Berkeley Heights DUI Lawyer

Berkeley Heights DUI LawyerA DUI arrest in Berkeley Heights can have immediate, catastrophic consequences, including a driver’s license suspension and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your car. If convicted on DWI/DUI charges, you could face even harsher penalties, such as fines, jail time, and increased insurance costs. That is why it is critical to contact a Berkeley Heights DUI defense attorney right away.

In the meantime, the steps to take after a DUI arrest include:

  • Don’t say anything to the police or prosecutors other than to ask for a lawyer.
  • Don’t refuse a breath or blood test, as doing so will lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension.
  • Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.
  • Make sure you attend all court hearings.

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we provide focused, experienced representation for individuals facing DWI/DUI charges in Berkeley Heights and throughout Union County, New Jersey. The sooner you contact our Berkeley Heights DUI defense attorneys, the more options we have to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Call us 24/7 at (201) 740-5804 or reach out now for a free consultation with our drunk driving criminal defense lawyers in Berkeley Heights, NJ. We have a nearby office conveniently located at 242 10th Street, Suite 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302.

What Is an N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 Charge in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey?

NJ 39:4-50 is the state’s primary DUI statute. Technically, the legal term for what most people call “DUI” is “DWI” in New Jersey, or driving while intoxicated.

There are several ways that drivers in Berkeley Heights and Union County could face a DWI/DUI charge:

  • Police can arrest anyone they catch operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration or blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
  • Drivers can also face DWI charges if their ability to drive is compromised because they’re under the influence of any intoxicating substance, including prescription drugs or illegal narcotics.
  • Refusing to take a breathalyzer test when requested by law enforcement can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension and other penalties similar to those for a DWI conviction.

Although a DWI under NJ 39:4-50 is technically a traffic offense, the penalties are still severe.

Depending on the circumstances and whether it is a first or repeat offense, penalties that drivers could face include:

  • Heavy fines
  • A driver’s license suspension
  • Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Jail time

What Is the New DUI Law in New Jersey 2024?

New Jersey’s DUI laws changed slightly in 2024 after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a 2023 bill into law. One of the most important changes involves ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Drivers now have the option to voluntarily install an IID on their vehicle while their case is pending, which allows them to keep their driver’s license during that time. If they’re later convicted and face a license suspension, the time spent with the IID installed can count toward that suspension. While it’s not mandatory in all cases, the option offers flexibility for drivers who rely on their vehicle for work or family responsibilities.

Another significant change is that plea bargains are now allowed in DWI cases. Previously, New Jersey law prohibited prosecutors from offering reduced charges in DWI matters. Now, plea deals — such as pleading to a lesser offense like “wet reckless” — may be an option, particularly for first-time offenders. A “wet reckless” is a reckless driving charge involving alcohol under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96.

These reforms reflect a greater focus on rehabilitation and flexibility for first-time offenders, while also allowing for harsher penalties in cases involving repeat offenses or driving with a minor in the car. If you’re facing a DWI charge in Berkeley Heights, the new rules could play a significant role in your defense strategy.

Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney for a Berkeley Heights DUI?

Is hiring a Berkeley Heights DUI attorney worth it for your case? Yes, without question. A DWI conviction can affect nearly every part of your life — your ability to drive, your finances, your job, your good name, and even your future opportunities.

Our experienced DWI defense lawyer understands the technical side of drunk driving cases, from challenging faulty breath test results and questioning field sobriety procedures to identifying issues with how the police collected evidence and more. With the recent changes in New Jersey law allowing plea bargaining, our lawyer can also help you pursue a reduced charge to help you avoid harsher penalties if that is the right option in your situation.

Without legal representation, you’re more likely to face maximum fines, longer license suspensions, and other penalties you could have avoided. Furthermore, a conviction can raise your insurance premiums for years and show up on background checks, which can impact your employment and eligibility for professional licenses. With our skilled attorney by your side, you’ll have someone who knows how to fight for a better outcome and minimize the long-term damage.

How Can William Proetta Criminal Law Help You?

Our Berkeley Heights DUI defense attorneys have a proven track record of helping people fight DWI charges throughout New Jersey.

Founding attorney William A. Proetta has handled thousands of criminal cases and holds advanced certifications that set him apart in these matters. He is one of only about 20 attorneys in the state certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) and one of just five recognized as an SFST instructor. He is also trained on the Alcotest 7110, New Jersey’s official breath testing device, so he knows how this equipment can give false results if the police do not use it properly.

Our client testimonials also showcase the positive impact we have made for countless people facing Berkeley Heights DWI charges.

We know the local system inside and out. Our team regularly handles cases in Berkeley Heights Municipal Court, which currently operates virtually, and we understand how Union County prosecutors and judges evaluate DWI cases.

When you work with us, you get personalized representation and a legal strategy tailored to your situation.

Some of the potential defense strategies we may use include:

  • Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
  • Questioning the accuracy of field sobriety or breath tests
  • Reviewing video footage for inconsistencies in the arresting officer’s account
  • Identifying procedural errors or rights violations by the police or prosecutors
  • Exploring plea bargaining options under the new 2024 laws

Contact a Berkeley Heights DUI Attorney Today

The sooner you contact William Proetta Criminal Law, the more our Berkeley Heights DWI attorneys can do for you. Call us 24/7 at (201) 740-5804 or complete our contact form now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced defense lawyer at our law firm.