Newark DWI Attorney

Newark DWI AttorneyIf you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Newark, you might be anxious and unsure of what comes next. A DUI or DWI charge is more than just a minor traffic offense under New Jersey law. It’s a serious criminal matter with potentially life-changing consequences, including hefty fines, driver’s license suspensions, and even jail time.

Under New Jersey’s drunk driving statute, even a first-time DUI can carry stiff penalties. In Newark alone, arrests for impaired driving are common, especially around high-traffic areas like McCarter Highway, Route 21, and the Ironbound district. However, just because you were charged does not mean you are guilty.

Working with a Newark DUI defense attorney who knows the local court and understands the legal system can help you pursue the best possible outcome. William Proetta Criminal Law has a proven track record of success with DWI and DUI defense in Newark and throughout Essex County. We know the stakes, and we’re ready to fight for you.

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Newark, contact us or call us 24/7 at (201) 740-5804 for a free consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 242 10th Street, Suite 103, Jersey City, NJ. Visit us!

Why Choose William Proetta Criminal Law for DUI/DWI Cases in Newark?

William Proetta Criminal Law represents people in Newark who have found themselves in situations like yours. Led by founding attorney William A. Proetta, our team has successfully handled countless criminal cases in the Essex County Courthouse, including DWIs throughout New Jersey.

When you work with our firm, you’ll benefit from:

  • Decades of combined experience in New Jersey courts
  • A proven track record of results, from dismissals and reductions to conditional discharges and trial victories
  • Personalized representation
  • Clear, honest communication about what to expect, what your options are, and how we plan to fight for the best possible outcome

Because we regularly handle Newark cases, we understand how local police departments work. Our attorneys know how they conduct DUI stops, how field sobriety and breath tests are administered, and where procedural errors or constitutional issues may arise. That allows us to spot potential problems in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage.

Most importantly, we understand that a DUI charge is not just about the legal process. It is about your life. You may be worried about your job, your license, your immigration status, and your family. We take the time to listen to your concerns and will fight for you.

Understanding DUI Penalties in Newark, New Jersey

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Newark, the potential penalties are severe, even for a first offense. New Jersey has strict drunk driving laws, and the consequences escalate with each subsequent conviction. Understanding what’s at stake is the first step toward protecting yourself. Having an experienced DWI defense lawyer can make all the difference.

Here’s how DUI penalties are broken down in New Jersey:

First Offense

  • Up to 30 days in jail
  • Fines between $250 and $400, plus additional court and program fees
  • Mandatory attendance at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) required for seven months to one year

Second Offense

  • One to two-year driver’s license suspension
  • Jail time ranging from two to 90 days
  • 30 days of mandatory community service
  • IID installed during the suspension period and up to four years after reinstatement
  • Additional fines and surcharges, including a $1,000 annual DMV surcharge for three years

Third Offense

  • Eight-year driver’s license suspension
  • 180 days in jail, with up to 90 days possibly served in an inpatient alcohol treatment facility
  • Fines of $1,000 or more, plus mandatory surcharges
  • 30 days of mandatory community service
  • Long-term IID use following suspension

Aggravating factors can result in more severe consequences, such as higher fines, longer IID periods, and potential felony charges.

A DUI conviction can affect your job, your insurance rates, your ability to drive, and even your immigration status. With so much on the line, you need a skilled defense attorney who understands the nuances of New Jersey DUI law.

How Do I Get My DWI Dismissed in Newark?

Getting a DUI dismissed in Newark is possible, but only with the right legal defense. New Jersey DUI cases can be complex. There are often flaws in how charges are brought or evidence is handled. Our skilled defense attorney can examine every detail of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

A few examples of potential defense strategies include:

  • Challenging an unlawful traffic stop and probable cause
  • Questioning field sobriety test administration
  • Investigating whether the breathalyzer was faulty or improperly calibrated
  • Chain of custody issues with blood or urine samples
  • Police misconduct or procedural violations

Our experienced attorney is ready to use every available legal tool, including suppression hearings, pre-trial motions, and expert testimony, to challenge the state’s evidence and protect your rights.

When you work with William Proetta Criminal Law, your attorney will review all relevant materials, including, for example:

  • Dashcam and bodycam footage
  • Police reports and arrest records
  • Lab certifications and testing protocols
  • Maintenance and calibration logs for the breathalyzer

Being charged does not automatically mean you will be convicted. The right legal defense can make all the difference in whether your DUI case is dismissed, reduced, or successfully fought in court.

What to Expect After a DUI Arrest in Newark, NJ

After a DUI arrest in Newark, the process typically begins with arrest and booking, which may include fingerprinting, photos, and possibly overnight holding. Within a few days, you will have an initial court appearance. At this hearing, your charges are read, and your rights will be explained. The case then proceeds to pre-trial conferences. Depending on the exact circumstances, the prosecution may offer a plea deal. Your case may move to suppression hearings or trial.

Alongside the criminal process, there are administrative consequences, including the possibility of a license suspension. You must quickly request a hearing with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to contest the suspension.

Hiring an experienced New Jersey DWI lawyer from William Proetta Criminal Law early on can help protect your rights throughout the legal process, challenge flawed evidence, and improve your chances of a better outcome. The sooner you act, the more options you may have.

Call a Newark DUI Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

Don’t wait to hire a Newark criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been charged with DWI in New Jersey, there’s no time to waste in contacting a DWI attorney near you. Reach out to William Proetta Criminal Law today to learn how our law firm can protect your rights. We’re also available 24/7 at (201) 740-5804. The initial consultation is free, entirely confidential, and comes with no strings attached