Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey can be a daunting experience, bringing with it serious legal ramifications that can significantly impact your life. Navigating the complexities of New Jersey DWI law requires the guidance of a seasoned attorney who not only understands the intricacies of the legal system but is also committed to vigorously defending your rights. At Levow DWI Law, P.C., our team of dedicated DWI trial attorneys specializes exclusively in DWI and DUI defense throughout New Jersey. We possess an in-depth knowledge of the specific nuances of DWI law, from case precedents to the procedures of local courts and prosecutors across all 21 counties and 566 municipalities in the state. Our reputation precedes us as relentless DWI lawyers in New Jersey who meticulously examine every aspect of your case to build a robust defense.
We go beyond basic legal representation by investing in the same rigorous training as law enforcement. Our attorneys are certified in field sobriety testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the very organization that sets the standard for police training. This specialized knowledge allows us to critically assess the field sobriety tests administered in your case, identifying any procedural errors that could weaken the prosecution’s case. Furthermore, every lawyer at our firm is certified in the operation and maintenance of the Draeger Alcotest® 7110, the breath testing device currently utilized in New Jersey. Our advanced training in both breath and blood testing methodologies ensures that we can thoroughly scrutinize the evidence against you and formulate the most effective defense strategy. Our clients seek us out not for hand-holding or accepting guilt, but for assertive legal advocacy aimed at challenging the charges and providing the most informed counsel on how to proceed. Numerous defenses can be mounted against a NJ DWI charge, and we encourage you to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to explore your options.
Certified Expertise in Field Sobriety Testing
At Levow DWI Law, P.C., our commitment to providing exceptional DWI defense is underscored by our extensive training in field sobriety testing. Every DWI lawyer in New Jersey at our firm has undergone the same rigorous certification program in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that law enforcement officers undergo. This in-depth training equips us with a comprehensive understanding of the protocols and procedures that should be followed during roadside sobriety tests. Importantly, Evan Levow holds the distinction of being one of only five attorneys in New Jersey certified as an instructor in field sobriety testing. This exceptional qualification means he is certified to teach police officers how to correctly administer these tests. This level of expertise provides us with an unparalleled advantage in analyzing the field sobriety tests you were subjected to. We meticulously evaluate whether the officer adhered to the standardized procedures. If deviations or errors occurred during the administration of these tests, the reliability and validity of the results are inherently compromised. This meticulous scrutiny of field sobriety testing can be a crucial element in weakening the prosecution’s case against you.
Advanced Training in Blood, Urine, and Drug Recognition Evaluation
Our dedication to providing a comprehensive defense extends to advanced training in blood and urine testing, as well as Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE). Our DWI lawyers in New Jersey have pursued specialized education in forensic science, collaborating with leading experts nationwide through intensive seminars and courses. This advanced knowledge allows us to meticulously analyze the intricacies of blood and urine tests in DWI cases involving suspected alcohol or drug impairment. Alongside a network of forensic experts we may consult, we rigorously examine every aspect of the blood or urine sample collection and testing process. This includes verifying the proper procedures for blood draw, ensuring correct sample storage protocols were followed to prevent contamination or degradation, and confirming that scientifically validated testing methodologies were employed to obtain reliable results. By scrutinizing these critical elements, we can identify potential flaws or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence derived from chemical testing.
Unparalleled Expertise in New Jersey DWI Breath Testing
Levow DWI Law, P.C. distinguishes itself through its pioneering approach to breath testing defense. We were the first law firm in New Jersey to possess both the older Draeger® Breathalyzer 900 and the currently utilized Draeger Alcotest® 7110 MKIII-C breath testing machines. Each DWI lawyer in New Jersey at our firm has completed the Draeger factory certification training on the Alcotest®, providing us with an intimate understanding of the machine’s operation, maintenance, and potential vulnerabilities. Our ownership of both generations of Draeger breathalyzers demonstrates our long-standing commitment to mastering breath testing technology and defense strategies.
Evan Levow’s landmark representation in State v. Chun, the most pivotal DWI case in New Jersey history, has profoundly shaped DWI defense and prosecution standards, not only in New Jersey but also nationally. The Chun case established critical legal precedents regarding breath testing evidence and the admissibility of scientific evidence in DWI trials.
Our extensive experience and continuous education in breath testing litigation are directly applied to every case we handle. We meticulously assess whether proper observation protocols were followed by the arresting and testing officers prior to breath sample collection. We investigate whether any medical conditions, occupational exposures, or hobbies of the client could potentially influence the accuracy of the breath test reading. We are acutely aware of the known issues and potential for errors inherent in the Alcotest machine. If we can demonstrate that the breath testing device malfunctioned, was improperly calibrated, or was operated by an unqualified or uncertified individual, we will aggressively pursue the suppression of the breath test results as evidence.
