Berkeley Township DUI Attorney

Berkeley Township DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI Charge in Berkeley Township? You’re Not Alone.

A DWI/DUI charge in Berkeley Township is a serious matter with the potential for severe penalties and long-lasting consequences. You could lose your driver’s license, pay thousands in fines, have an ignition interlock device installed on your car, or go to jail — all from a single arrest. Even a first-time offense can disrupt your job, family life, and future. That’s why acting quickly and hiring a Berkeley Township DUI attorney is critical.

At William Proetta Criminal Law, helping Berkeley Township residents contest DUI charges is a core part of our practice. Our DUI defense lawyers know the local courts, the common mistakes police make in drunk driving stops, and the best strategies to help you avoid the worst outcomes.

If you’re facing DWI/DUI charges in Berkeley Township, our DWI lawyers are ready to step in and fight for your interests. We’re available to discuss your case 24/7 at (201) 740-5804, so call now or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 1415 Hooper Ave, Suite 204 Unit B, Toms River, NJ.

How William Proetta Criminal Law Can Help You with Your Berkeley Township DUI Case

If you’re facing DWI/DUI charges in Berkeley Township, you need an experienced defense team that knows how to win. At William Proetta Criminal Law, we focus on helping people in Berkeley Township and Ocean County fight serious charges. Our team understands the pressure you’re under and the lasting consequences you could face. We can step in quickly, evaluate your case, and build a strong defense tailored to your situation.

Founding attorney William A. Proetta brings over a decade of Berkeley Township criminal defense experience to every case. He has handled thousands of charges ranging from DWI/DUI to severe felonies, and he’s earned a reputation for getting results in New Jersey’s toughest courtrooms. As a Middletown native, Mr. Proetta has built strong relationships with local prosecutors and judges, giving him insights that out-of-town attorneys might not have. When you work with us, you get direct, one-on-one attention from the attorney you hired.

Furthermore, Mr. Proetta is one of only about 20 DWI lawyers in New Jersey certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, and one of just five recognized as an instructor. He has also trained with the Alcotest 7110 breath testing device. That deep technical knowledge helps our team spot errors in traffic stops, challenge flawed breath test results, and identify procedural mistakes, giving you a stronger shot at beating your charges or reducing the penalties.

New Jersey DUI Laws: What You Need to Know

In New Jersey, the legal term for driving under the influence is driving while intoxicated (DWI). The police can arrest you on suspicion of DWI/DUI if they pull you over and a breath test shows your blood alcohol content or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. However, you can also face DWI charges for a BAC below 0.08 percent if the police can show you’re under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. That means having a few drinks can still result in an arrest if police believe alcohol has affected your judgment or coordination.

Refusing a breath test comes with its own penalties in New Jersey. For a first refusal, you face fines, an automatic driver’s license suspension, and a mandatory ignition interlock device, which prevents your car from starting if the device detects any alcohol on your breath. Repeat refusals carry longer license suspensions and steeper fines.

DWI penalties also increase with each offense. For a first offense, expect fines between $250 and $400, possible jail time, and having an ignition interlock device installed in your car for three months to a year, depending on your BAC. A second offense can result in a one- to two-year license suspension, mandatory jail time of at least 48 hours, and installation of an ignition interlock device for up to four years. A third offense includes up to 180 days in jail and an eight-year license suspension.

If the police arrested you in Berkeley Township, your case will likely go through the Berkeley Township Municipal Court. Local courts in Ocean County handle these cases swiftly, so it is critical to act fast and secure strong legal representation.

What Is the Best Defense for a DWI/DUI in Berkeley Township?

The most effective defense after a DWI arrest depends entirely on the facts of your case. Every DWI offense is different, so the right approach will vary based on how the police stopped you, what evidence they collected, and whether they followed proper procedures.

Some examples of potential defenses in Berkeley Township DUI cases include:

  • Improper traffic stop – If the officer did not have a valid reason to pull you over during the initial traffic stop, any evidence gathered afterward could be inadmissible.
  • Inaccurate breath or blood test results – Issues with improperly calibrated equipment, sloppy test procedures, or faulty testing devices can lead to unreliable BAC results. Our in-depth knowledge of BAC testing protocols helps us demonstrate any errors in the case against you.
  • Medical or health issues – Certain medical conditions can mimic signs of impairment or affect BAC readings. We can highlight these conditions to show how you may have registered a false positive on your BAC test.

Some people wonder, “Do I need an attorney for a DUI?” The answer is a definite “yes.” Our experienced DWI defense attorney knows what to look for in DWI cases, how to challenge weak evidence, and how to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.

What to Expect in the Berkeley Township DUI Process

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Berkeley Township, your case will most likely go through the Berkeley Township Municipal Court. After your arrest, you will receive a court date for your first court appearance, where the judge and local prosecutor will formally review your charges. From there, your attorney can begin negotiating with the prosecutor, reviewing evidence, and identifying possible defenses. Court sessions move quickly, so it is vital to prepare accordingly and have a lawyer who knows the system and how to seek a favorable outcome.

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we will guide you through each stage of the legal process, from your initial appearance to resolution, to ensure you understand what is happening and what comes next. Our law firm can gather documents, prepare for court, and keep you informed about deadlines, giving you peace of mind and strong legal support throughout the process.

Call Now for a Free Consultation with a Berkeley Township DWI/DUI Attorney

Do not risk the consequences of a Berkeley Township DUI conviction by not hiring a capable defense attorney. Call William Proetta Criminal Law 24/7 at (201) 740-5804 or complete our contact form for a free consultation with our DWI/DUI defense lawyer.