The state of New Jersey imposes several mandatory penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. The repercussions may include fines, jail time, driving license suspension, surcharges, and participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). If you are convicted of a DUI, you may even be required to put …
Read MoreIn criminal law, a defendant’s actions can sometimes be excused if they can establish Duress/Coercion as a Defense to Criminal Charges in New Jersey. This defense may apply where a threat or actual physical force caused you to commit a crime. Consider a situation where someone threatens physical harm or holds a gun to your …
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Read MoreDUI, which means “driving under the influence,” and DWI, or “driving while intoxicated” are both terms used to describe the act of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Every state has slightly varying laws concerning these charges, with some using the terms interchangeably. Is there a difference between DUI vs. …
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Read MoreWhen a victim of domestic violence testifies in court, their testimony can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. In this article, we will answer the question: does the victim have to testify in a domestic violence case? We will also review what happens in the absence of a testimony and how …
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Read MoreAfter being convicted of a criminal offense in New Jersey, the court could place you on probation instead of sentencing you to jail or prison time. What happens when you violate the terms or conditions of your probation? This post reviews the different types of probation violations, their consequences, and how a New Jersey Criminal …
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Read MoreIf you are stopped for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey, you may be worried about whether you are at risk of losing your driver’s license. The short answer to the question of “do you lose your license immediately after a DWI/DUI” is only if you …
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Read MoreIf you are an Uber or other rideshare driver and you have been charged with a DUI/DWI, you should seek advice from a New Jersey DWI/DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible because you could lose your right to drive for the rideshare service. Similarly, if you have a DWI on your record in New …
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Read MoreDriving with a suspended license in New Jersey is a big deal. If a person is caught driving with a suspended license, he faces serious consequences, particularly when the license was suspended following the conviction of a specific offense, such as driving while impaired/driving under the influence. At the Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, …
Read MoreIf a New Jersey police officer knocks on your door and hands you a packet of information regarding a domestic violence restraining order, you might be in shock wondering what to do next. Statistics from Stop Abusive and Violent Practices (SAVE) reveal that you are not alone in questioning how such a scenario could happen …
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Read MoreWhen a mistake or lapse in judgment leads to an arrest for DWI in New Jersey, one of the first things that may cross your mind is the potential penalties you face for a conviction. You are right to be concerned as New Jersey’s drunk driving statute imposes severe punishment. In addition to fines ranging …
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