Probable Cause for a DWI Stop

Cedar Grove Probable Cause for a DWI Stop

With offices in Newark, New Jersey

NJ DWI Probable Cause — Probable Cause for DWI Stop

The penalties for a first-time DWI offense in the State of New Jersey can include jail time and the revocation of your driver’s license. Although these DWI penalties are harsh, the good news is that there are almost always to fight the case and beat your charges. For example, your arrest might have been invalid if the police officer did not have probable cause to initiate the traffic stop. An experienced DWI defense attorney may be able to challenge your arrest and get your charges dismissed.

The attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm understand the nuances of New Jersey DWI law and know how to recognize and expose infringements of drivers’ rights. Founding partner Travis J. Tormey has handled countless Driving While Intoxicated cases throughout Essex County, including Orange, Montclair, and Caldwell. Additionally, the firm’s DWI defense team includes a former DWI prosecutor and a retired NJ State Trooper who is certified in Alcotest operation and field sobriety testing. Our vast experience in this area of law allows us to attack the facts of your case so that you can prevail in court.

Contact Us Today

Call the Tormey Law Firm today at 201-654-3464. You can also view examples of our Successful DWI Verdict & Settlements.

Probable Cause for a Traffic Stop in Essex County: Reasonable Suspicion

New Jersey police officers are not allowed to stop your vehicle for no particular reason. A police officer must have reasonable and articulable suspicion that a driver is in violation of traffic laws before effectuating a traffic stop. This is known as “probable cause.”

Some of the most common traffic violations that serve as probable cause for a DWI stop in New Jersey include Speeding, Failure to Maintain Lane, Talking on a Cell Phone, Broken Headlight or Taillight, Obstructed View, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Driving with a Suspended License. If an officer has a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a driver is in violation of one of these traffic laws, they may stop the vehicle. However, if probable cause for the traffic stop was lacking, then anything the officer discovered after the stop – such as a drunk driver – is inadmissible in court. This is known as the “fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.” Basically, an invalid traffic stop will invalidate the prosecution’s entire case.

Sobriety Checkpoints in Essex County, NJ

Some traffic stops are initiated at a sobriety checkpoint or roadblock. These drunk driving checkpoints must meet certain constitutional requirements. The New Jersey Supreme Court held in State v. Moskal that a DWI checkpoint’s location should be based on historical arrest rates at the location. Moreover, the court said that notice of the checkpoint must be published so that drivers have advance warning. If the police fail to meet these requirements, any traffic stops at the DWI checkpoint are invalid. Additionally, if the police fail to follow proper procedures at any point during the checkpoint stop, the DWI charges may be dismissed. The Tormey Law Firm recently got a DWI charge dismissed after police officers conducted a DWI checkpoint without the proper regulations in place.

Free Consultation with a Newark DUI Lawyer

The experienced DWI defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm are prepared to fight your DWI charges and protect your constitutional rights. You can call us anytime at 201-654-3464 to discuss your drunk driving case, or you can email us to schedule a free consultation at our Newark office.

Client Reviews

"Travis Tormey is the only lawyer I seek out to handle my legal affairs. Over the last four years, I have used Mr. Tormey’s services on numerous occasions to my great benefit. He promptly returns my messages, takes the time..."
"Travis Tormey is a superb attorney. He is skilled and knowledgeable. He handled my case with respect, kindness and quiet assurance. I would trust him with all future legal needs. He has many contacts in the legal profession..."
"Mr. Tormey is a consummate professional. Our case was sensitive and complicated and unusually lengthy for a juvenile case. For 8 months Mr. Tormey faithfully worked our case and never failed to show for court once. Punctual, disciplined..."
"Travis Tormey is an outstanding attorney. He helped me tremendously, more so than I ever could have imagined. He handled all aspects of my case with compassion, respect, and immense competence. He is a skilled and knowledge..."
"I was extremely nervous and anticipating the worst situation possible for my cases. Travis was a very reliable lawyer and everyone at his firm was extremely helpful. Travis went above and beyond inside and outside of the court room for me! ..."