The Holidays Are Prime Time for Drinking and Driving in New Jersey
With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, people all over the country are gearing up for a string of family events, office parties, and holiday celebrations.
Given that such gatherings tend to involve at least some alcohol use, they also present multiple opportunities to drink more than normal and get behind the wheel while over the legal limit. In addition to carefully monitoring your alcohol consumption at such events, there are a few things you must know going into the holiday season in order to prevent drinking and driving and avoid the painful consequences of receiving a DWI.
What to Do at a DWI Checkpoint
New Jersey police are well aware that there is an annual spike in drunk driving during the holiday season, and you will likely be stopped at a DWI checkpoint sometime soon. Many people are confused about their rights when police pull them over and start asking questions about their drinking, which can ultimately make things worse.
There are a few key truths that you must know when talking to members of law enforcement at a DWI checkpoint:
- You do have the legal right to dodge a DWI checkpoint, but you cannot break traffic laws in the process of doing so.
- You are required by law to identify yourself to police by showing them your driver’s license.
- You do not have to submit to field sobriety tests or chemical tests (but refusing to do so could have immediately consequences, such as arrest and issuance of a DWI).
- You have the right to refuse to answer questions from police about your drinking, but being argumentative or aggressive could have negative consequences.
You Need a New Jersey DWI Attorney After Being Charged with Drunk Driving
Have you already been charged with a DWI? If so, it may be too late to learn best practices at DWI checkpoints, but it isn’t too late to protect your future and take action to avoid the harsh consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Having one or more DWI convictions on your record could result in skyrocketing auto insurance costs, jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, loss of employment, and other personal, professional, and financial damage.
However, you can safeguard your future and improve your chances of a positive outcome by bringing in an experienced New Jersey DWI lawyer. At Roberts & Teeter, LLC, we provide skillful criminal defense and DWI representation for clients in Somerset and throughout the state, and we may be able to help you achieve charge dismissal or reduced penalties.
Call (732) 607-5553 today or send us a message to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a member of our team.