There are dozens of drinking establishments in Newark, from nightclubs to restaurants and liquor stores. Add these locations to the number of house and college campus parties in the area, and you get not only a thriving nightlife but also an increased risk for DUIs.
If you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is important to contact a Newark DUI lawyer as soon as possible to begin developing a defense strategy that can help you achieve a positive possible outcome. Eric M. Mark is a tenacious criminal defense attorney and could advocate for you during this time.
Potential Penalties of a DUI or Related Charge
Newark has strict DUI penalties. Upon conviction, first-time offenders who are accused of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood or higher face a fine of up to $400 as well as up to 30 days in jail, and a driver’s license suspension until an interlock is installed on their vehicle. The interlock must remain in place for three months. A DUI conviction also can net a first-time offender an insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years. Subsequent DUI offenses can increase these penalties.
There are other DUI-related offenses that can also carry fines, incarceration, and driver’s license suspensions, such as:
Driving on a Suspended License After a DUI
This carries up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, and up to 2 years of additional license suspension.
Refusal to Submit a Breath Test
This offense has a penalty of up to a $500 fine, license suspension and interlock requirement, or possible jail time.
Possession of an Open Container
Violating this law carries a possible $200 fine and up to 10 days of community service.
If you have been accused of any DUI-related offense, it is important to protect your rights during the investigation and court process by contacting a Newark lawyer as soon as possible.
What a Lawyer Can Do to Help
A Newark attorney could provide several services to assist clients who are facing the consequences of an alcohol-related traffic offense. They often investigate the reason law enforcement stopped the person in the first place, as well as the roadside sobriety tests they were subjected to and any physical disabilities or conditions that would have impacted the accuracy of the test. They will also ensure that the person’s rights were upheld during the investigation and that they were treated with dignity.
A practiced lawyer also helps their clients to develop a defense strategy to help them achieve the best outcome possible in their case. New Jersey’s DUI laws were recently amended to allow defendants and their attorneys the opportunity to plea bargain in order to get a reduced sentence.
If You Have Been Charged With a DUI, Contact a Newark Lawyer For Help Today
Whether they are challenging the results of a field sobriety, blood, or breath test or negotiating a plea deal, a Newark DUI lawyer will advocate for a person tirelessly during this time.
Call The Law Office of Eric M. Mark to schedule a 15 minute free consultation to talk about your legal options with a skilled attorney.