| The Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws in New | | | | roadside test, it infringes on his rights. Some types of |
| Jersey are very strict. Because of this, sometimes the | | | | tests may not be scientifically sustainable. A delay in |
| accused in such cases feels that there is no point in | | | | hearing the case may encroach on the citizen's right to |
| spending money on a lawyer, and chooses to Plead | | | | speedy trial. A prior DWI conviction in another state |
| Guilty. This may not be a wise decision, since there is a | | | | may not have been based on grounds that would |
| great deal that a competent lawyer can do to help. | | | | attract the mischief of New Jersey laws. |
| The common strategy is to minimize and possibly | | | | There are many more possibilities for a good lawyer |
| even avoid punishment. | | | | to help his client in a DWI case. A number of such |
| The process of a DWI case consists of Complaint | | | | lawyers practice in New Jersey. The initial consultation |
| and Summons, Arraignment, Pre-Trial Discovery, | | | | is usually free. But while choosing a lawyer, certain |
| Pre-Trial Motions, Trial, Findings, Sentencing and Appeal. | | | | pertinent points should be kept in mind. It is often |
| The role of a counsel is to expertly handle the case | | | | advisable to hire a specialist than a general law |
| through these steps. The lawyer will collect all the | | | | practitioner, for obvious reasons. Study his past record. |
| relevant records and study the details with an eye on | | | | If his operational style is to encourage the accused to |
| the client's Constitutional rights and defects in the | | | | plead guilty, perhaps one should look for another |
| State's case. | | | | lawyer. One should not be afraid to ask questions; |
| Take for example a person being charged with DWI | | | | after all, the client is paying the lawyer and has a right |
| for drinking inside his parked vehicle. The state has to | | | | to know what kind of service he can expect. |
| prove the intention to drive, and prove that the man's | | | | Drivers from other states involved in DWI cases can |
| Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) would be above the | | | | entrust the matter with local lawyers instead of |
| permissible limit when he operated the vehicle. A smart | | | | spending time and money to return to New Jersey for |
| lawyer may be able to destabilize the state's | | | | attending the court procedure. |
| contention. If the accused is denied the result of the | | | | |