If you find yourself facing legal issues related to DUI charges in Clifton, New Jersey, you need the right legal representation to avoid the penalties that come with DUI charges.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we understand the seriousness of DUI cases. Our experienced team of New Jersey DUI defense lawyers is dedicated to providing legal guidance and strategic defense to protect your rights and lead you through this challenging legal process.
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New Jersey DUI Defense Lawyer Guide
- Why Choose Cohen & Bernstein, LLC’s New Jersey DUI Defense Attorneys?
- Our Qualified DUI Defense Attorneys
- Personal Experience
- The Impact of a New Jersey DUI Conviction
- What Are the Consequences of a First DUI Conviction in New Jersey
- The Repercussions of a Second DUI/DWI Conviction in New Jersey
- Dealing With the Consequences of a Third DUI Conviction in New Jersey
- Contact Our New Jersey DUI Defense Attorneys
Why Choose Cohen & Bernstein, LLC’s New Jersey DUI Defense Attorneys?
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we take a comprehensive and client-focused approach to DUI defense. We aim to provide unwavering support to our clients throughout their cases. We understand that facing a DUI/DWI charge can be scary, and our commitment is to work closely with each client, ensuring that they are well-informed and supported at every step of the legal process.
Our approach begins with a thorough analysis of the circumstances surrounding your case. We examine all aspects of the arrest, including the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and the procedures followed during the breathalyzer or blood tests. This detailed examination often uncovers procedural errors or rights violations that can be pivotal in your defense.
We also consider the calibration and maintenance records of the breathalyzer used in your case. Inaccuracies in these devices can lead to false readings, and we ensure that any such discrepancies are brought to light. This aspect of our defense strategy can play a crucial role in challenging the evidence presented against you.
Another key area of our defense strategy involves assessing the field sobriety tests.
These tests are subject to human error, both in their administration and interpretation. We scrutinize these tests to ensure that the police conducted them properly and that the results are reliable. There are often significant issues in how law enforcement officers administer these tests, and when there are, it can result in a successful defense.
We also explore the possibility of negotiating plea bargains. In situations where pleading guilty makes sense, we work diligently to negotiate terms that minimize the impact on your life. This can include reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options that are more favorable than the outcomes typically associated with DUI convictions.
In cases where medical conditions, prescription medications, or other legal substances may have influenced the results of sobriety tests, we bring these factors to the forefront. We understand that these elements can significantly affect the reliability of BAC tests, and we ensure that such nuances are thoroughly presented and considered.
Our team also stays current with the latest changes in DUI laws and court rulings. This continuous learning ensures that we are always prepared to use the most current and effective defense strategies on behalf of our clients.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we are committed to providing a defense that is as unique as your case. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we tailor our strategies to the specifics of your situation, ensuring the most vigorous defense possible. Our goal is to guide you through this challenging time with professionalism, empathy, and a deep commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Our Qualified DUI Defense Attorneys
- Our criminal defense attorneys will protect your rights in court.
- Our attorneys have over a decade of experience handling cases throughout New York and New Jersey.
- We apply years of experience and dedication to each client to ensure the best legal representation.
Personal Experience
Lindsay Bernstein, Esq.: B.A. from Drew University in 2003 and J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 2006. Over 13 years dedicated to Municipal Court and Criminal Matters.
Ronen Cohen, Esq.: Undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in 2004 and J.D. from Seton Hall Law School in 2007. Extensive experience in NY and NJ court systems.
The Impact of a New Jersey DUI Conviction
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can damage every aspect of your life.
A conviction can result in:
- Suspension of your driving privileges
- Possible jail sentence
- Excessive fines and State surcharges
- Increase or loss of insurance coverage
- Mandatory installation of an interlock device on your vehicle
The penalties become exponentially worse with each subsequent offense. Our attorneys will explain your legal options to ensure you are well informed about the legal remedies available and how best to move forward.
What Are the Consequences of a First DUI Conviction in New Jersey?
When faced with a first DUI conviction in New Jersey, the implications can be significant and far-reaching. The court may impose a jail sentence of up to 30 days. This duration reflects the seriousness of the offense and serves as a deterrent to future violations.
Additionally, a conviction can result in a fine between $250 and $500, depending on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the offense. The higher the BAC, the more severe the fine, emphasizing the risks associated with higher levels of impairment.
Another repercussion of a first conviction is the loss of driving privileges for up to six months. This suspension significantly impacts daily life, affecting your ability to commute, fulfill family responsibilities, and maintain employment. It underscores the importance the state places on safe and sober driving.
The court mandates the installation of an interlock device on any vehicle you own, lease, or have regular access to. This device requires the driver to perform a breath test before the vehicle can start, ensuring that the driver’s BAC is below the legal limit. This measure not only serves as a continuous check on sobriety but also as a constant reminder of the consequences of DUI.
