Certain New Jersey criminal acts elicit an immediate reaction by the individual who’s been charged and the public at large. In New Jersey, drunk driving charges are treated harshly, if there is a conviction due to the amount of damage that can occur as a result of it and the public perception that surrounds it. Those who are confronted with an arrest for driving while intoxicated might be under the impression that they will not be able to avoid the penalties that accompany a conviction. However, given the significant nature of the penalties the state assesses, it is important to lodge a strong defense to try and avoid conviction. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, it is possible to do so.
Being convicted for DWI can lead to losing driving privileges, being fined a vast amount and even being incarcerated. Some use their vehicles for work and cannot function without the ability to drive. A sentence in jail can lead to job loss and long-term issues that cannot be undone. It must be remembered that in spite of the severity of the charges and the onus of them, a defendant has rights. Many are unaware that law enforcement is required to follow certain procedures when investigating a driver who is suspected of driving while intoxicated.
When the traffic stop is made, there must be a valid reason for it. For example, an officer cannot stop a vehicle just because he or she feels like it. Once the stop is made, the officer has to follow other procedures when testing the driver for being under the influence. This applies to field sobriety tests and the breathalyzer test. There are instances in which the machine might not have been calibrated properly making the results invalid.
Given the ramifications of a conviction on drunk driving charges, it is imperative that drivers who are arrested understand their rights and how to defend themselves. The first step to that is to discuss the matter with a legal professional experienced in defending clients who have been arrested for driving while intoxicated.