Driving Under Influence of Drugs Attorney in Mercer County
Have you been charged with driving under the influence of Xanax? Marijuana? Heroin? Cocaine? Oxycodone? If so, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. New Jersey basically treats driving while intoxicated (alcohol) offenses and driving under the influence (drugs) offenses as one and the same. The potential consequences for anyone convicted of a DUI in New Jersey can be devastating. As you will see below, the potential penalties could include a lengthy license suspension, imposition of the interlock device, community service, high fines and jail time, even for a first time offender.
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, our attorneys are well aware of what a lengthy license suspension, let alone a jail term could do to someone’s life. As such, we have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and resources to obtaining specialized DUI defense training in order to better represent our clients. To set up an initial consultation today with one of our Mercer County drug dui defense lawyers, then please contact our office at 609-789-0779. One of our lawyers would be glad to sit down with you and discuss the specific of your case. We have been appearing in courts throughout Mercer County, including towns like West Windsor, Hamilton, Ewing, Robbinsville, East Windsor, Princeton and Lawrenceville for the better part of the last decade. So, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Charged with a Heroin DUI in New Jersey?
NJSA 39:4-50 is the governing statute in New Jersey for all DUI and DWI offenses. The statute states in pertinent part:
“A person who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, {or operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood} or permits another person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug to operate a motor vehicle owned by him or in his custody”
How Does the Prosecution Prove I was Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?
There are several different ways in which the prosecution can seek to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual was driving under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). They include the following:
- The Defendant’s Performance on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST);
- The opinion of the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE);
- The results of the Urine Sample;
- The results of the Blood Draw;
- The arresting officer’s observations (Ex. Slurred Speech, Bloodshot Eyes, Slow Hand Movement);
- The arresting officer’s opinion if the CDS is Marijuana.
What are the Penalties for a Drug DUI in New Jersey?
As touched upon above, even for a first time offender, the penalties for a DUI conviction in New Jersey are crippling. In addition, just like driving while intoxicated offenses (alcohol), the penalties for a second or subsequent DUI conviction drastically increase. Here is a breakdown of the potential penalties:
- First Offense Marijuana DUI Conviction:
- Fine: $300-$500
- License Suspension: 7 – 12 Months
- Fees & Assessments: $325
- Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center: 12 – 48 Hours
- Ignition Interlock Device: 6 – 12 Months
- Jail Time: Up to 30 Days
- 2nd Offense Drug DUI Conviction:
- Fine: $500 – $1,000
- License Suspension: 2 Years
- Fees & Assessments: $325
- Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center: 48 Hours
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 – 3 Years
- Community Service: 30 Days
- Jail Time: 2 – 90 Days
- 3rd Offense Drug DUI Conviction:
- Fine: $1,000
- License Suspension: 10 Years
- Fees & Assessments: $325
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 – 3 Years
- Jail Time: 180 Days
Marijuana DUI Defense Lawyer in Hamilton NJ
Keith Oliver Criminal Law has dedicated a significant portion of their practice to defending those accused of DUI, DWI and Refusal offenses. As you can see from above, the penalties, even for a first offense can be absolutely devastating. If you would like to set up a consultation today with one of our Mercer County DUI defense attorneys then please contact our Hamilton office at 609-789-0779 or you can contact us online. Our office serves all of Mercer County, including towns like Lawrenceville, Trenton, Hightstown, Hopewell, West Windsor, Hamilton and East Windsor. Our initial consultations are always free of costs, so if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.