In addition to these penalties, there is a New Jersey State surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years. This significant financial burden is part of the state’s overall punitive and deterrent strategy to discourage drunk driving.
Lastly, the law requires people convicted of DUI to participate in 12 to 48 hours of a program at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), which carries a program fee of over $264.
The IDRC program includes educational and screening components designed to assess the degree of alcohol or substance abuse issues and to educate offenders about the risks and consequences of impaired driving. This aspect of the punishment is rehabilitative, aiming to prevent future offenses by addressing the underlying causes of the initial infraction.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we understand the gravity of these penalties and their impact on your life. We are committed to providing thorough legal representation to navigate these challenges and seek the best possible outcome for our clients.
The Repercussions of a Second DUI/DWI Conviction in New Jersey
When an individual faces a second DUI conviction in New Jersey, the consequences are more severe, reflecting the state’s escalating response to repeat offenses. The potential of spending up to three months in jail is a significant penalty, indicating the seriousness with which the state views repeat DUI offenses. This extended jail time serves as a punishment and a strong deterrent against future violations.
The financial penalties also increase with a second conviction. Fines for a second DUI offense range from $500 to $1,000. This increase in fines underscores the state’s intent to impose sterner financial repercussions on repeat offenders, serving both as a penalty and a deterrent. The higher range of fines also reflects the increased risk and potential harm posed by individuals who continue to drive under the influence.
One of the most impactful consequences of a second DUI conviction is the loss of driving privileges for up to two years. This prolonged suspension significantly affects an individual’s ability to maintain daily routines, employment, and family responsibilities. The extended duration of the suspension is a clear message from the state about the severity with which it treats repeat offenses and its commitment to public safety.
The law also imposes a mandatory installation of an interlock device for a second DUI conviction. This requirement is a critical part of the state’s strategy to prevent further instances of driving under the influence. The interlock device ensures that the vehicle cannot be operated if the driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit, thereby reducing the risk of another offense.
Additionally, individuals convicted for the second time must participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program. This program is designed to educate and evaluate individuals on their substance use and its impact, aiming to reduce the likelihood of future DUI occurrences through behavioral change and rehabilitation.
Finally, the New Jersey State surcharge remains consistent with the first offense, amounting to $1,000 annually for three years. This ongoing financial commitment serves as a prolonged reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence and the state’s commitment to deterring such behavior.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we are acutely aware of the heightened challenges and complexities associated with a second DUI conviction. We tailor our approach to address the unique aspects of each case, providing our clients with knowledgeable and empathetic legal representation to achieve the best possible outcomes under these more stringent conditions.
Dealing With the Consequences of a Third DUI Conviction in New Jersey
A third DUI conviction in New Jersey brings with it significantly heightened penalties, reflecting the state’s stringent stance against repeated drunk driving offenses.
Individuals facing their third conviction confront the prospect of spending up to six months in jail. This extended period of incarceration serves as a stern punishment and a clear signal of the seriousness with which the state views repeat offenses, especially when they occur three times.
The law sets a fine for a third DUI offense at $1,000. While this amount is the second offense, the cumulative financial burdens from previous convictions and the additional penalties accompanying a third offense make a third offense much more onerous. This fine represents not just a financial penalty but also a part of the state’s broader strategy to impose significant consequences on repeat offenders.
Mandatory installation of an interlock device remains a requirement. For a third offense, this mandate underscores the state’s commitment to preventing individuals who have repeatedly driven under the influence from doing so again.
The interlock device acts as a practical barrier to driving while impaired, ensuring that a driver with a BAC above the legal limit cannot operate the vehicle.
One of the most significant consequences of a third conviction is the loss of driving privileges for up to eight years. This extended suspension period greatly impacts an individual’s lifestyle, including their ability to work, fulfill family responsibilities, and maintain social connections. The severity of this penalty reflects the state’s prioritization of public safety and its intention to strongly discourage repeat offenses.
In addition to these penalties, there is an increased New Jersey State surcharge of $1,500 per year for three years. This higher surcharge is indicative of the escalated financial repercussions imposed by the state on those who repeatedly drive under the influence.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we recognize the immense challenges of facing a third DUI conviction. Our approach in these cases is to provide robust legal representation, combining our extensive experience with a deep understanding of the nuances of DUI law.
We are committed to guiding our clients through this rigorous legal process, aiming to achieve the most favorable outcomes while acknowledging the gravity of a third offense.
Note: As of December 1, 2019, ALL DWI and refusal convictions require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle owned, leased, or accessed by the individual. The vehicle will not start without a BAC of less than .05 percent. Driving privileges will not be restored until the driver provides proof of IID installation.
Contact Our New Jersey DUI Defense Attorneys
For dedicated and experienced legal representation in DUI cases, contact Cohen & Bernstein, LLC at our Clifton Office, located at 1360 Clifton Ave Suite 309, Clifton, NJ 07012. You can call us at (888) 872-2898. We are here to help you through every step of this challenging journey.