DWI In Cherry Hill, NJ: What You Need To Know To Protect Your Future
You’re Fighting for Your Life, Not Just to Beat a Charge
That flashing red light in your rearview mirror. The knot in your stomach as the officer approaches. The cold reality of handcuffs clicking shut. A DWI arrest in Cherry Hill is a legal hurdle, yes, but it’s also a moment that can upend everything: your job, your reputation, your freedom, even your relationships.
You might feel powerless right now. Maybe you’re replaying the night in your head, wondering, “What if I’d just called a ride?” Or perhaps you’re angry, at yourself, at the officer, at the system. That’s normal. But this isn’t the end of your story, and how you act now could change everything.
New Jersey’s DWI laws are brutal, and the prosecution won’t cut you slack. But you do have rights, you do have options, and with the right defense, you can fight back. Below, we’ll break down what you’re up against, the mistakes you cannot afford to make, and how a relentless DWI attorney can turn the tide in your favor.
What To Do Immediately After A DWI Arrest In Cherry Hill
1. Stay Calm And Compliant, But Know Your Rights
The moment those lights flash, your adrenaline spikes. Your first instinct might be to argue, explain, or even apologize. Don’t. Politely pull over, turn off your engine, and keep your hands visible. You must provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance, but you are not required to answer questions like:
- “Have you been drinking?”
- “Where are you coming from?”
- “How much have you had to drink?”
Why? Anything you say can and will be used against you. Even a seemingly harmless “I had one beer” can be twisted into “admission of drinking.” Your best response in this circumstance is “I’d like to speak with my attorney before answering any questions.”
2. Do NOT Take The Field Sobriety Tests
If the officer asks you to:
- Follow a penlight with your eyes (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus)
- Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line (Walk-and-Turn)
- Stand on one leg (One-Leg Stand)
Politely decline these things. These tests are designed for you to fail. Even sober people struggle with them, especially on uneven pavement, in bad weather, or under the stress of flashing police lights. Officers often administer them incorrectly, but unless you’re recorded, it’s your word against theirs.
3. Breathalyzer Refusal: A Double-Edged Sword
New Jersey has implied consent laws. That means if you refuse a breath test, you will face:
- Immediate license suspension (7–12 months for a first refusal)
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device
But here’s the catch: If you do take the test and blow over the legal limit (0.08% BAC), the prosecution now has ironclad evidence against you. Refusing might make their case weaker, but it comes with steep penalties.
What should you do? This is where an experienced DWI attorney becomes your lifeline. They can weigh the specifics of your case and advise you on the best path forward before you make a decision that could haunt you for years.
4. Document Everything
From the moment you’re pulled over:
- Write down what happened (while it’s fresh).
- Note the time, location, and officer’s behavior.
- Look for witnesses (even passengers in your car).
- Check for cameras (dashcams, body cams, or nearby surveillance).
This information could uncover police misconduct, improper procedures, or flaws in the evidence, all of which can be used to fight your charges.
5. Call A DWI Attorney Immediately
The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And the prosecution is already building a case against you.
You need a lawyer who:
✔ Knows New Jersey’s DWI laws inside and out and how to exploit their weaknesses.
✔ Has handled hundreds of cases like yours and won.
✔ Will fight for you like your future depends on it because it does.
Why Most DWI Defenses Fail (And How Yours Won’t)
Too many people assume a DWI charge is a done deal. They plead guilty, pay the fines, and move on, only to regret it when they’re hit with skyrocketing insurance rates, job loss, or even deportation.
But here’s the truth: DWI cases are winnable. The key is working with a defense attorney who doesn’t just go through the motions, but who digs deeper, fights harder, and refuses to back down.
The Problems With “Average” DWI Defense
Many lawyers:
- Rush to plea deals (even when the case is weak).
- Don’t challenge the evidence (breath tests, field sobriety tests, police reports).
- Treat you like a case number (not a person with a future on the line).
How A Relentless DWI Attorney Changes The Game
At Leckerman Law, LLC, we don’t just defend you, we dismantle the prosecution’s case piece by piece.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Attacking the Traffic Stop
Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If they didn’t have reasonable suspicion, if they lied, made a mistake, or violated your rights, the entire case could be thrown out.
Example: An officer claims you “swerved.” But was it really swerving, or were you just changing lanes? Was the road uneven? Was it dark? We demand dashcam footage to prove and substantiate an officer’s claims.
2. Exposing Flaws in Field Sobriety Tests
These tests are not scientific. They’re subjective, and officers often administer them wrong. We look for:
- Improper instructions (Did the officer explain the test correctly?)
- Unfair conditions (Were you on a slope? Wearing heels? Nervous?)
