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.
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:
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.”
If the officer asks you to:
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.
New Jersey has implied consent laws. That means if you refuse a breath test, you will face:
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.
From the moment you’re pulled over:
This information could uncover police misconduct, improper procedures, or flaws in the evidence, all of which can be used to fight your charges.
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.
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.
Many lawyers:
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:
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.
These tests are not scientific. They’re subjective, and officers often administer them wrong. We look for:
Breathalyzer machines aren’t foolproof. They can give false readings due to:
We don’t just accept the numbers, we investigate how they were obtained.
Dashcams and body cams can be your best friend or worst enemy. We scrutinize every frame to:
If the prosecution’s case is weak, we push for dismissal. If not, we negotiate hard for:
Bottom line: We don’t just look for defenses, we hunt for them. Because your freedom is worth the fight.
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.
When your lawyer prepares every case for trial (even if it settles), the prosecution notices. They know:
Ultimately, the prosecution is more likely to drop charges, reduce penalties, or offer a better deal just to avoid a losing battle.
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.
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.
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.
A: Beyond fines and jail, you could face:
A: Prosecutors fear trial-ready lawyers. If they know your attorney will fight aggressively in court, they’re more likely to:
Bottom line: A lawyer who only negotiates pleas will get you a worse deal than one who prepares to win at trial.
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.