Bedminster NJ DUI Case Defense Lawyer
Being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be scary and not knowing where to turn to or who to trust can be nerve wracking. However, at Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we believe that hiring the right attorney, one who not only knows how to defend a DWI charges but who is also familiar with the specific courts can go a long way to alleviating most of the stress. If you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Bedminster, New Jersey it is essential that you speak to a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. New Jersey as a whole but more specifically, the Bedminster Municipal Court takes these offenses very seriously and tends to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. That is why we strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of an experienced DUI defense lawyer. If you would like to speak to one of Keith Oliver Criminal Law’s Bedminster DWI defense attorneys, then please contact us at (908) 533-1064.
Looking for Local Attorney to Handle a DUI Case in Bedminster NJ
The criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law defend clients charged with not only DUI’s but assault by auto, death by auto, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and refusal to submit to a breath sample in courts throughout Somerset, including in the Bedminster Municipal Court. We are well aware of what a lengthy license suspension let alone a potential jail sentence can do to someone’s life. As such we are dedicated to aggressively challenging the evidence presented against you in order to obtain a favorable outcome. In fact, we have sought out and obtained unique DUI defense training. One of our attorneys is trained to not only administer the Alcotest Machine but also instruct the standardized field sobriety tests. These are the two main pieces of evidence used in a DWI trial in New Jersey. Knowing how to counter the prosecution’s main evidence can prove to be invaluable when it comes to defending these types of charges. If you would like to have a one on one consultation with one of our Bedminster DWI defense attorneys then please contact us at (908)533-1064. Now here is some important information on how to defend DWI charges in Bedminster, New Jersey.
What to Know About DWI Cases in Bedminster New Jersey
Where do I go to Court for a DUI Charge in Bedminster?
Regardless of whether the New Jersey State Police or the Bedminster Police Department issued the DWI summons, the charges will be sent to the Bedminster Municipal Court for litigation. The Bedminster Municipal Court is located at 45 Miller Lane. Court sessions will be held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.. Miles Winder is the Bedminster Municipal Prosecutor and the Honorable Katherine Howes, J.M.C. is the presiding Judge.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a DUI Charge in Bedminster?
It is important to note here that New Jersey, at least for the crucial sentencing purposes, treats driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) charges the same. New Jersey prohibits plea bargaining when it comes to DUI offenses. In fact, it is one of only two offenses under the entire New Jersey criminal code where plea bargaining is prohibited, the other being possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Furthermore, since all DWI offenses are considered traffic and not criminal offenses, a Defendant is not entitled to a jury trial. They are only entitled to what is known as a bench trial. This is where the Judge, in this case Judge Howes, will be the sole trier of fact. It will be her decision and only her decision whether or not a Defendant is guilty of driving while intoxicated. For those reasons, we strongly suggest that you seek the assistance of an experienced New Jersey DUI defense lawyer. If you would like to speak to one of the Bedminster DUI defense lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law then please contact us at (908)533-1064.
Is there Jail Time for a DUI Charge in NJ?
Although DUI offenses are considered traffic offenses in New Jersey, the potential penalties can be more devastating than some disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor). Furthermore, DUI offenses are enhanceable offenses as well. Meaning that the penalties will drastically increase for any second or subsequent DUI conviction. Here is a helpful chart that show the potential penalties that one faces when charged with a DWI in NJ.
- First Offense DWI Charge: Reading Below .10%
- Ignition Interlock for 3 Month
- $400 Fine
- 12 to 48 hours in (IDRC)
- $325 in Fees
- Insurance Surcharges of $3000
- First Offense DWI Charge: Reading Above .10%
- Ignition Interlock for 6 to 12 Months
- $400 Fine
- 12 to 48 hours in (IDRC)
- $325 in Fees
- Insurance Surcharges of $3000
- Second Offense DWI Charge:
- Loss of License 1 to 2 Years
- $400 Fine
- 30 Days Community Service
- $325 in Fees
- Insurance Surcharges of $3000
- Third Offense DWI Charge:
- Loss of License 8 Years
- 180 Days in Jail
- 1 to 3 Years Ignition Interlock
- $325 in Fees
- Insurance Surcharges of $3000
DWI Offenses in New Jersey are Considered Traffic Violations
Just about the only lenient aspect of New Jersey’s DWI laws is the fact that it is classified as a traffic violation and not a criminal charge. That means that a DWI conviction will not result in a criminal conviction and thus a criminal history. The bad news is that since this is not a criminal offense, it cannot be expunged and will remain on an individual’s drivers abstract for the rest of their life.
Speak to a DWI Defense Attorneys in Bedminster New Jersey Today
Keith Oliver Criminal Law is an experienced DUI defense firm that frequently defends clients accused of driving while intoxicated charges in courts throughout Somerset County, including Bedminster. If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a DWI and is summonsed to appear in the Bedminster Municipal Court, we can help. If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation today with one of our Somerset County criminal defense attorneys then please contact us directly at (908) 533-1046 or you can try contacting us online via the chat function. These are very serious charges and should not be taken lightly.