Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic region overall. If you have been arrested for DWI while traveling on one of the highways or roads in the area, there may be many ways to challenge the charge, depending on your specific situation. The attorneys at Levow DWI Law, P.C. work with clients to minimize the impact of a DWI arrest on their future. Our Newark DWI lawyers dedicate their practice solely to this area of law, allowing us to keep up to date on groundbreaking developments that arise. Founding attorney Evan Levow is one of only five attorneys statewide who is certified as an instructor in field sobriety testing, qualifying him to teach police officers regarding the proper administration of roadside exercises. All of our lawyers have received intensive training in field sobriety test procedures, so we know how to identify any issues that could have been involved in the stop of your vehicle.
Since no case is exactly the same, each of our clients receives an individualized defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of their arrest. Our attorneys are not aiming to simply plead guilty for you, but instead we work tirelessly to gather and examine the evidence thoroughly, negotiate when appropriate, and litigate if necessary to ensure that a fair outcome is reached for your situation. The consequences of a DWI conviction can be significant, especially if it is not your first. Our DWI attorneys can help Newark residents minimize these consequences to protect their future. If you need legal assistance in the aftermath of a DWI arrest, contact our office today to find out how we can fight for you.
Understanding Your Options Following a Newark DWI ArrestNewark is the most populous city in all of New Jersey, as well as the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, there were 277,000 residents there. Newark is also a major transportation hub, with a total of 368 miles of roadways. The area is traversed by several busy highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, U.S. Route 22, and Interstate 280. These roads can be the sites of sobriety checkpoints, which have become more common in recent years. The Newark Police Department, the Essex County Sheriff's Office, and the New Jersey State Police are all within their jurisdiction to patrol in Newark. Additionally, campus police departments are in charge of patrolling the various colleges located within the city, including Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Newark DWI proceedings are conducted at the Newark Municipal Court, which is located at 31 Green Street. Since New Jersey does not grant the right to a jury trial in DWI cases, these proceedings are held before a judge. The court holds morning and afternoon sessions five days a week beginning at 8:30 am and at 4:00 pm. DWI matters are scheduled on Tuesday mornings in Courtroom 108, which also hears moving and parking violations.
When you are charged with DWI in Newark, the prosecution may pursue your case in one of two ways. A "per se" charge is based on a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, whereas a driving under the influence of alcohol charge concentrates on showing that a driver was impaired by alcohol. Moreover, if you are stopped and refuse to take a breath test at the scene, this refusal could result in substantial fines, ranging from $300 to $2,000, depending on whether you have prior convictions. You may also be subject to additional surcharges from your insurance company. Because of these potential consequences and other issues, it is important to consult an experienced Newark DWI attorney as soon as possible following your arrest.
Seek Legal Guidance for Your Drunk Driving ChargeAlthough DWI is not a criminal charge in New Jersey but instead a traffic offense, a conviction still carries with it the potential for jail time, especially if it is a second or third offense. Additionally, a DWI conviction results in a mandatory license suspension, which can greatly constrain your livelihood and ability to work. These serious consequences are some of the reasons why you should want to fight your DWI charge, even for a first offense. Serving people throughout the Newark area, the skilled DWI lawyers at Levow DWI Law, P.C. want to help you succeed. Call our office today at (877) 593-1717 or contact us online to learn more about our legal services.