What You Need To Do To Avoid A DWI Conviction in Middlesex County
DWI is one of the few areas of law where plea bargaining is strictly prohibited. What this means is that neither the prosecutor nor judge in Edison, Piscataway, East Brunswick, Woodbridge or another municipality in Middlesex County can dismiss a driving while intoxicated charge unless there is a genuine legal that prevents the state from proving the offense.
If you want to avoid mandatory penalties that include a driver’s license suspension and thousands in surcharges, you will have to mount a meritorious defense. Training and experience in DWI defense is your best weapon for success since there is no way to avoid a conviction other than to convince the court that the prosecutor’s case is defective.
The DWI attorneys at Marshall Criminal Defense & DWI have unparalleled credentials with former prosecutors in over 8 Middlesex County towns, and three who are dual certified on the Alcotest and as Instructors in Field Sobriety Testing. What is even more impressive is that fact that our law office employees Colin Bonus, one of four lawyers in the entire state that specializes exclusively in DWI and DUI defense. Contact us anytime for a free consultation with one of our Middlesex County DWI lawyers.
Understanding DWI Traffic Stops
Police must have a reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation has been committed before they can stop a vehicle in Edison, Woodbridge, Piscataway or anywhere else in Middlesex County. There must be an observation of speeding, failure to maintain lane or another offense under the NJ motor vehicle law in order for order for a stop and ensuing DWI charge to stand. Equipment violations like a broken headlamp, non-operating lights or even tinted windows can also provide a basis for a stop. The advent of police scanners has created further opportunities for police in recent years (e.g. scanner indicates a suspended license, registration, etc.).
There are two exceptions where the a traffic stop can be made despite the lack of basis to believe a violation is being committed. The first exception is roadblocks which allow police to randomly stop motorist. The second exception is the community caretaker doctrine which authorizes stopping a car or truck if they can show that they possessed a reasonable belief that help or assistance is needed. A motorist driving excessively below the speed limit or sleeping in a car at an intersection are classic bases for a community caretaker stop. Click here for more information regarding DWI traffic stops. You can also call our law office at 877-450-8301 to speak to one of talented DWI attorneys in Middlesex County New Jersey.