Police accuse a Rockaway Township woman of driving under the influence after officers responded to an early morning car accident on Green Pond Road. Authorities say that the woman struck a utility pole shortly before 2:15 on Saturday morning. The wreck knocked down power lines.
When law enforcement arrived, police were concerned about the power lines and told the woman to remain in her vehicle. However, when police later worked to rescue the woman from the car, officers claim that they could smell alcohol. Law enforcement asserts that the woman seemed incoherent after the automobile accident. The woman, who reportedly works as a transportation supervisor with the Rockaway Township Public Schools, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
In general, a criminal charge is not a finding of guilt to an offense. A person has the right to defend against allegations in criminal court. However, outside of the justice system, some people may face collateral issues after being charged with a DWI offense. The school system reportedly suspended the transportation supervisor after the DWI charges became known. The suspension is with pay, according to NJ.com.
DUI charges in New Jersey are complex animals. The impact of a charge can involve the potential for jail time, fines and possibly a requirement that a person installs ignition interlock devices. But, some people are confused about the issues that surround a DWI-related license suspension.
The length of the suspension can vary depending upon the alcohol test results, and also depending upon whether an arrest is for a first-time offense or a subsequent charge. Regardless of the length of the suspension, some drivers are surprised to find out that reinstatement is not automatic. A license remains under suspension until the driver successfully applies for reinstatement.
Source: NJ.com, “Rockaway Township schools transportation supervisor suspended after alleged DWI crash,” Justin Zaremba, April 30, 2014
