New Jersey Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys
What to do When You Are Pulled Over for DWI in New Jersey
If any police officer pulls you over in New Jersey for any reason you should always cooperate with them. Citizens of and visitors to New Jersey have many rights, however. If these rights are invoked a police officer cannot commit any further actions against you. It is important to note that a police officer can only pull someone over if they suspect that a driver has committed a traffic violation of some sort.
Once an officer has pulled you over they should approach your car and inform you of why they have stopped you. You should always comply with any request of a police officer. If a New Jersey officer is suspicious of you or believes you are driving under the influence he or she will look first to see how carefully you hand over your license and registration. If you fumble for the documents or begin arguing with the officer you may be suspected of being under the influence. If they do not suspect you of being intoxicated they will cite you for your traffic violation and release you.
Always be polite and courteous with a police officer. It will not help you to speak more than you should or to be combative. It is helpful for the officer to see you in your car, so turning on your interior lights and showing the officer your hands can alleviate their suspicions. A New Jersey police officer suspicious of any driver's level of intoxication will ask if they have been drinking or not. A driver should always answer these questions in the presence of a New Jersey DWI defense attorney and it may be a good idea to inform the officer that you wish to do so.
Invoking your rights is one of the most important things you can do when stopped for a DUI in New Jersey. While you should never be rude or hostile toward a police officer you should always insist on your right to not answer their questions without a lawyer. While you may also refuse to participate in a field sobriety test you should realize that this looks extremely suspicious to any DWI judge hearing your case and can lead to further penalties later. You cannot refuse to take a breath sample test.
Because there are so many aspects of being pulled over for a DWI that can be legally challenged you should always contact an experienced law firm for assistance. Police checkpoints, why a police officer pulled you over, how they treated you and what the police officer did to determine your state of intoxication are all elements which our New Jersey law firm has handled for years.
The offices of Lependorf & Silverstein are one of the few DUI law firms in New Jersey offering free consultations to all potential clients. Our fees are never hidden and we are always upfront about what we charge for New Jersey DWI cases. Our office is located in Princeton but we can handle any case throughout the state including ones in Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison and Elizabeth.
Even if your case is already underway we may be able to help you. A DWI in New Jersey can be particularly damaging to your work and social life forever; you want only the best representation that you can find. We are available to our clients whenever they wish to speak with us and are one of the most professional and respected DUI law firms in the state. Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you or a loved one has been accused or arrested for a DWI in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.