Myths About DWICases involving driving while intoxicated (DWI) allegations are often misunderstood. There are many misconceptions regarding DWI charges that can harm a defendant and result in a conviction or serious penalties that may have been avoided or reduced if the case had been handled correctly. The following are three of the most common myths about DWI in New Jersey.

  1. A DWI is not a big deal.

You may have had friends or family members who had DWI cases and they seemed relatively unaffected by their convictions. Or perhaps you equate a DWI with other types of traffic offenses, such as speeding. No matter what your reasoning may be, it is always a mistake to fail to take DWI charges seriously. A DWI conviction in New Jersey can result in many different penalties, including:

  • Jail time
  • Fines and other costs
  • Costly MVC surcharges for three years
  • Suspension of your driver’s license
  • Participation in alcohol awareness and driving safety courses

In addition, a DWI conviction can affect your employment, your eligibility for school programs or professional licenses, and more. The penalties will also increase with each subsequent conviction, so even having one on your record can be extremely damaging.

  1. If my BAC was over 0.08 percent, there is nothing I can do to avoid conviction.

Too many defendants think that they have no chance at fighting against their charges if a breath or blood test showed they had a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08 percent. However, the results of a breath or blood test are not always accurate. There are many ways to challenge test results, including improper administration of the testing, failure to calibrate the testing device, forensic lab mistakes in handling test samples, and more. Furthermore, your BAC is not the only factor that a prosecutor has to prove to convict you of DWI.

  1. My entire DWI case will be handled in court.

Many people think they can just show up to municipal court for their DWI case and handle it like any other traffic ticket. However, a DWI case is significantly more complex than other traffic violations. For example, you will also have a case open with the MVC regarding your license suspension, which must also be addressed simultaneously with your court case.

Call 973-686-9787 today for more information.

At the Law Office of David W. Polsky, we work to dispel myths about DWI and provide the representation you need for the most favorable outcome possible. Call our office to discuss your case today.