South Jersey DWI/DUI Lawyer

The moments after a DWI/DUI (driving while intoxicated) crash can feel overwhelming. Your mind races with questions about what happens next, whether anyone was hurt, and how this incident will affect your future. The weight of responsibility becomes heavier as you realize the legal consequences you now face. These feelings are common for anyone who finds themselves in this situation, but you are still entitled to certain rights.

When facing criminal charges related to DWI/DUI, having experienced legal representation makes a significant difference in how your case unfolds. A South Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer at Iannelli Law can provide the guidance you need during this challenging time. Our firm has helped numerous clients work through the legal process following DWI/DUI charges, offering clear advice and strong representation when it matters most.

What Immediate Steps Should I Take After a DWI/DUI Crash?

After a DWI/DUI accident, prioritize safety first by checking for injuries and calling emergency services. Do not leave the scene, as that will likely create additional criminal charges. Provide necessary information to law enforcement while exercising your right to remain silent about details of alcohol consumption or the events leading to the crash. Contact a South Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights from the beginning of your case.

What Charges Might I Face?

The charges you face depend on several factors, including your blood alcohol content, whether an accident or injuries occurred, and your prior record. Standard DWI/DUI charges may apply, along with additional offenses such as assault by auto or vehicular homicide if someone was injured or killed. Property damage can result in separate charges. The prosecution will examine all circumstances surrounding the incident to determine which charges to file against you.

How Does Injury to Another Person Affect My DWI/DUI Case?

When a DWI/DUI accident causes personal injury, the legal stakes increase substantially. Like other states, New Jersey law treats these cases more severely than standard DWI/DUI offenses. You may face assault by auto charges, which carry significant prison time and lengthy license suspensions. The severity of injuries sustained by others directly impacts potential sentencing; that is why medical records and accident reconstruction reports become central evidence in these prosecutions.

Can I Lose My License Permanently?

New Jersey law mandates license suspension for DWI/DUI convictions, with periods ranging from several months to years, depending on offense history. A DWI/DUI crash resulting in injury extends these suspension periods considerably. Multiple DWI/DUI convictions can lead to a 10-year suspension. However, permanent revocation is rare and typically reserved for the most serious repeat offenders. Our South Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer can advocate for the shortest suspension period applicable to your circumstances.

What Are the Financial Consequences of a DWI/DUI Crash?

Beyond fines and court costs, you could face increased insurance premiums that can last for years. Another category is civil lawsuits from injured parties seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering; vehicle damage, towing, and impound fees add to immediate costs. Installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device becomes mandatory in many cases. Potential job loss due to license suspension or incarceration creates additional financial strain that extends well beyond court proceedings.

Should I Accept a Plea Offer?

Plea negotiations are common in DWI/DUI cases, but whether to accept an offer requires careful consideration. The prosecution may offer reduced charges or sentencing recommendations in exchange for a guilty plea. We can evaluate whether the offer is fair given the evidence against you and potential trial outcomes. Some offers provide genuine benefits, whereas others offer little advantage over going to trial. This decision should never be made without thorough consultation with your legal counsel.

Will I Go to Jail?

Incarceration is possible in any DWI/DUI case, but the likelihood increases when an accident causes injury or if there are previous offenses. First-time offenders with no injuries caused may avoid jail time, though this is not guaranteed. Cases involving serious bodily injury or death carry mandatory minimum sentences. Your prior criminal history, blood alcohol level, and cooperation with authorities all influence sentencing. Our South Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer works to present mitigating factors that may reduce or eliminate jail time in client cases.

Can I Continue Working During My Case?

License suspension creates obvious challenges for work requiring driving, and discussing your employment situation with your attorney helps develop strategies to minimize career impact. Some individuals qualify for work permits allowing limited driving privileges for employment purposes. However, these permits are not available in all cases. Professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, or commercial driving face additional scrutiny following DWI/DUI convictions.

What Evidence Will the Prosecution Use Against Me?

The prosecution builds its case through multiple forms of evidence, including police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, field sobriety test observations, and witness statements from the scene. Photographs of the accident site and documentation of vehicle damage help establish what occurred. If injuries resulted from the crash, medical records demonstrate the extent of harm suffered by other parties. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may also document the incident. Your attorney reviews this evidence thoroughly, looking for procedural errors, inconsistencies, or constitutional violations that could weaken the state's position.

A South Jersey DWI/DUI Lawyer at Iannelli Law Can Explain Your Legal Options

If you were accused of driving while intoxicated and need legal help, do not hesitate to contact our South Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer at Iannelli Law. Call us at 856-227-2434 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. Our office is in Blackwood, New Jersey, and we serve clients in the surrounding areas.