Last week, the state of New Jersey made a landmark Supreme Court decision that has the potential to dismiss over 20,000 driving while intoxicated cases. The Supreme Court ruled that a sergeant of the New Jersey State Police failed to properly calibrate breath-test devices, which ultimately made all tests taken on improperly calibrated devices inadmissible as evidence in court. This discovery may have a major impact on over 20,000 cases that spanned over 10 years. The breath test machines that were impacted were used by police officers in Union County, Somerset County, Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County from 2008 through 2016.
Of course, the individuals in these cases won’t automatically be off the hook. That being said, they may be able to challenge their convictions. If you have received notice that your case could be tossed, it is important that you consult with an experienced DWI and criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, we will fight on your behalf to have your case dismissed. This may allow you to avoid serious repercussions, such as fines, jail time, license suspensions, and more. It is important to note that even though the evidence from the breath test may be inadmissible, you still may be convicted based on other factors.
It will be interesting to see how county prosecutors choose to handle this ruling, as they currently are unsure of how they will proceed. Please do not hesitate to contact our firm if you have been notified about non-calibrated breath tests in your case.
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in New Jersey, please contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.