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Driving under the influence is a charge that can drastically change your life quickly. When you are charged with driving under the influence, it can seem like your entire life is turned upside down. You can’t drive to the places you want to go and worst of all, you will have a permanent mark on your record. 

However, it doesn’t have to be this way if you choose the proper New Jersey DUI attorney to defend your DUI case. By contacting attorney Leon Matchin, you can fight those charges and reclaim your life. With over a decade of experience in supporting individuals facing DUI charges in the New Jersey area, Leon Matchin has your back. He can handle your case with insights into the current DUI laws. Here are five things you need to know about DUI laws in New Jersey that can help you prepare for your case. 

Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels (BAC)

In the state of New Jersey, a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher means you can be charged with driving under the influence. The blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, simply refers to how much alcohol is in your bloodstream. 

Other Substances Can Affect Your BAC

How does this happen? If a person has been using other substances such as marijuana, heroin, or even prescription medications, they can still be charged with driving under the influence. In fact, in New Jersey, a person can be given a DUI even when their blood alcohol concentration isn’t above 0.0%. Even if alcohol isn’t the contributing factor, many people are still given DUIs every day. That is why when you are charged with a DUI, you need the reliable help of an excellent New Jersey DUI attorney. 

The Difference Between DUI and DWI

The difference in charges comes down to a DWI versus a DUI. A DUI means you were driving under the influence, while a DWI refers to driving while intoxicated. These two terms should be separate but sometimes become clouded and complicate cases. However, your New Jersey DUI attorney will view your charges from all angles. Leon Matchin fights for his clients’ rights both effectively and efficiently. 

Penalties for Drunk Driving

In New Jersey, the penalties for drunk driving vary depending on prior convictions. Leon Matchin will investigate in-depth any similar cases to approach your current instance from the best angle possible. Penalties will vary depending on whether the conviction is a first, second, or subsequent offense. Penalties might include: having to pay fines, fees, or surcharges; license suspension, a standard ignition interlock device, or community service. Worst of all, the driver might serve jail time – this is usually the case if the current charge is not a first-time occurrence. 

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Why You Need a New Jersey DUI Attorney

When you face DUI charges, it is always best to act quickly. Immediately call your New Jersey DUI attorney. Leon will consult with you and help you get back on your feet. He will quickly review your Alcotest results and any results from field sobriety tests or Drug Recognition Experts (DRE).

Next, he will begin an aggressive dismissal of charges based on your case file. He can use this information to your advantage to help you disprove your Alcotest and field sobriety test accuracy. For instance, if you performed well on the balance test, it can help prove that the BAC reading was inaccurate or insubstantial for an arrest charge. Field sobriety tests can be faulty because individuals might have pre-existing conditions that impair them from adequately performing the test. 

Contact Leon Matchin Today If You Need a New Jersey DUI Attorney

If you are ready for your case to be in the best hands in New Jersey, then look no further than the Law Office of Leon Matchin. Don’t let your life be altered because of a misplaced DUI charge. Act now and give him a call at (732)-887-2479 to protect your freedom today. You can also visit his website to learn even more about his New Jersey DUI attorney services.