Defending clients against Drug DUI charges
New Jersey has some of the country’s strictest drug laws. Law enforcement is aggressive towards those who are caught with a controlled substance. When a person is charged with a drug offense, they face serious penalties, possible jail time, and the possibility of a criminal record. When a person is caught with drugs in the car and it is determined that they are under the influence while driving their vehicle, the situation becomes even more serious. If you are charged with a drug DUI, you are also facing the drug charge. If this is a reality for you, you need to contact an attorney immediately. You are facing a serious situation that can impact your future and livelihood. The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. in Woodbridge, NJ has over 25 years of experience defending clients across New Jersey facing drug DUIs. If you need quality legal services, contact our firm for a consultation.
How We Help With Drug DWI Charges
At Andrew S. Maze, we provide focused legal guidance for drivers facing serious drug-related DWI allegations. As a drug DUI attorney, we review the traffic stop, officer observations, field sobriety testing, drug recognition evaluation, lab results, and any related possession allegations to identify weaknesses in the case.
What Penalties Can Follow a Drug DWI?
A conviction may lead to fines, court costs, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center requirements, insurance surcharges, license consequences, and possible jail exposure, depending on prior offenses. A DWI defense law firm in Middlesex County, NJ, can help you understand the immediate and long-term impact of the charge.
Penalties for a first offense drug DUI
- Fines ranging from $300-$500
- Possible imprisonment of no more than 30 days
- Possible license suspension from 7 months to 1 year
- 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and fees attached
- $1000 per year surcharge for 3 years
- $100 to the drunk driving fund
- $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
- $75 Neighborhood Services Fund
Second offense
- Fines ranging from $500-$1000
- Possible community service for up to 30 days
- Imprisonment of no less than 48 hours and no more than 90 days
- 2-year license suspension
- Surcharge of $1000 a year for 3 years
- $100 to the drunk driving fund
- $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
- $75 Neighborhood Services Fund
Third and subsequent offense
- $1000 fine
- Imprisonment of no less than 180 days
- 10-year license suspension
- Detainment in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and attached fees
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
- $75 Neighborhood Services Fund
Letting another person operate your vehicle under the influence of drugs
New Jersey law states that if you allow another person to operate your vehicle under the influence of drugs and they are charged with a DUI, you will also be charged with a DUI. Even though you may believe that you have made the right decision, the fact is that you have chosen to let another person under the influence of a substance drive your vehicle, putting others in danger. If you face a DUI because of a person who drove your car, you need quality legal support immediately.
Why Drug DWI Cases Require Careful Defense
Drug DWI cases can be complex because impairment is not always measured by a simple breath test. Police may rely on physical signs, statements, driving behavior, or toxicology reports. Our role as a DUI criminal defense lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ, is to challenge unreliable evidence, protect your rights, and explain each step before decisions are made.
Contact a Middlesex County drug DUI attorney
If you are charged with a drug DUI, you have a very serious situation on your hands. You need the legal services of an effective DUI and drug crime attorney to fight for your future. The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. is an experienced criminal defense law firm that has handled countless DUI cases. If you need an attorney that can effectively represent you in court after a DUI, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. for a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Drug DWI in New Jersey?
A Drug DWI in New Jersey refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or other substances that impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Can I be charged with a Drug DWI if I was using prescription medication?
Yes. Even if you have a valid prescription, you may still be charged if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely.
What penalties can I face for a first-time Drug DWI offense in New Jersey?
Penalties may include fines, court fees, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and other consequences depending on the circumstances of the case.
Can a Drug DWI conviction result in a driver's license suspension?
Yes. A conviction can lead to a driver's license suspension or other driving-related penalties under New Jersey law.
How do police determine whether a driver is under the influence of drugs?
Law enforcement officers may rely on driving behavior, field sobriety tests, physical observations, statements made by the driver, and evaluations performed by Drug Recognition Experts (DREs).
Can I face both a drug possession charge and a Drug DWI charge at the same time?
Yes. If drugs are found in your possession during a traffic stop, you may face both drug possession charges and a Drug DWI charge.
What happens if I am convicted of a second or third Drug DWI offense?
Repeat offenses typically carry more severe penalties, including longer license suspensions, increased fines, mandatory treatment programs, and possible jail time.
Can I be charged if I allow someone under the influence of drugs to drive my vehicle?
Yes. Under certain circumstances, New Jersey law may impose penalties on vehicle owners who knowingly allow an impaired person to operate their vehicle.
What defenses may be available in a Drug DWI case?
Potential defenses may involve challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of testing procedures, disputing evidence of impairment, or identifying violations of constitutional rights.
Why should I speak with a Drug DWI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest?
Early legal representation can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, evaluate defense options, and guide you through the legal process from the beginning.