Criminal Defense Attorney John Menzel Practice Areas

Drunk driving criminal defense lawyer John Menzel is located in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Attorney Menzel handles criminal law cases and has developed expertise in defending those charged or arrested with Drunk Driving or related DUI/DWI offenses.

The New Jersey laws surrounding Drunk Driving and related traffic offenses are extensive. New Jersey criminal procedure and practice is complicated and requires a skilled criminal defense lawyer to properly navigate through the process. New Jersey Drunk Driving lawyer John Menzel has built his practice on defending those arrested and accused of Drunk Driving or traffic related crimes and possesses the ability to provide aggressive criminal defense for clients involved in any of the following matters:

DRUNK DRIVING:

Drunk Driving occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired, and/or their BAC is above the legal limit.

In all states, it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

In order to be convicted of Drunk Driving, the prosecution must prove that you were driving or possessed actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. Evidence must show that the arresting officer had a reasonable, articulable suspicion for stopping or approaching the vehicle, or if you were stopped at a roadblock, that the roadblock was set up in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

DUI/DWI:

"DUI" stands for Driving under the Influence. "DWI" stands for Driving While Intoxicated. While these terms used to have significant legal distinctions with different legal consequences, today in New Jersey these terms have come to mean the same thing: a violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-50.

Drivers charged with DUI or DWI offenses face stiff penalties which often result in devastating life changes. If convicted, a suspect faces substantial fines, mandatory incarceration (from 24 hours and beyond), driver's license suspension or permanent revocation. Five years of probation plus a mandatory alcohol treatment program, community service and the installation of a car ignition locking device are typical ways courts punish DUI/DWI offenders. Sentencing may vary by judge and by the severity of the charge.

DRIVING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE:

Driving with a suspended or revoked license in New Jersey is considered a traffic offense and can result in heavy fines and possible jail time. At worst, it may be considered a felony and the offender could end up in state prison or with an obligation to perform many hours of community service. The penalties are typically heaviest if the license suspension or revocation was the result of a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI).

DRIVER'S LICENSE REVOCATION:

Typically, a driver's license will not be revoked for one or even two traffic tickets resulting from a moving violation such as speeding, running a stoplight or stop sign. However, if the offense is extremely reckless and/or if the driver has had previous convictions for moving violations in the past, his or her license may be revoked or suspended. If the driver is charged with drunk driving, reckless driving, or is involved in a hit-and-run, the defendant's license may be suspended for a year or more.

OTHER TRAFFIC CRIMES:

Traffic crimes are specifically addressed in state statutes. There is an entire body of law that regulates the operation of motor vehicles on the streets and highways. The laws related to operating a vehicle can be difficult to interpret and apply. It is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with a Drunk Driving related traffic crime. To learn more about traffic related criminal charges, contact New Jersey Drunk Driving defense lawyer John Menzel.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE:

Criminal Defense charges can include homicide, robbery, burglary, drug possession offenses, sexual assault, aggravated assault, kidnapping and arson. If convicted, whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury, offenders can be subjected to fines, imprisonment, and probation and community service, among other penalties. The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense.

If you are charged anywhere in New Jersey and need the assistance of an experienced Drunk Driving/criminal defense lawyer, contact Attorney John Menzel of the Law Offices of John Menzel today at (866) 292-1579, or use the contact form provided on this site to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey DWI defense lawyer.