DiLorenzo & Rush | Counselors of Law
Stepping Up & Standing Out

Fighting Drunk Driving Charges In New York And New Jersey

You never thought it would happen to you. You had a few drinks with co-workers at happy hour after work then headed for home. Then you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over and are arrested for DUI/DWI.

Drunk driving arrests and charges are serious business. If convicted, your license will be revoked, you’ll be facing stiff fines, and you could even go to jail. In addition, you could lose your job, your marriage or other important relationships may become strained, and your insurance rates will skyrocket. Regardless of your situation, a skilled attorney at DiLorenzo & Rush can help defend you from a DUI /DWI or other traffic violation.

Since 1997, our firm has provided the people of northern New Jersey and southern New York state with skilled legal defense against DUI charges and other traffic-related offenses.

We can help you save your license!
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Call 201-212-4027 (New Jersey) or 718-537-9885 (Bronx).

Our Hackensack DUI attorneys have a thorough knowledge of both New York State and New Jersey law regarding DUI/DWI. Both states treat drunk driving offenses differently, and each has specific guidelines for penalties. Here is a simple breakdown of some of the basic differences for a first-offense DUI/DWI:

New York State DWI

New Jersey DUI

You have the right to a jury trial You DO NOT have the right to a jury trial; a judge will determine your fate
Mandatory fine of $500 – $1000 Mandatory fine of $200 – $400, plus significant other expenses, including a $3000 DMV surcharge
Possible jail term of up to 1 year Possible jail term of up to 30 days
Mandatory license revocation for period of 6 months Mandatory license revocation for period of 3 months to 1 year
Obtaining a conditional license/work permit for use during your revocation period is possible IF you are a first-time offender and you complete New York’s Drinking Driving Program (DDP) Obtaining a conditional/work license or hardship permit IS NOT an option. The mandatory license revocation or suspension you receive from the state cannot be lifted. You must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) for 12 to 24 hours of alcohol counseling.
DWI is considered a crime – if convicted, you will have a criminal record DUI/DWI is NOT considered a criminal offense unless certain criteria are met

In addition to drunk driving charges, our Bronx and Hackensack attorneys also handle a wide range of related charges and violations, including:

  • Speeding tickets, including construction zone, school zone violations, and racing
  • Careless driving and reckless driving
  • Challenging the breathalyzer test
  • Underage DWI
  • Drug-related DUI
  • Driving while license or registration is suspended or revoked, and driving with expired registration
  • Felony death by vehicle, manslaughter or negligent homicide involving a motor vehicle, and hit and run
  • Failure to yield to emergency vehicle, failure to yield to right of way, and passing a stopped school bus
  • Driving without insurance
  • Running a red light, running a stop sign and illegal passing

The cost of traffic tickets goes far beyond any fine you may be assessed by the court. Your insurance premiums could increase anywhere from 25% to 400% after a traffic conviction. Many people just pay the ticket when a knowledgeable attorney, in many cases, would be able to save their driving record and keep their insurance rates from increasing. What many individuals don’t realize or consider is that traffic violations will affect your record and premiums for years and can cause increased penalties for any future violations.

Whether you are facing DUI/DWI/DWAI or other traffic-related charges, you can rely on the skilled, aggressive attorneys at DiLorenzo & Rush to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Call 718-537-9885 or 201-212-4027. With offices conveniently located in both the Bronx and Hackensack, we are just minutes away. Flexible appointments, including off-site and evenings are available. We charge reasonable fees and accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.