Bridgewater Dwi Lawyer

Bridgewater DWI Attorney

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious charge that can have many long-lasting consequences on your future. If you are facing charges, a Bridgewater DWI lawyer can help you get your case dismissed or mitigate the penalties.

About Us

Our team at Wronko & Loewen has decades of combined legal experience and knowledge that we can utilize for your case. We’ve spent years representing the people of Bridgewater, Somerville, and throughout New Jersey in legal matters ranging from DWI to murder charges.

Founding member James R. Wronko is a well-respected figure in the State’s legal community, and his accomplishments have earned him a Super Lawyer rating annually since 2006. James Loewen has served as a public defender and has vast experience defending DWI cases.

Overview of DWI cases in New Jersey

DWIs are a public safety concern throughout the United States. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-related accidents. Between 2023 and 2024, 26,447 DWI arrests were made in New Jersey, with 914 DWI cases filed in Somerset County.

Driving while intoxicated is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. This means that you can be convicted of a DWI if your BAC is below 0.08, but it still affects your driving ability. The amount of an impairing drug in your system does not matter for a DWI.

DWI cases are treated as traffic offenses in New Jersey and are processed through Bridgewater Township Municipal Court, located at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

New Jersey DWI Penalties

The penalties for a DWI in New Jersey are based on previous offenses and aggravating factors. The following is a breakdown of each level of charge and its punishments:

• First offense with a BAC of 0.08-0.10. Potential penalties include a fine of $250-400, 12-48 hours in jail, imprisonment of up to 30 days, and a 3-month suspension.
• First offense with a BAC of 0.10 or greater, or intoxicating drug. This charge carries the same jail and prison times, with fines of between $300 and $500 and a license suspension of seven months to one year.
• Second offense. A second offense within 10 years carries a fine of $500-1000, a jail sentence of between 48 hours and 90 days, 30 days of community service, and a 2-year suspension.
• Third or subsequent offense. Three DWIs within 10 years carry a $1000 fine, 180 days incarceration or 90 days in jail with inpatient treatment, and a license suspension of 10 years.

Aggravating factors can increase the punishments. Examples include a DWI committed in a school zone, a BAC of 0.15 or higher, and involvement in an injury-causing accident. The courts can order an interlocking ignition device to be installed in your vehicle for any DWI, depending on the circumstances.

Hire a DWI Lawyer in Bridgewater, NJ

It can be stressful to face a DWI on your own. With the potential for lasting consequences, hire a DWI lawyer to help you through this difficult time. Your Bridgewater DWI attorney can assist you through each stage of your case, from initial arrest to final court verdict.

Wronko & Loewen can use the specifics of your case to craft a strong defense against charges. Common strategies used include:

• Probable cause. Police require a reason to pull you over before making any DWI arrest.
• Field test validity. Field sobriety tests are subjective and prone to error.
• Chemical tests. Breathalyzers and similar testing equipment require proper calibration before providing accurate results.
• Medical explanation. Symptoms of some medical conditions can mimic intoxication, skewing the arresting officer’s report.
• Police misconduct. Law enforcement must follow a set procedure when testing drivers and making an arrest. Failure to follow the guidelines, such as not delivering Miranda rights, can result in a case being dismissed.

FAQs About Bridgewater, NJ DWI Laws

How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in New Jersey?

How much your New Jersey DWI lawyer costs depends on the severity of charges you face, the complexity of your case, and the workload it requires. A first-time offender seeking a parole deal tends to be less expensive than a case involving someone with a DWI history and an accident that caused serious bodily harm. Wronko & Loewen can provide an estimate for what your total legal expenses may be in our initial consultation.

Do You Go to Jail for a DWI in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you can go to jail for a DWI depending on the circumstances. A first-time offender can be imprisoned for longer than 12 hours, but it is rare. A second conviction carries a mandatory 48-hour incarceration or 30 days of community service, and a third-time charge carries a 180-day jail sentence. Your Bridgeport DWI lawyer can fight to find a way to minimize jail sentences in favor of a parole or treatment option.

Can You Refuse Sobriety Tests in New Jersey?

If you are pulled over for a potential DWI in New Jersey, there are some tests you can opt out of and some you must take. Field sobriety tests, such as standing on one leg, can be refused, but doing so may harm your defense. Chemical tests that analyze your blood, breath, or urine are mandatory under implied consent laws. Refusing these tests can result in fines and a license suspension in addition to any DWI conviction.

What Severity of Crime Is a DWI in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, a DWI is treated as a traffic offense, rather than a misdemeanor or felony. This means that a DWI does not go on a criminal record, and is not eligible for a jury trial. Violations remain on your driving record for life. A DWI may be escalated to a misdemeanor or felony through aggravating factors, such as an accident with injury or death.

Speak With a Bridgewater DWI Lawyer Today

At Wronko & Loewen, we understand the type of pressure a DWI can put on you. Our team’s decades of experience and skill can make a positive impact on your case. We can fight to mitigate the consequences a charge may have on your life.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can learn about your circumstances and provide potential legal options for your DWI charge.