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In order to pull you over, a law enforcement officer must have reasonable suspicion to believe that you have violated the law in some way. Often, drunk drivers are initially pulled over for erratic and unlawful driving behaviors, such as swerving, speeding, or even driving the wrong way. One New Jersey woman found herself behind bars earlier this year when she decided to tailgate another vehicle – and that vehicle turned out to be a police officer.
According to reports, the officer noticed the car was following his patrol car too closely. After discovering the registration for the car was expired, the officer pulled the car over and suspected the driver was impaired by alcohol. After administering field sobriety tests, the officer believed there was probable cause to arrest the driver for driving while intoxicated. There was also a minor in the vehicle.
Ultimately, because of tailgating, the driver faced the following charges:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while intoxicated with a minor
- Expired registration
- Following too closely
- Other related charges
This case goes to show how one mishap on the road can lead to a variety of serious criminal charges and penalties.
Penalties for DWI Convictions
DWI is a serious matter in New Jersey and if you have been charged, you should always contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Some consequences of a conviction include:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Alcohol education classes
- Ignition interlock device on your vehicle
The penalties can be more severe if you were driving with a minor in the car, if your blood alcohol level was particularly high, if you caused injury to another person, or if you have previous DWI convictions on your record. In addition, having a DWI conviction on your permanent criminal record can limit your opportunities for certain jobs that may require a driver’s license or a clean record. It is important to have a lawyer on your side who can work to minimize your consequences or have your charges dropped.
Call 732-662-7658 today for a free consultation.
If you are arrested for DWI, your very first call should be to a skilled DWI defense attorney in New Jersey. At the Law Offices of Leon Matchin, we know how to defend against DWI charges and any related charges you may face. Contact our office today for more information about how we can help you.
