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At John Menzel J.D., we regularly speak with people who feel overwhelmed after being charged with driving under the influence. A DUI arrest can be incredibly frightening, confusing, and emotionally draining, especially if it’s your first encounter with law enforcement or the criminal justice system. Many in Asbury Park, New Jersey, come to us after searching DUI lawyer near me online, unsure of what steps to take next or how serious the consequences might be. The right legal guidance can make all the difference with regard to protecting your rights, your record, and your future. But before any defense strategy… Read More

In this article, you can discover… When community service is an option after a DWI. The type of work typically included in community service sentences. When a repeat offender will no longer qualify for community service. When It Comes To DWIs, When Is Community Service An Option? Community service usually comes into play for people facing a second DWI. For these cases, it is a mandatory part of their sentence. The court requires 30 days of community service, with each day equivalent to approximately six hours of work. The probation department monitors the entire process to ensure compliance. If someone… Read More

In this article, you will discover: Immediate steps to take after a first-time DWI arrest in New Jersey. Penalties you could face from a DWI conviction. Whether you will automatically lose your license for a first-time DWI charge. What Immediate Steps Should I Take After Being Arrested For A First-Time DWI? You should speak immediately with an attorney who is familiar with DWI law not a real estate attorney or an estate planning attorney. You want an attorney who specializes in defending people charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. What Court-Ordered Penalties Could I Face… Read More

John Menzel, J.D., in Asbury Park, NJ, understands that facing a DUI charge can be one of the most stressful and uncertain experiences of your life. Whether it’s your first or subsequent offense, the consequences of DUI are serious and can have dramatic impacts on your personal life and professional prospects for years to come. If you’re frantically searching DUI lawyer near me, DUI defense attorney John Menzel and the team are here, ready to walk you through what to expect with the DUI legal process. We’ve prepared this article for that purpose to break down how an experienced DUI lawyer can… Read More

In this article, you will discover: What to consider when you hire a DWI attorney. The benefits of hiring an attorney with a DWI specialty. The questions you should ask a DWI attorney during the initial consultation. What Should I Consider When Looking For A DWI Attorney? Experience While there’s no template for picking an attorney, they should have a significant measure of experience trying DWI cases. Ask the attorney if they are a member of any organizations, such as the National College for DUI Defense, DUI Defense Lawyers Association or the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. These are the… Read More

In this article, you will discover: What you should avoid saying during your DWI trial The potential outcomes of your DWI trial The most common mistakes defendants make during a DWI trial What Should I Avoid Saying During The Trial? The default answer regarding what you should or shouldn’t say at trial is this: Say nothing! The only exception would be answering administrative questions. For example, if the judge addresses you, the only appropriate question for you to answer would be: Are you here? What’s your mailing address? What’s your email address? What’s your phone number? You have both a… Read More

In this article, you can discover… What to expect during a DUI trial, and what the process looks like. How to dress for your trial, and what not to wear. The questions you might be asked and how an attorney can help you prepare. What Can I Expect To Happen During My DUI Trial In New Jersey? Much like any other trial, your DUI trial will begin with an opening statement, although these are most often waived since we are dealing with a bench trial. This typically means that a judge rather than a jury is deciding your case and… Read More

Mitigating factors can significantly impact the outcome of a DUI case, especially when those factors reflect a client’s clean record, community standing, or other personal circumstances. In this article, we’ll use some case studies that highlight how this process works in three unique real-life scenarios.  Keep reading to learn more about: Why individual factors like immigration status or recent medical procedures can influence DUI/DWI case outcomes. How specific mitigating factors, such as a clean record, community support, or proactive recovery efforts, can lead to reduced charges. Real-life examples that show how a skilled attorney can use your personal circumstances to… Read More

Are There Any Restrictions on Plea Bargaining for DWI Cases Involving Accidents or Injuries? Plea bargaining DWI cases involving accidents or injuries is subject to significant challenges. The severity of the incident and victim input, among other consequences, all play fundamental roles in shaping the potential for negotiation. Defendants and their attorneys must navigate these realities carefully, understanding the constraints and preparing for rigorous negotiations to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. Severity of the Incident When a DWI case involves serious bodily injury, the cases are usually handled by a county prosecutor rather than a municipal prosecutor.… Read More

How Does The New Plea-bargaining Law Affect Repeat DWI Offenders In New Jersey? The new plea-bargaining law in New Jersey brings significant considerations for repeat DWI offenders. Defense attorneys should examine the validity of previous convictions by obtaining police reports and transcripts of the plea proceedings. If defects in the case are found, there might be grounds to vacate the prior conviction. This is rare, to be sure. Alternatively, ambiguity regarding the validity of a prior conviction might lead the prosecutor to ask the court to disregard it during sentencing. Each of the following factors impact plea bargains for repeat… Read More