Vineland DUI/DWI Attorney

Fight Your Drunk Driving Charge with the Help of an Experienced Vineland DUI Attorney

Drunk driving arrests can lead to serious consequences in New Jersey. As a result, if you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), you need an experienced Vineland DWI attorney on your side. At Helmer, Conlay & Kasselman, P.A., our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in drunk driving cases, and we can use this experience to protect you by all means available.

Defending Against a DUI/DWI Charge in Vineland, NJ

What does it take to successfully defend against a DUI/DWI charge in Vineland? The answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances at hand. Some of the key factors involved in determining what it takes to defend against your drunk driving charge will include:

Whether you took the breathalyzer and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
Whether you took the field sobriety tests (FSTs) and how you performed on these tests
The specific type of DUI/DWI charge you are facing and whether you are facing any additional charges (i.e., an open container or implied consent violation)
Your criminal history (including DUI/DWI history), if any
Your choice of legal representation and how soon you hire a lawyer to represent you

To be clear, these are just examples. From the reason for your traffic stop to when (and if) the police read your Miranda rights, many other factors could play a critical case in your case as well. When you sit down with a Vineland DUI attorney at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., your attorney will examine all of the facts of your case to determine what defenses you have available.

Understanding the Risks of a DUI/DWI Conviction in New Jersey

Examining all potential defenses is important—because the consequences of a drunk driving conviction in New Jersey can be severe. Generally speaking, the penalties that are on the table in DUI/DWI cases include:

Fines, fees and surcharges
Loss of driving privileges
Mandatory ignition interlock device installation
Mandatory alcohol education
Jail time

Along with these penalties, a DUI/DWI conviction in New Jersey can have several other negative consequences as well. For example, depending on your personal circumstances, a conviction could also lead to:

Increased insurance premiums (costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year)
Limited employment opportunities
Limited housing and financing opportunities
Professional discipline (if you are a licensed professional)
Immigration consequences (if you are a non-U.S. citizen)

In New Jersey, DUI/DWI is classified as a traffic violation, not a crime. This has two important implications. First, it means that you are not entitled to a jury trial—a judge will consider the evidence and decide whether you are guilty. Second, it means that your drunk driving conviction will not be eligible for expungement. As a result, if you get convicted of drunk driving in Vineland, your conviction will stay with you for the rest of your life.

What to Do (and What Not to Do) if You Are Facing a Drunk Driving Charge in Vineland

With these risks in mind, what should you do if you are facing a drunk driving charge in Vineland? At this stage, you need to:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

If you voluntarily talk to the police or prosecutors, anything you say can be used against you. Drunk driving cases are complex, and even if you think you are helping yourself, this might not actually be the case. As a result, it is extremely important that you exercise your right to remain silent. Generally speaking, once you voluntarily provide information in connection with a DUI/DWI case, you can’t take it back.

2. Do Not Post About Your Arrest on Social Media

In addition to exercising your right to remain silent, you should also avoid posting anything about your arrest (or the night in question) on social media. Don’t post any photos or reels, and don’t comment on anyone else’s feed. Anything you post on social media can be used against you as well. Prosecutors are increasingly using social media in DUI/DWI cases, and you can be virtually certain that they will be monitoring your accounts.

3. Write Down Everything You Can Remember

While you should not say anything about your drunk driving arrest publicly, you should write down everything you can remember. Record as many details as possible, starting with the moment you saw blue lights in your rearview mirror. The more details you can share with your Vineland DWI attorney, the better able he or she will be to provide a thorough case evaluation. Even if you can’t remember much, anything you can remember will be helpful.

4. Do Not Ignore Your DUI/DWI

While it may be tempting, you cannot afford to ignore your DUI/DWI. On the contrary, your case needs to be your priority. You should make sure you know your next court date, and you should contact a Vineland DUI attorney promptly to make sure you do not lose any opportunities to protect your driver’s license, your finances, or your freedom.

5. Talk to a Vineland DUI Attorney as Soon as Possible

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when facing a drunk driving charge is trying to handle your case on your own. The risks aren’t worth it, and hiring an attorney to fight your charge or negotiate a plea bargain can be the least costly option you have available. There is no reason to delay, and there are many reasons to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a Vineland DWI Attorney Today

If you are facing a drunk driving charge in Vineland, our attorneys can help you make informed decisions and work to ensure that the consequences of your arrest are no greater than necessary. But it is important that you contact us promptly. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Vineland DWI attorney as soon as possible, call 877-435-6371 or tell us how we can contact you online now.