- Medical issues (Inner ear problems, injuries, or even fatigue can make you “fail”)
3. Challenging Breath Test Results
Breathalyzer machines aren’t foolproof. They can give false readings due to:
- Poor calibration (Machines must be checked regularly, were they?)
- Operator error (Was the officer trained properly?)
- Medical conditions (Acid reflux, diabetes, or even mouthwash can skew results)
We don’t just accept the numbers, we investigate how they were obtained.
4. Using Video Evidence to Your Advantage
Dashcams and body cams can be your best friend or worst enemy. We scrutinize every frame to:
- Prove you weren’t impaired (slurred speech? stumbling? if not, we use that).
- Catch police misconduct (did they follow protocol? or did they cut corners?)
- Show inconsistent behavior (if you “passed” some tests but “failed” others, we exploit that).
5. Fighting for Reduced Charges or Dismissal
If the prosecution’s case is weak, we push for dismissal. If not, we negotiate hard for:
- Reduced charges (from DWI to reckless driving).
- Lower fines and penalties.
- Avoiding license suspension or jail time.
Bottom line: We don’t just look for defenses, we hunt for them. Because your freedom is worth the fight.
Why Pleading Guilty Is Almost Always A Mistake
The prosecution will pressure you to take a plea deal. “Just admit it, pay the fine, and move on.”
Don’t fall for it.
Pleading guilty means:
❌ No chance to fight the charges.
❌ Automatic conviction on your record.
❌ Harsher penalties than you might get after a trial.
A skilled DWI attorney doesn’t just accept the first offer, they force the prosecution to earn a conviction.
The Power Of A Trial-Ready Defense
When your lawyer prepares every case for trial (even if it settles), the prosecution notices. They know:
- We won’t back down.
- We’ll expose their weak evidence.
- We’re ready to fight (and win) in court.
Ultimately, the prosecution is more likely to drop charges, reduce penalties, or offer a better deal just to avoid a losing battle.
FAQ: Your Most Pressing DWI Questions Answered
Q: What Should I Do Immediately After Being Pulled Over For DWI In Cherry Hill, NJ?
A: Stay calm, be polite, but do not answer incriminating questions. Decline field sobriety tests. Call a DWI attorney before deciding on a breath test. Document everything: time, location, officer behavior, and look for witnesses or cameras.
Q: Can I Refuse A Breathalyzer Test In New Jersey, And What Are The Consequences?
A: Yes, but refusal comes with automatic penalties: 7–12 months license suspension, fines up to $1,000, and possible ignition interlock. However, refusing might weaken the prosecution’s case. Consult an attorney immediately to weigh your options.
Q: How Can Video Evidence, Dashcams, Or Body Cameras Help Or Hurt A DWI Defense In Cherry Hill?
A: Video can make or break your case. If it shows you passing sobriety tests, speaking clearly, or police misconduct, it’s gold. If it shows slurred speech or stumbling, it hurts. A sharp attorney will analyze every frame to build your defense.
Q: What Are The Potential Collateral Consequences Of A DWI Conviction In NJ?
A: Beyond fines and jail, you could face:
- Job loss (especially if driving is part of your work).
- Deportation (if you’re not a U.S. citizen).
- License suspension (affecting daily life).
- Higher insurance (for years).
- Professional license revocation (doctors, nurses, CDL holders).
- Travel bans (some countries block entry for DWI convictions).
Q: What Advantages Come From Having A DWI Attorney Who Prepares The Case For Trial Rather Than Relying On Plea Offers?
A: Prosecutors fear trial-ready lawyers. If they know your attorney will fight aggressively in court, they’re more likely to:
- Drop charges if their case is weak.
- Offer better plea deals to avoid trial.
- Reduce penalties
Bottom line: A lawyer who only negotiates pleas will get you a worse deal than one who prepares to win at trial.
You Don’t Have To Face This Alone
Right now, you might feel like the system is stacked against you. Like no matter what you do, you’ll lose. But you have more power than you think. A DWI charge is not a conviction. It’s not the end of your story. It’s a fight, and one you can win with the right attorney in your corner.
At Leckerman Law, LLC, we don’t just handle DWI cases, we attack them head-on. With over 1,000 DWI cases defended, advanced training in breath tests and field sobriety tests, and a reputation for never backing down, we know how to expose weaknesses, challenge evidence, and protect what matters most: your future.
This is your life, your freedom, and your reputation. Don’t trust it to a lawyer who sees you as just another case. Call us now at (856)-429-2323 or visit Winning-DWI-Defenses.com for a free, no-obligation case review. Let’s talk about how we can fight (and win) together.
Time is not on your side. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense.
