The Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi Counselor at Law

DUI/DWI:
“DUI” stands for Driving Under the Influence. If one is charged with DUI, an individual must be operating a motor vehicle and under the influence of a controlled substance, CDS. The presence of any CDS in one’s urine while operating a motor vehicle gives rise to a violation in New Jersey of DUI. “DWI” stands for Driving While Intoxicated by alcohol. A DWI is a motor vehicle offense in New Jersey and therefore not eligible for probation. DWI charges apply when someone is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and his or her Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit.

DRIVERS LICENSE REVOCATION:
Typically, a driver’s license will not be revoked for one or even two traffic tickets resulting from a moving violation such as speeding, running a stoplight or stop sign. However, if the offense is serious or if the driver has had previous convictions for moving violations in the past, his or her license may be revoked or suspended. If the driver is charged with reckless driving, or is involved in a hit-and-run, the defendant’s license may be suspended for a year or more. If the driver is charged with drunk driving for a BAC reading of less than .10 but higher than or equal to .08, there will be a mandatory suspension of three months; for a BAC reading that is .10 or higher, the mandatory suspension will be seven months and may be up to one year.

LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT:
New Jersey state law requires drivers involved in an vehicle accident where bodily injury or property damage occurs to stop immediately at the scene of the accident (or as close to the scene as possible without obstructing the flow of traffic) to wait for the arrival of law enforcement officers. In the State of New Jersey, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident where property damage occurs, s/he is subject to a $200 to $400 fine, 30 days imprisonment and a 6 months driver’s license suspension. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident where serious injury or death occurs, s/he are subject to a $500- $1000 fine, 180 days imprisonment and 1 year driver’s license suspension, in addition to other criminal charges that may be filed against them.