Charged with a DUI in Keyport New Jersey
Issued a summons for driving while intoxicated in Keyport? If so, you are not alone. Keyport, which is a rather tiny borough nestled in the northeastern section of Monmouth County has averaged more then sixty (60) driving while intoxicated arrests over the last three years. As you will see below, driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses are considered traffic offenses in New Jersey. Therefore, if convicted, an individual would not be scarred with a criminal record. However, that is about the only lenient aspect of DWI law in New Jersey. Even for a first time offender, an individual faces a lengthy license loss, high fines, insurance surcharges, imposition of the ignition interlock device and even jail time. To make matters worse, New Jersey does not afford individuals what has become referred to as “work licenses” or “restricted licenses” either. If you or a loved one has unfortunately found yourself in this situation and you would like to speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys today about your options, then please contact our Middletown office at 732.858.6959. Our office is located just a short drive down Route 35. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs. So if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us. Now here is some information on DWI charges in Keyport.
Where do I go to Court for a DUI in Keyport?
As touched upon briefly above, DWI offenses are considered traffic offenses in New Jersey. Therefore, the local municipal court in the municipality where the incident occurred is who has jurisdiction over the matter. So anybody arrested for driving while intoxicated in Keyport will be forced to defend their case in the Borough of Keyport Municipal Court, which is located at 70 West Front Street. With that being said, if the individual is charged with an indictable matter as well, like assault by auto, eluding, possession of heroin or leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury then the entire case must be transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court, which is located in Freehold for disposition. For more information on these specific courts, including the hours of operations, please click the corresponding links.
What is a Good Plea Deal for a DWI in NJ?
First and foremost, plea bargaining is prohibited when it comes to driving under the influence offenses. In fact, DUI offenses are one of only two offenses under the entire New Jersey criminal code whereby plea bargaining is prohibited. That should give you a good indication of how serious New Jersey takes driving while intoxicated offenses. With all that being said, exploiting significant issues within the states case can go a long way in an effort to resolve a DUI offenses favorable. Here are just a few of the areas that our Keyport DUI defense attorney look to explore when it comes to defending a clients case:
- Was there probable cause for the stop?
- What was the basis for removing the client from the vehicle?
- How did the client perform on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests?
- Was there reasonable articulable suspicion to request that the client submit to the Alcotest Machine?
- Was the Alcotest Machine operating properly? Was the proper procedure followed?
These are just a few of the many areas that our attorneys look to exploit. Furthermore, one of our attorneys has sought out and obtained specialized dui defense training, which includes not only being a certified instructor of the standardized field sobriety tests but a certified administer of the Alcotest machine as well. These are in essence the two key pieces of evidence the prosecution tends to use when attempting to convict someone of driving while intoxicated in New Jersey.
Is There Jail Time for a DWI Charge in New Jersey?
DWI offenses are enhanceable offenses, meaning that the potential penalties drastically increase for each subsequent conviction. Here is a quick breakdown of the potential penalties.
- 1st Offense Driving While Intoxicated Charges & BAC Reading Less than .10%
- 3 month Imposition of the Ignition Interlock Device;
- $200 to $400 Fine
- 12 to 48 hrs. in the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (IDRC)
- $3,000 worth of Insurance Surcharges
- 1st Offense Driving While Intoxicated Charges & BAC Reading Greater than .10%
- 7 to 12 month Imposition of the Ignition Interlock Device;
- If the reading is above .15%, then a 4 to 6 month loss of license as well.
- $200 to $500 Fine
- 12 to 48 hrs. in the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (IDRC)
- 30 Days in the Monmouth County Jail
- $3,000 worth of Insurance Surcharges
- 7 to 12 month Imposition of the Ignition Interlock Device;
- 2nd Offense Driving While Intoxicated
- 1 to 2 year driver’s license loss;
- $1,000 Fine
- 12 to 48 hrs. in the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (IDRC)
- 90 Days in the Monmouth County Jail
- $3,000 worth of Insurance Surcharges
- 3rd Offense DWI
- 8 year driver’s license loss;
- $1,000 fine
- 180 days in the Monmouth County Jail
- $3,000 worth of Insurance Surcharges
Need a Lawyer for a DUI in Keyport NJ
If you been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of marijuana, assault by auto, dui for drugs, eluding or any other offense for that matter in Keyport or elsewhere in Monmouth County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys have dedicated their entire careers to defending those accused of crimes in courts throughout New Jersey, including the Keyport Municipal Court. To schedule a free initial consultation today, please contact our Middletown office directly at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online.