Mount Laurel DWI Lawyer

Client-Focused DUI Attorney in Mt. Laurel, NJ, John B. Brennan Represents Those Arrested for DUI/DWI

Although driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated may seem like a simple mistake, these offenses are seriously prosecuted under New Jersey law. A conviction can mean jail or prison time, hefty fines and other surcharges, and the loss of your driving privileges. A conviction can have serious consequences on your employment. That is why it is critical to have an experienced Mount Laurel DWI lawyer on your side when facing DUI/DWI charges.

Having worked in the New Jersey criminal justice system for decades, including 25 years spent serving as a prosecutor, I have the experience to identify and develop potential effective legal strategies for your defense. A DUI/DWI arrest is a result of a terrible mistake that you shouldn’t compound by making bad decisions about your legal representation. Contact my office for a free consultation and for a thorough assessment of your legal options and the best possible outcomes available in your case.

Types of DUI/DWI Cases We Handle in South Jersey

A DUI arrest is often a high-stress “once-in-a-lifetime” event for many of my clients. However, New Jersey treats these traffic offenses with the same severity as many criminal crimes. As a DUI attorney in Mt. Laurel, NJ, I help those charged with different types of DUI and DWI charges including:

• 1st offense DUI: Challenging the initial stop and the Alcotest results to help clients avoid the ignition interlock requirements and heavy fines.
• 2nd offense DUI: Defending against the increased stakes of a second conviction, which carries a mandatory license suspension of one to two years and a minimum of 48 hours in jail.
• 3rd offense and multiple offenses: Providing an uncompromising defense for third-time offenders who face a mandatory 180 days in county jail and an eight-year license suspension. Unlike lower-tier offenses, the court has almost no discretion here, making a technical defense of the evidence your only path to freedom.
• Breathalyzer test refusal: Addressing cases where a driver is accused of refusing a breathalyzer, which carries independent penalties.
• Drug-based DUI (DUI-D): Challenging the subjective observations of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) in cases involving marijuana or prescription drugs.
• DUI with personal injury: Defending cases where a traffic stop escalates into an indictable “Assault by Auto” charge.
• Underage DUI: Protecting the driving privileges of young drivers facing “Baby DUI” charges.
• Commercial driver DUI (CDL): Safeguarding the livelihoods of professional drivers who face much stricter BAC limits and career-ending consequences.

Regardless of the specific charge you face, the State must meet a strict burden of proof to secure a conviction. Because I have spent decades in the courtroom, both building these cases for the prosecution and dismantling them for the defense, I know where to look for the cracks in the State’s evidence. My goal as a Mount Laurel DWI lawyer is to ensure that a single mistake or an error in police procedure does not result in a permanent disruption of your life and your freedom.

Consequences of a DUI/DWI Conviction in New Jersey

Although a DUI/DWI charge is technically considered a traffic charge, a conviction carries possible criminal penalties (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50). Depending on your individual circumstances or the facts of your case, you may be facing serious penalties, including the loss of freedom and hefty fines. The penalties for a DUI/DWI conviction include:

• 1st offense: Up to 30 days in jail, up to 48 hours of instruction at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), fines of $750 to $1,000, driver’s license suspension of three to 12 months, and a $1,000 per year surcharge for three years
• 2nd offense: Up to 90 days in jail, 48 hours of instruction at the IDRC, up to 30 days of community service, up to $1500 in fines, two-year driver’s license suspension, and a $1,000 per year surcharge for three years
• 3rd offense or subsequent offense: Mandatory 180 days in jail, 10-year license suspension, $5,000 of fines

A second or subsequent conviction will also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for the period of your license suspension plus a subsequent period imposed by the court.

Under certain circumstances, such as causing property damage, personal injury, or death, you may also be charged with an indictable offense, also known as a felony. Grades of offenses include:

• Fourth-degree crime: Charged under certain circumstances for a first or second DUI/DWI, such as causing property damage; may result in a prison sentence of up to 18 months
• Third-degree crime: May be charged if you have been arrested for multiple DUI/DWIs in the past; carries a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years
• Second-degree crime: Charged if you are also found in possession of drugs; sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison
• First-degree crime: Charged if you cause someone’s death due to intoxicated driving; sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison

The consequences of a DUI conviction in New Jersey extend far beyond the courtroom, impacting your financial stability, your ability to commute, and your professional reputation for years to come. With the state’s mandatory fines, ignition interlock requirements, and heavy insurance surcharges, a single conviction can cost you thousands of dollars and your peace of mind. As a former prosecutor and a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, I know that the best way to avoid these life-altering penalties is to challenge the state’s evidence before it can be used against you. When your future is on the line, don’t leave your case to chance. Partner with a battle-tested DUI attorney in Mt. Laurel, NJ, who has the “insider” experience necessary to fight for a dismissal or a significant reduction of your charges.