Victims of Pedestrian Accidents: The Right to Compensation
Drunk-driving, speeding, and other dangerous driving behaviors, can be costly to other motorists. However, they are especially dangerous to pedestrians. Statistics show that there are at least 70, 000 pedestrian accidents in the US annually; about 4, 500 of these accidents end in death, while the re...Read more
Common Mistakes People Make with Criminal Cases
Although you may never think you will ever seriously break the law or get caught up in a criminal investigation, it is important that you are prepared for any situation regarding your rights and freedom. By knowing how to properly respond to law enforcement officers as well as knowing what you shoul...Read more
New Jersey Death by Auto Is Clearly Devastating
A homicide by vehicle while DWI in NJ is a unique offense, separate from other forms of homicide. Considered a second degree crime, death by auto or vessel is a form of reckless homicide. It is specifically defined as causing death during the operation of a vehicle that is not man powered while into...Read more
Expert Witnesses in DUI Cases: Why I Use Them
Not one of my clients has told me that getting a DWI/DUI won’t really make a difference in his or her life. In other words, having a DWI or DUI conviction on your record always matters. From the jail-time to the license suspension to the huge financial penalties, there is at least one conseque...Read more
New Pennsylvania Law – DUI With a Minor in the Car
Maybe you're a college student heading back from a party with some friends and you've had a few too many drinks. Or you're a parent who's just come from a Fourth of July party where you had a couple of beers. It was all in good fun, and you don't feel drunk, but when the cop makes you take a breath ...Read more
Philadelphia Breath Testing and Chewing Tobacco – A Bad Combination
The question is often asked of me whether chewing tobacco can affect DUI breath testing results. Personally, I have run experiments on a number of DUI breath testing devices, such as the Intoxylizer 8000, Breathalyzer 900 and Alcotest 7110, with varying results. Scientifically, one recent study has ...Read more
Major Victory for Police Officer Accused of DWI
Recently, I had the pleasure of representing a seasonal police officer who worked for one of the New Jersey shore towns. He was a very nice guy with a concerned family in his corner and a spotless record. For the purposes of this article, he will be referred to as “Tom.” When Tom initially co...Read more
New Jersey Man Charged With DWI for the Fifth Time
VINELAND, New Jersey - Anderson Sotomayor, a forty-five year old Southern New Jersey man, who was charged five times with drunken driving within five weeks, was released on bail for a separate drug charge. His driving record includes two prior convictions for DWI in 1989 and 1992. Additionally,...Read more
An Important DUI Victory in Philadelphia Involving a Discredited Officer
The common conception about judges is that they will always believe the word of a police officer. Officers seem to have built-in credibility as they take the stand. Throughout my many years of practice, I have come across credible police officers who do a good job of policing, credible police office...Read more
Prescription Drugs and DUI
In recent years, arrests have been on the rise for drivers suspected of being under the influence of prescription drugs. These arrests often involve people who are lawfully taking medications, which have no intoxicating effects on driving skills. Unfortunately, an arrest for an alleged drug-related ...Read more
Philadelphia DUI Treatment Court
If you have been charged with a DUI, the first thoughts going through your mind probably concern the potential penalties you face. For drivers charged with a second or third DUI offense, the stakes are high. Jail-time is a certainty if convicted. A person charged with a second offense DUI, who is...Read more
NJ Open Container Law
There Actually Is an Open Container Law When I was a young driver I heard rumors that you could be arrested for having an open container in a vehicle. I was confused from the beginning. I couldn't figure out whether or not or not it was okay to drink a soda in a vehicle. A soda was a beverage, ri...Read more
New Jersey Possession of Drugs in an Automobile
Were you aware that there are specific laws regulating the possession of drugs while in a vehicle? Although most people know there are laws regulating the possession and use of certain controlled substances, many do not know there are additional laws for possessing drugs in a vehicle in New Jersey. ...Read more
CHEWING TOBACCO AND DUI BREATH TESTING
A common DUI question is whether the presence of chewing tobacco can affect breath testing results. It is true that chewing tobacco or smokeless tobacco can alter breath testing results. However, there are a number of reasons why this is the case. Many brands of chewing tobacco contain raw ethyl ...Read more
Pennsylvania Leaving the Scene of an Accident
An accident is often not a big deal, but there are many reasons why some people would leave the scene of an accident. Many times it is because they are afraid of being found guilty of another crime, such as driving under the influence or driving with a suspended license. In those drivers' minds it m...Read more
New Jersey Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Accidents are never created on purpose. Most people do not intend to have their vehicles cause damage to another person or thing. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. When they do, there is the understanding that the person at fault will make every attempt to correct any mistake made. People leave...Read more
Allowing a Drunk Driver to Use Your Car Is Illegal
The Super Bowl is often good reason to get together with friends and to drink a few brews. After the game, you may make the decision that you had too much to drink and should not be driving. That's a good call. However, allowing a buddy to drive your car can be as bad a mistake as driving the car yo...Read more
NJ Failure To Report
What would you do if you were in an accident? Chances are hanging around to make a police report isn't the first thing that crosses your mind.If you are in New Jersey, though, it should be. Failure to report an accident in NJ is illegal under N.J.S. 39:4-130 and can cause more problems than just the...Read more
The Best DWI Attorney in New Jersey
When charged with a DWI in New Jersey, the potential penalties for a conviction are severe. The period of license suspension will range from 90 days to 10 years, depending on the number of previous DWI convictions. Time in jail ranges from 30 days to 6 months. Additionally, there are tremendous fina...Read more
Fleeing and Eluding Police in New Jersey
Everyone is familiar with the scenario. You are driving down the road and police emergency lights go on behind you. A police officer has been following you and now you have an obligation to pull over. Most citizens will immediately stop the car. However, some make a bad decision to flee, because the...Read more
