Who doesn’t love summer time? Warm days, long nights, beach weekends – life seems more relaxed and carefree. But if you want a quick way to ruin all the fun, driving under the influence will do the trick. Even if you think you can handle your alcohol, a police officer may not believe you. Driving Under the Influence has lasting ramifications if you don’t secure proper representation from a skilled New Jersey DUI lawyer. So, if you find yourself in trouble because of DUI, here’s the basics of what you need to know.

Info from a New Jersey DUI Lawyer

First, New Jersey takes DUI offenses incredibly seriously. After all, the offender puts their own life, and the lives of other citizens, at risk. Therefore, New Jersey law has a whole of host legal terms and procedures for DUI offenses. Consider the following:

• BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content. It’s the measurement of a person’s level of intoxication. In New Jersey, you cannot operate a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08% or above.
• If a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence, he may ask you to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). These tests measure your gross motor skills, ability to concentrate, and ability to multitask. They usually involve walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, reciting the alphabet backwards, or following a pen light with your eyes.
• An officer may also conduct a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test (PAS). This usually involves breathing into a breathalyzer.
• If you are convicted of criminal charges, the stay may issue you an Ignition Interlock Device. You will have to breathe into this device in order to start your car. If your BAC measures above .02%, your car will not start.

What You Can Do

Second, if you face criminal DUI charges, you don’t have to defend yourself alone! Some defendants make the mistake of believing they can represent themselves in court. Do not make this mistake! Indeed, there are too many risks and potential consequences of doing it alone. Furthermore, a skilled New Jersey DUI lawyer will know which defense strategies to use for your case. That insight can be invaluable to your acquittal or lessening the consequences.

The Best New Jersey DUI Lawyer

Finally, Mark Catanzaro has successfully defended scores and scores of DUI cases. If you face a DUI in New Jersey, then contact him immediately! We offer free, confidential consultations.