With its famous casinos, exciting nightlife, and scenic shoreline, Atlantic City attracts millions of visitors from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and other states, especially during the summer months. While most of these visitors return home without incident, some will be arrested during their stay in New Jersey – many for drugged or drunk driving, which in New Jersey is called “DWI” or “driving while intoxicated.” If you or one of your family members was arrested for intoxicated driving while visiting Atlantic City from another state, it is crucial for you to get legal help fast. You need an experienced and reliable DWI defense attorney who understands the law in New Jersey and how it applies to your case.
At the Law Offices of John J. Zarych, we are Atlantic City DWI lawyers with more than 45 years of combined experience handling traffic offenses and criminal charges in New Jersey’s courts. Whether this is your first time being arrested for DWI in New Jersey, or you have a record of prior offenses, we are here to provide dedicated, around-the-clock legal support, fighting to avoid jail time or reduce the penalties you face. For a free legal consultation, contact our law offices online today, or call (609) 625-3006 for assistance.
What if You Get Arrested in Atlantic City While Visiting from Another State?
Drunk driving is generally considered a traffic offense, not a criminal offense, in the state of New Jersey. Nonetheless, you may be jailed, fined, placed on probation, have your driver’s license suspended, and face additional consequences if you are found guilty of driving under the influence. Moreover, if there were controlled substances in your vehicle, you could also be charged with drug possession or related offenses.
There can also be penalties for refusing breathalyzer tests, resisting arrest, or otherwise trying to flee from or interfere with an arrest. If you are arrested for DWI while visiting Atlantic City or other parts of New Jersey, the best course of action is to remain calm, comply with police directives, refrain from providing the officers with any unnecessary or unasked-for information, and contact a DWI defense attorney immediately for help.
It is also critical to comply with all court orders, such as a summons to appear in court. Since New Jersey has jurisdiction, or authority, over New Jersey DWI cases, you may need to return to New Jersey for court hearings related to your case. If you fail to appear, you can be arrested on a bench warrant and returned to New Jersey by law enforcement.
When Can You Be Charged with DUI / DWI in Atlantic County
In New Jersey, it is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle, including boats and watercraft, while you are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit, which in New Jersey is 0.08, you can still be arrested for DWI if you are too impaired by alcohol and/or controlled substances to drive safely and properly.
If your BAC is 0.08 or higher, you are presumed too intoxicated to drive safely, and can be arrested for DWI even if you do not feel intoxicated. If your BAC is 0.10 or greater, you are considered to have a “high BAC” and may therefore face increased fines and other penalties.
DUI / DWI Penalties in NJ
Regardless of which state you are from, it is New Jersey’s DUI penalties you will face if convicted. These penalties may include the following, for a first-time DUI offense:
- A fine of up to $400
- Additional miscellaneous fines exceeding $300
- Community service
- License suspension of up to three months
- Mandatory driver education
- Probation
- Up to 48 hours in jail
The penalties can increase for a second offense, due to high BAC, or for other reasons. Examples of these penalties include:
- A fine of up to $500
- Additional miscellaneous fines exceeding $300
- Community service
- License suspension of up to one year
- Mandatory driver education
- Probation
- Up to 30 days in jail
Atlantic City DUI and DWI Defense Attorneys for Out-of-State Drivers
Do not face an unfamiliar legal system without the legal representation that you are entitled to. If you are found guilty of DWI, you could be fined, jailed, and deprived of your driving privileges. By challenging the evidence against you, raising effective DUI defenses, handling your legal documents, and protecting your constitutional rights, a DWI lawyer can make your case easier and less stressful while working to reduce or avoid the penalties you face.
To discuss an out-of-state DWI charge in Atlantic City confidentially in a free legal consultation with one of our experienced defense lawyers, call the Law Offices of John J. Zarych at (609) 625-3006, or contact us online today. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assistance with your DUI case.
