DWI Information

As part of your DUI/DWI sentence, you’ll have to report to the IDRC in your county for evaluation over a given period of time.

While there, you’ll meet with a counselor, fill out forms, and attend educational sessions. IDRC will determine what additional interventions may be necessary, from in-patient substance abuse treatment to self-help programs and groups.

And of course, you’ll pay the IDRC for their help.

How long you’ll be at the IDRC depends on whether this is your first conviction for drunk driving. First offenders should expect at least 12 hours in the IDRC served over a couple of days, while second offenders are detained for 48 hours in regional IDRC centers for more intensive evaluation.

These are consequences of conviction. Matthew Reisig has defended more than 1000 people charged with DWI in New Jersey and won.

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

The Intoxicated Driver Program (IDP) is a series of mandatory interventions for people convicted of DWI in New Jersey.

Each county in the state has an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), which evaluates each case to determine appropriate action.

You may be ordered to attend drug or alcohol abuse treatment, for instance, and your participation will be monitored.

Upon completion of IDRC-directed programs and subsequent evaluations, the IDP will make a report to the MVS recommending that your license be restored, or, if you have failed to follow IDRC instructions, to continue with your license suspension.

IDP only comes into play if you are convicted of drunk driving in New Jersey. It doesn’t have to happen.

Call Matthew Reisig at 732-625-9660 for a free consultation with one of New Jersey’s most experienced DUI/DWI defense lawyers.

If you’ve recently been arrested for DWI in New Jersey, you’re probably trying to make sense of what just happened and what comes next. One of the most important pieces of evidence in a DWI case is often the Alcotest—New Jersey’s breath test machine. But what many people don’t realize is that this machine isn’t perfect. In fact, it has a long history of software and reliability issues, and those problems have reached the New Jersey Supreme Court not once, but twice.

The Alcotest Isn’t Foolproof

While the Alcotest is still in use across the state, its software flaws have been the focus of serious legal challenges. In the first major court case, New Jersey’s highest court acknowledged that the machine had known software problems. These issues affected how the device calculated and reported blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The court ruled that the state needed to address these problems before continuing widespread use.

Later, in a second case, the court found that the device’s limitations could unfairly impact certain groups of people, including those with particular medical conditions or unique physiological characteristics. As a result, the court created exceptions to protect people who might otherwise face wrongful convictions due to design or software flaws.

So while the Alcotest is still being used by law enforcement, these rulings make it clear that the machine’s results are not always reliable and must be challenged when appropriate.

Strict Rules Must Be Followed

In New Jersey, every breath test must follow strict legal protocols. That includes how the machine is maintained, how the officer administers the test, and how the results are handled. If any part of the process is done incorrectly, the results may be inadmissible in court—which could drastically improve the outcome of your case.

The idea that a DWI arrest automatically leads to a conviction is simply not true. Many cases are successfully challenged, especially when chemical testing was not properly conducted.

Why You Need an Experienced DWI Attorney

Challenging breath test results—especially those involving the Alcotest—requires deep legal knowledge and hands-on courtroom experience. That’s where Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law stands out.

Led by attorney Matthew Reisig, the firm has built a reputation as one of New Jersey’s most successful DWI defense law firms for nearly 30 years. Reisig has personally defended over 1,400 DWI cases, including many involving faulty breath test results, improper procedures, and weak evidence.

He knows how to identify flaws in the case against you, file motions to suppress unreliable evidence, and challenge the use of Alcotest results when protocols haven’t been followed correctly.

Protect Your Future

A DWI conviction in New Jersey can mean license suspension, heavy fines, insurance hikes, and even jail time. But it doesn’t have to end that way. You have the right to fight back—and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI, don’t wait. Contact Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law today. With nearly three decades of proven results, they’re the firm you can trust to defend your rights and protect your future.

Even though New Jersey DWI isn’t a criminal matter, when it prosecutes a drunk driving case, the state is still held to the standard of Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt.

This is a powerful strategic element in DWI defense, because it leaves open many avenues of that a good lawyer can explore to cast doubt on the state’s claims.

With an experienced DWI attorney, evidence like field sobriety tests and even breath testing can be successfully challenged.

All testing protocols require strict adherence to legal standards of use and interpretation, and the fact is that in many cases, it can be demonstrated that those protocols weren’t met, calling critical prosecution evidence into question.

When you’re facing DWI charges in New Jersey, don’t take chances with your future. Matthew Reisig is one of the state’s most experienced DWI defense attorneys.

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

No. Because DWI isn’t prosecuted as a criminal matter, you’ll face a trial that is presided over by a Municipal Court Judge who will hear the evidence against you, listen to your defense, and who will issue rulings on any disputes over fact or law in the case.

Eventually, the judge will determine whether or not you are guilty, and if convicted, will sentence you based on the facts of your case.

Conviction is not a given in NJ DWI cases.

I have defended more 1,000 DWI cases with no convictions, and I can help you.

Call attorney Matthew Reisig at 732-625-9660 for a free consultation with one of New Jersey’s most experience DWI lawyers.

If you live in NJ — or are job hunting while visiting New Jersey—you may be asking yourself: Will a past DWI show up on background checks and ruin my chances with potential employers?

The good news? In most situations, you may not need to worry. Unlike many states, New Jersey classifies Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) as a traffic offense, not a criminal offense. That distinction matters a lot when it comes to job applications and background checks.

DWIs and Background Checks in New Jersey

Most standard employment background checks look for criminal convictions. Since a DWI in New Jersey is not considered criminal, it usually won’t appear on that kind of report. That’s a relief for many people looking to move forward with their lives after a DWI conviction.

However, not all background checks are the same. Some employers, especially for positions involving vehicles, sensitive information, or public safety, may request driving records or more in-depth screenings. Your DWI will show up on a motor vehicle abstract, which is public and easy to access.

What If the Job Involves Driving?

If you’re applying for a position that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL), such as truck driving or delivery work, your chances of getting hired can be significantly impacted. DWIs on a CDL holder’s record are treated more harshly, both by employers and by the law.

In fact, even one DWI offense could disqualify you from holding a CDL for a period of time—or permanently, depending on the circumstances. Employers in transportation, logistics, and construction often have strict policies and won’t take chances when it comes to driving safety.

Do You Have to Tell Employers About a DWI?

While a typical criminal background check might not reveal your DWI, many job applications ask directly about traffic violations, license suspensions, or driving history. If asked, it’s important to be honest. Lying or leaving out information can be more damaging than the DWI itself, especially if the employer finds out later.

In some industries, such as nursing, real estate, law, and finance, state licensing boards may review driving records or conduct additional checks. A DWI could trigger disciplinary action or licensing issues, depending on the profession and severity of the incident.

Can You Remove a DWI from Your Record?

New Jersey does not allow expungement of DWI offenses from your driving record. Once it’s there, it stays—though its impact fades over time. Employers may weigh more recent offenses more heavily than older ones.

Your best chance of minimizing long-term consequences is to avoid a conviction altogether. If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Monmouth, Ocean, or Middlesex County, speak with a knowledgeable local attorney as soon as possible.

Talk to a DWI Defense Lawyer in New Jersey

The consequences of a DWI go far beyond fines and license suspensions—they can affect your future, your career, and your reputation.

If you’ve been charged with DWI, don’t guess about your rights or your options. Call Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law to speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI defense attorney. The consultation is free, and they’ve helped countless individuals in your position get the guidance—and results—they needed to move forward with confidence.

Take control of your future. Call now.