DWI/DUI

Arrested for Drunk Driving? You May Not Be Guilty.

Call John Zohlman for a Free Consultation at (856) 663-9090
Let him tell you about your rights and the defenses that are available to you.

Cherry Hill, New Jersey • DWI Lawyers

The South Jersey DWI lawyers of Hagner & Zohlman, LLP, understand the serious consequences of a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). We are committed to helping you through the frightening process, defending your interests to the fullest extent of the law, and fighting for the minimal impact on your life.

Drawing on the experience of a former Municipal Court prosecutor, we can help you make informed decisions and provide you with an aggressive defense. Contact our Cherry Hill, New Jersey, DWI lawyers to learn how we can help protect your rights and your future. We represent clients throughout South Jersey and in Philadelphia.

New Jersey DWI and DUI Penalties

Drunk driving is routinely charged at a blood-alcohol content of .08 or more. However, police officers can also cite you with DWI if they believe that you are under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). In addition, did you know that you can be charged with DWI even without a breathalyzer reading? For drivers under 21, any alcohol results in a DUI. New Jersey laws carry significant penalties, which can include suspension of driving privileges, thousands of dollars in fines and fees, incarceration, a criminal record, loss of professional licenses, and community service.

Conviction for a first offense DWI will likely result in:

• fines of $500 to $1,000,
• loss of license for 3 to 12 months
• $1,000 drivers insurance surcharge for three years
• 10 points against your New Jersey license
• You will also be detained at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (New Jersey IDRC) for a minimum of 2 days for education about drunk driving and drugs and alcohol treatment.

NOTE: New Jersey has no "Cinderella" license allowing you to drive to work during your suspension.

A second DWI / DUI conviction earns five days in county jail and two-year license revocation; a third offense carries 180 days in jail (can include drug and alcohol rehab) and a 10-year license revocation. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, the penalties are the same as for a DUI conviction.

Tough Defense against Tough Laws
Hagner & Zohlman is committed to protecting clients from aggressive prosecution and careless police conduct—especially in instances where unreliable field sobriety tests and driving patterns are used as proof of guilt. Our lawyers have had excellent success in Alcotest 7110 appeals — this new, widely used blood-alcohol device has been the subject of numerous court challenges and is currently an unresolved area of the law. If you have been charged with DWI based upon a reading from this new machine, you have certain defenses available to you and may also be entitled to stay (temporary hold) of prosecution until a definitive decision has been handed down by the court about the reliability of the Alcotest 7110. We also examine the officer's reasons for the traffic stop and any field sobriety tests, such as the gaze nystagmus (pen test). If tests were improperly given or your Miranda rights were not observed, we will file a motion to suppress all resulting evidence.

If Hagner & Zohlman, LLP, is unable to secure a dismissal of the DWI charges, we utilize our extensive experience and knowledge of the law to negotiate a favorable plea arrangement including but not limited lesser penalties or dismissal of related charges. Reducing the charge to reckless driving or careless driving, for example, would not result in an automatic loss of your license.

Free Consultation. Available 24 hours a day.
For tough, experienced defense against a drunk driving charge, contact our Cherry Hill DWI attorneys today.