A 46 year old Morris County woman was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated ("DWI") to a police station last week. The woman, a resident of Pomptom Plains, drove to the Kinnelon police station to pick up a police report. While at the station, an officer noticed that she was dazed and had difficulty maintaining her balance. The officer proceeded to question the woman and determined that she had driven to the police station after taking several prescription medications. The woman was unable to recall the dosages that she took and the police officials did not disclose the exact type of medication she had taken. The alleged offender was issued a summons for driving while intoxicated and was released to a third party pending a court appearance.

Drivers in New Jersey can be arrested and charged for DWI if suspected of driving under the influence of narcotics including marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs and other hallucinogens. Recently, the New Jersey Court of Appeals upheld a DWI conviction of a Hunterdon county man who was arrested while driving home from a local hospital after being given a cocktail of prescription drugs, even though there was no alcohol in his system.

New Jersey's penalties for DWI are very severe. A first DWI conviction could result in a loss of license for a period of time ranging from three months to a year. Those found guilty of DWI also face a fine of up to $500 as well as possible imprisonment. Furthermore, New Jersey assesses a surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.

The consequences of a DWI are serious and can affect every aspect of your life. For this reason, anyone charged with the offense of DWI should choose an attorney who is well qualified and experienced in handling DWI cases in Morris County and throughout the State of New Jersey. It takes the expertise of an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, analyze your case and obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Source: nj.com, "Woman charged with driving intoxicated to Kinnelon police station," Dan Goldberg, The Star-Ledger. April 3, 2012.

Source: nj.com, "DWI conviction of driver impaired by prescription drugs upheld by New Jersey appellate court," Lillian Shupe, Hunterton County Democrat. March 21, 2012.

N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 Driving while intoxicated (2012).