Should Someone Try And Defend A DWI On Their Own?

Is It A Good Idea To Try And Defend A New Jersey DWI Case On Your Own?

It’s a terrible idea for someone to try and represent him or herself on a New Jersey DWI charge. There is a lot of expertise that is required to address all of the issues involved in a DWI prosecution. Attorney Kevin Leckerman has spent thousands of hours gaining training and experience in court in order to address these matters appropriately. He’s spent time reviewing the law, the science, and the art of trial tactics in order to put himself in the best position to defend his clients. He also has spent countless hours learning to understand the rules of court, the rules of evidence, the constitutional protections afforded to each defendant, the relevant New Jersey case law, the science behind breath testing, field sobriety testing, urine testing, and drug recognition testing. Unless someone has done the same due diligence, that person is not going to have the best chance of getting the best result in the case.

New Jersey DWI law is a highly technical area that even a general practice attorney wouldn’t be able to handle appropriately. Even for attorneys who are properly trained to handle New Jersey DWI work, this is a very difficult area to address and get a successful result for a client.

How Does The Court And The Judge Perceive People That Try To Defend Themselves?

Not a lot of people decide to represent themselves in a New Jersey DWI case. Judges’ responses to a pro se defendant often vary. Some will give that person more latitude when examining a witness on the stand, even though that person is unaware about the restrictions concerning the rules of court, or rules of evidence. Other judges will hold that defendant’s feet to the fire and apply the exact same standards to that pro se defendant that apply to an attorney.

What About The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Side Of The DWI And Losing Your License, In Addition To The Court Process?

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will not suspend the license prior to the conclusion of a DWI case. However, if a person is convicted for a New Jersey DWI charge, then the court staff will enter that conviction that day into the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission computer system. The suspension takes effect immediately upon the person’s conviction. It Is Not A Good Idea To Defend Yourself In Court When Facing A DWI Charge In New Jersey.