John Menzel J.D.
Defending People Charged with Drunk Driving since 1987

This website is offered as a public service to help explain the laws in New Jersey and was prepared by John Menzel, J.D., a leading drunk driving defense attorney serving clients in courts throughout New Jersey.  After defending his first drunk driving case in 1987, John Menzel, J.D., has concentrated his practice in drunk driving defense since 1988.

Once, the terms "drunk driving," "driving while intoxicated," "driving while impaired," "DWI," "driving under the influence," and "DUI," were terms with significant legal distinctions with significantly different legal consequences.  But today in New Jersey, these terms have come to mean the same thing: a violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-50.  If you or someone you know faces a charge under N.J.S. 39:4-50 (or under N.J.S. 39:4-50.2 or N.J.S. 39:4-50.4a for breath test refusal), here is some information to help understand what happens, what's at stake, and what to do when faced with a motor vehicle stop or arrest for drunk driving in New Jersey.

John Menzel, J.D., has defended people in thousands of drunk driving cases in hundreds of municipal courts throughout New Jersey and criminal cases in Superior Court.  He has argued appeals up to the New Jersey Supreme Court, and appeared in the Federal District Court and Third Circuit Court of Appeals on habeas corpus petitions filed for people charged with drunk driving in New Jersey.  A member of several bar associations devoted to criminal and DUI defense, he also teaches law.