Last week, in conjunction with the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a multi-agency press release announcing that the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” annual campaign had begun in our state.
The goal of the two agencies is to raise awareness regarding how hazardous impaired driving can be. Along with the awareness campaign, an influx of police officers has been added to the usual patrols through January 1, 2025, to prevent the inevitable collisions caused by intoxicated drivers.
The intent is not punitive — but the consequences are
Drunk driving is typically a preventable crime year-round. But all the holiday parties and family dinners served with wine and topped off with egg-nog toasts can make even usually sober drivers too drunk to drive.
Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), let alone being convicted, is a life-changing event. It can jeopardize your right to earn a living in some sectors, e.g., transportation, medical and legal. If you happen to also be going through a divorce — a stressful event that can influence some soon-to-be ex-spouses to overindulge — a DUI arrest or conviction could call into question your fitness as a custodial parent.
Facing a drunk driving arrest
Remember, everything you do from the initial traffic stop to the end of the interaction is likely to be recorded as potential evidence against you later in court. Act accordingly, remaining polite and compliant while upholding your rights against warrantless searches and roadside sobriety tests.
Keep calm and reiterate that you will not be answering any questions from the police until you have been advised by defense counsel.