Trying to Find the Best DWI Defense Firm to Defend You?
If you were arrested for driving while intoxicated, commonly referred to as DWI, in the Borough of South Plainfield, you are probably having a lot of stress trying to decide what to do, including selecting the right lawyer to handle your case. We believe that the decision you make regarding your defense attorney is a very important factor in the outcome of your DUI charge and encourage you to do your homework. A primary reason we say this is because there is no plea bargaining of your South Plainfield DWI offense as NJ law prohibits a downgrade or dismissal unless there is a bona fide legal issue placed on the record in open court and approved by the judge. It is therefore imperative that you select a lawyer with the knowledge, skill and experience to identify, if not create, sound issues to allow for a dismissal or downgrade. That is what we can offer you with credentials that include 4 former prosecutors, 3 who possess over 20 years in practice, 4 who are certified operators of the Alcotest, 2 Instructors in Field Sobriety Testing, and our own Draeger Alcotest 7110. Compare our qualifications with the other attorneys you may have discovered and we are confident that you will conclude that The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshallis a firm, if not the only one, on your short list. We can be reached anytime of day at 732-246-7126.
South Plainfield Municipal Court Map & Background Information
South Plainfield has a population of 23,385 and measures 8.361 square miles. It is located at the north west border of Middlesex County, with Piscataway Township and Edison Township to the east and west. The major roadway in South Plainfield is Interstate Route 287. The Honorable Spencer B. Robbins is the Judge presiding over cases in the South Plainfield Municipal Court and the prosecutors are Thomas J. Lanza and Paul R. Garelick. Court is held each Wednesday of the week at 9:00 a.m. and the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. The telephone number for the South Plainfield Municipal Court is (908) 226-7651.
New Jersey DWI Law – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50
N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 applies to all driving while intoxicated cases irrespective if the violation involves allegations of excessive alcohol consumption or drugs (e.g. DUI). The law basically prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while possessing a blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) of .08% or more, or while under the influence of a narcotic or habit forming drug, for example, marijuana, heroin, or prescription pain medication. The ways an alcohol based DWI are proved by breath test, blood test or through field sobriety testing. A drug dwi, something which people often refer to as DUI, is proven through urine or blood, coupled with specialized field testing by a drug recognition expert (except in marijuana cases).
Penalties If You Are Found Guilty of Driving While Intoxicated in South Plainfield
As you might have anticipated, the penalties you face if you are convicted of DWI depends on whether this is your first offense, second offense, or third offense. For a first offense, the mandatory drivers license suspension is 3 months for a BAC of .08-.099 and 7-12 months for a BAC of .10 or more. The fine and assessments typically range from $750-$950. A NJDMV surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years also applies, along with the requirement that a first offender serve 12 hours in the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (“IDRC”). A second offense carries a 2 year drivers license suspension, 2-90 days in jail, fines that usually approximate $1,000, 48 hours in the IDRC, and the same annual surcharge to the NJDMV as a first offense. A third offense triggers a 10 year drivers license suspension, 180 days in jail, fines and other monetary court payments that can reach $1,500, and a $1,500 annual surcharge for 3 years to the NJDMV. In addition to the aforesaid, Judge Spencer or another jurist sitting in South Plainfield Municipal Court, may require the installation of an ignition interlock in your vehicle.
South Plainfield NJ DWI Attorneys
There are many lawyers in the State of New Jersey that hold themselves out as experienced in defending DWI charges in South Plainfield. Unfortunately, these representations aren’t always accurate so it is important that you look beyond statements to verify the actual experience of an attorney (e.g. years in practice) and the concentration of their experience (e.g. how many DWI cases they actually handle each year). If you engage in a search where qualifications are your focus, we are certain that our defense team is highly suited to assist you. An attorney can be reached immediately at 732-246-7126.