Aggressive and Comprehensive DWI Defense Strategies
At Levow DWI Law, P.C., we are committed to leaving no avenue of defense unexplored for our clients. We understand that each DWI case is unique, and we provide personalized attention, unwavering support, and a meticulously crafted defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your arrest. Our DWI lawyers in New Jersey are driven by a commitment to exhaust every possible legal avenue to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients. Through diligent investigation, strategic negotiation, and, when necessary, assertive litigation, we are dedicated to securing the best possible resolution. Our clients retain us to aggressively challenge the charges against them, not to simply concede guilt. While no attorney can ethically guarantee a specific outcome, we pledge to relentlessly fight for your rights until you are satisfied with our efforts. We meticulously analyze every facet of your case to ensure complete discovery is obtained and all appropriate motions are filed. This includes motions to suppress evidence if your constitutional rights were violated during the initial stop, as well as motions to limit or exclude evidence based on procedural or evidentiary grounds. We urge you to contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin constructing your defense without delay.
Evan Levow: A Leading New Jersey DWI Attorney and Advocate
At Levow DWI Law, P.C., we recognize that a DWI charge is fundamentally about you – your life, your liberty, your driving privileges, and potentially your livelihood. We are deeply committed to achieving the optimal outcome for our clients given the specific circumstances of their case. When you choose Levow DWI Law, P.C., you gain the support of a highly skilled and passionate legal team spearheaded by Evan Levow. Mr. Levow is widely recognized throughout New Jersey and across the nation as a preeminent DWI lawyer in New Jersey, renowned for his innovative and aggressive defense strategies. He is frequently sought after by other DWI attorneys as a trusted resource and mentor, often referred to as the “DWI lawyer’s lawyer.” Mr. Levow is a frequent lecturer at national conferences and seminars, where he shares his expertise on cutting-edge DWI defense techniques and the scientific underpinnings of effective defense strategies. His groundbreaking legal work has resulted in significant victories in breath and blood testing litigation, leading to positive changes for DWI and DUI defendants both locally and nationally. Notably, Mr. Levow represented the defendants in State v. Kent and State v. Renshaw, landmark blood testing cases in New Jersey. His efforts in these cases redefined the state’s burden of proof, requiring the prosecution to present live testimony to substantiate the blood draw and testing procedures, thereby safeguarding the constitutional right to confront witnesses.
Understanding New Jersey DWI Law
New Jersey DWI law distinguishes between two primary categories of charges: driving under the influence of alcohol, which centers on impairment, and driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, a “per se” violation.
A distinctive feature of New Jersey drunk driving law is the absence of jury trials for DWI offenses. Unlike most other states, defendants accused of DWI in New Jersey are only entitled to a bench trial, where a judge, rather than a jury, determines guilt or innocence. This system has both advantages and disadvantages that an experienced DWI lawyer in New Jersey at Levow DWI Law, P.C. can explain in relation to your specific case.
However, New Jersey law provides a crucial safeguard: drivers convicted of DWI in municipal court have the right to a “de novo” appeal. This appeal is essentially a second chance. A Superior Court judge at the county level reviews the trial record and hears legal arguments from both sides, offering a fresh review of the municipal court conviction.
Drivers with prior DWI convictions face significantly enhanced penalties. Third or subsequent DWI offenses carry a mandatory 180-day jail sentence. In cases involving prior convictions, we meticulously examine not only the current charges but also the validity of past convictions. We assess whether proper legal procedures and protocols were followed in those prior cases. If there is a legal basis to challenge past convictions and potentially mitigate the penalties associated with the current charge, we will provide you with this critical information and, if appropriate, seek to reopen prior cases to seek relief. Evan Levow has a proven track record of assisting clients in addressing prior DWI convictions and achieving favorable outcomes in current DWI matters.
A DWI Arrest is Not a Conviction: We Can Help
It is crucial to remember that a DWI arrest does not automatically equate to a conviction. While facing DWI charges can be understandably stressful, it is entirely possible to successfully challenge and defeat a drunk driving charge. Conviction and automatic penalties are not inevitable. Numerous avenues exist to contest a New Jersey DWI arrest, and the experienced DWI lawyers in New Jersey at Levow DWI Law, P.C. are prepared to leverage every available defense on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us begin working immediately to protect your rights and your future.
Disclaimer: Attorney Advertising. This website is considered an advertisement by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Before making your choice of attorney, you should give this matter careful thought. The selection of an attorney is an important decision. If the representations made on this page are inaccurate or misleading, you may report this to the Committee on Attorney Advertising, Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 037, Trenton, NJ 08625.
Disclaimer: Legal Advice. The information provided in this website does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and only after reviewing the specifics of a given case can a lawyer provide appropriate legal advice. Do not act on information contained in this website without counsel from an attorney. An attorney client relationship is not in effect until agreed to in writing.
