guidance aimed at reducing or dropping the charges against you. At William Proetta Criminal Law, our Union County DWI lawyers defend individuals against DWI and DUI charges with the goal of avoiding the long-term consequences a conviction could bring.

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation, and let us explain how we can protect your rights, freedoms, and reputation.

Importance of Working with a Union County DUI Attorney

DUI/DWI charges in Union County carry consequences that can negatively impact your life. Fortunately, you do not have to face them alone. An experienced Union County DWI defense attorney with William Proetta Criminal Law can help you by:

  • Evaluating your case– We’ll assess your circumstances and develop a strategy for handling your case.
  • Independently investigating the charges– We’ll thoroughly investigate your case from all available angles to develop a defense strategy to fit your unique circumstances.
  • Challenging evidence– We’ll dispute the evidence and build a solid plan to weaken the state’s case against you.
  • Representing you in court– If you choose to fight the DWI charges, we’ll argue your case persuasively and aggressively.
  • Seeking to minimize penalties– We’ll fight to reduce a conviction’s potential impact on your life.

Don’t make the mistake of facing state prosecutors alone. Instead, enlist our legal help and benefit from the skills, experience, and knowledge we’ve developed over many years of work for clients in situations like yours.

Types of DUI and DWI Cases We Handle in Union County, New Jersey

Our Union County, New Jersey, DWI lawyers can help you mount an aggressive defense to various DUI and DWI charges, including:

Overview of DUI and DWI Laws in Union County, NJ

While the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent, you could face a DUI/DWI charge for driving with any alcohol in your system, according to New Jersey law. You can also face DUI charges for driving under the influence of drugs, such as:

  • Hallucinogens 
  • Marijuana
  • Prescription medications like Xanax

Potential Defenses to DUI Charges in Union County, NJ

There are many potential defenses to DUI charges in New Jersey, including:

  • Inaccurate test results– Field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate indicators of impaired driving. If officers gave the test incorrectly, misread the test’s results, or used a faulty testing device, the evidence might not stand up in court.
  • Illegal traffic stop– Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop and probable cause to administer a breathalyzer or field sobriety test. Prosecutors cannot use evidence from an unlawful traffic stop as part of their case.
  • Medical conditions– Certain medical issues can cause symptoms mimicking intoxication, leading law enforcement to suspect drunk driving that has not actually occurred.
  • Constitutional violations– Violations of your right to counsel, your right to remain silent, or consent warnings could result in dropped charges.

Potential Penalties for DUI Offenses

The potential penalties for DUI charges increase with each additional alleged violation.

  • First-charge penalties – New Jersey uses a tier system based on the driver’s BAC levels to determine the severity of first-time DWI penalties.
    • 08-0.10 percent BAC– $250-$400 fine, up to 30 days imprisonment, ignition interlock device (IID) installed for three months, six hours of education at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) for two consecutive days, and $1,000 car insurance surcharge for three years.
    • 10-0.15 percent BAC– $300-$500 fine, up to 30 days imprisonment, IID installed for 7-12 months, six hours of IDRC instruction for two days, and $1,000 car insurance surcharge for three years.
    • 15 or higher percent BAC– The same penalties as a second-tier BAC level with a four-six month license suspension and concurrent IID installation. Your car’s IID must remain for 9-15 months after you get your license back.
  • Second-charge penalties – $500-$1,000 fine, 48 consecutive hours jail time minimum (maximum 90 days), one-two year license suspension, IID installed for license suspension duration and two-four years after, 30 days community service, and IDRC program completion.
  • Third-charge penalties – $1,000 fine, eight-year license suspension, 30 days community service, IDRC program completion, $1,500 car insurance surcharge for three years, and IID installation for license suspension duration and two-four years after. 180-day minimum imprisonment, but up to 90 days can be spent in an approved drug treatment facility.

All DUI/DWI offenses carry these fines in addition to the penalties above:

  • Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund: $100
  • Motor Vehicle Commission Restoration fee: $100
  • Intoxicated Driving Program fee: $100
  • Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee: $50
  • Safe and Secure Community Program fee: $75

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer or Blood Test in Union County?

New Jersey, including Union County, has an implied consent law, meaning all New Jersey drivers implicitly agree to take a breathalyzer test or blood test if pulled over for suspected drunk driving.

That said, yes, you can refuse to submit a breathalyzer or a blood test – but doing so could result in fines, license suspension, and required installation of an IID in your vehicle. The severity of these penalties increases with repeated refusal.

How Long Will a DUI Conviction Stay on My Record?

Driving while intoxicated charges are considered traffic offenses in New Jersey. This distinction means you can’t expunge a DWI conviction in New Jersey, as DUI/DWI convictions aren’t criminal charges. It will remain on your record, which is why it’s so important to focus on fighting the initial charges and reducing potential penalties.

Choosing the Right DUI Defense Lawyer in Union County, NJ

Whether you’re facing your first DUI charge or another DWI arrest, you’ll benefit from having experienced legal help during this challenging time. Choose a Union County DWI attorney with significant experience and empathy. The skilled attorneys at William Proetta Criminal Law know how to work diligently to seek a positive outcome in DUI cases, and we’ll approach yours with the empathy and care you deserve.

Find out what we can do for you when you contact us for your free consultation.