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New Jersey State Senator Nicholas Scutari has a plan to revamp the state’s DWI laws to limit unintended consequences and save lives.

Noting that in New Jersey, a first-time DWI conviction can mean a three-month loss of license, with no conditional licenses available, the senator’s proposal is designed to reduce the number of re-arrests for driving on suspended licenses.

These offenses create a vicious cycle where a defendant loses her license, which puts her job in jeopardy, then is unable to pay off the heavy fines associated with the conviction.

In order to preserve some financial viability or simply conduct her life, she then drives without a license, and if she’s caught, faces yet another suspension, jail time, and more fines.

Scutari wants the state to implement Interlock Ignition Devices for first-time DWI convictions instead.

This way, drivers would provide a breath sample before they begin driving, then be able to operate the vehicle only if sober.

The legislation was vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie last year, but Scutari hopes to develop a bill that will pass both the legislature and the governor’s desk.

These are real problems that catch thousands in a debilitating cycle that can really take a toll out of their lives.

If you’ve been charged with DWI in New Jersey, know that there is hope.

Attorney Matthew Reisig has helped more than 1,040 New Jersey drivers avoid conviction of DWI.

Call 732-625-9660 today for a free consultation.

A Philadelphia nun was charged with DWI in New Jersey after she backed a Ford F150 into a Turnersville auto parts store around 3:00 a.m. one Friday night last November.

Witnesses say the nun pulled into the parking lot of the store, backed into and shattered the door, then pulled out again.

A couple who saw the incident called 911, and the driver was pulled over down the road.

After failing field sobriety tests, she was charged with driving while intoxicated.

While a story like this might sound funny, it’s important to remember how serious a New Jersey DWI charge can be for a resident of another state.

This nun won’t simply return to Philadelphia and agree not to drive in New Jersey anymore.

If convicted, she’ll lose her license at home and face penalties from both states.

In some ways, being charged with DUI out of state is the worst of all worlds, because the interstate compact between most states means the charges have to be dealt with in New Jersey, which can be a hardship with travel, but the consequences apply at home.

Matthew Reisig has nearly two decades of experience defending DWI cases in New Jersey, and has helped more than 1,040 drivers avoid conviction.

If you’ve been charged in a DUI case, call 732-625-9660 today for a free consultation.

A tragic 2012 traffic accident that killed one person has finally been sent to the jury in Morristown.

Prosecutors allege that Vanessa E. Brown, 35, of Parsippany was driving drunk in East Hanover when she veered from her lane and struck Ralph Politi, Jr., as he stood beside his car overnight in May 2012.

In New Jersey, DWI lawyers are quick to reassure our clients that drunk driving is not typically prosecuted as a criminal matter, but in cases where others are injured or worse, other charges can easily be laid on.

In this case, Brown is charged with first degree aggravated manslaughter and second degree vehicular homicide, extremely serious charges that could result in decades in prison.

When facing charges this serious, work with an attorney who is broadly experienced in DWI and criminal law in New Jersey.

Matthew Reisig has defended clients as a criminal defense attorney for almost 20 years, and has argued DWI law before the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Few are as experienced on the issues around complicated drunk driving allegations.

Call 732-625-9660 today and talk to an experienced New Jersey DWI and criminal defense attorney for free.

A 90-year-old Clifton man has been arrested after being seen driving the wrong way on Rt. 46. Police received a report about the vehicle, which they later found parked at a gas station that was closed for the night.

The driver was inside the vehicle, and after questioning, the police believed he might be intoxicated.

They administered a series of field sobriety tests, and subsequently arrested the man on suspicion of drunk driving.

At the station, an Alcotest was administered and the man was formally charged with DWI and reckless driving.

But one wonders how this will all ultimately play out in court if the gentleman chooses to contest the charges.

Based on the man’s age, evidence that police would typically use to develop a basis to suspect drunkenness might be in doubt.

A 90-year-old displaying slurred speech, red eyes, or incoherent responses to questions may simply be displaying signs of age.

Older people often have health problems and medications that can impair their ability to speak clearly.

A senior citizen who is hard of hearing may not be able to answer police questions the way the police expect they should.

The Alcotest evidence is also potentially suspect in this case.

Many senior citizens are unable to provide a breath sample large enough to provide clear evidence either way, while the police have an obvious incentive to use evidence that supports their case, even if it could be challenged.

Winning a DWI case in New Jersey isn’t easy, but almost every case has clear areas of controversy from which a strong defense can be launched.

Matthew Reisig has helped more than 1,040 New Jersey drivers avoid conviction on DWI charges.

Call 732-625-9660 today for a free consultation.