Drivers that get ticketed in New Jersey for drunk driving will usually see on the summons a court date that is less than a week from the date that they were stopped. This gets them thinking that they have very little time to get a lawyer and protect their rights. That is not the case. Because courts in New Jersey are mandated to resolve, as best they can, DUI matters within 60 days of the incident, the ball gets rolling right away.

This court date on your ticket is not for a trial; it is for something called a "rights hearing." All those people charged with DWI in the days leading up to the hearing are brought in and read their rights on drunk driving. This includes all of the penalties they are facing first, second, or third/subsequent violations, along with their right to a lawyer. This is usually done en masse for everyone, who are then excused from court for the day. A notice of trial date is then mailed to them.

I May Be Able to Help!

I don't take every case that comes to me. But if you were arrested and charged with a DUI in Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem, or Cumberland County, you know you need to hire a lawyer for your case, and you want to make an investment in the level of representation that you need, then call my office immediately at 856-432-4113 or fill out my contact form to schedule an appointment to discuss your case! You will thank yourself later!

More information on NJ DUI is available here.  You can also download my free book,How Much Trouble Am I In?  A Guide to New Jersey Drunk Driving Law.

Steven J. Richardson
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Bankruptcy, Collections, Student Loan, DUI and Traffic Court attorney in Woodbury, NJ.