Police say that a 28-year-old New Jersey woman was driving while under the influence of alcohol with a 6-month-old baby in the car. Authorities stopped her vehicle after spotting it on Belleville Turnpike, and they say that the right front wheel of the car looked like it was about to fall off. After an inspection of the car, they found the a baby in a car seat that was not properly secured.
The woman did admit to an officer that she had been drinking earlier in the evening in Hoboken. However, there was no mention of the woman’s blood alcohol content or if she exhibited any signs of being impaired. She was charged with DUI, DUI with a minor and careless driving. Additionally, the woman faces charges of driving with a suspended license and misuse of a child restraint.
Those who are charged with a DUI may wish to talk to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol may include a fine, jail time and a license revocation and suspension. Additional penalties may also be levied for driving under the influence while a minor is in the vehicle. However, an attorney may be able to create a defense to cast doubt upon the charge in court.
For instance, it may be possible to contend that any erratic driving witnessed by police was due to a mechanical error with the vehicle. It may also be possible to cast doubt upon any blood or breath test used to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content. The use of these defenses may make it possible to have a DUI charge thrown out entirely or be reduced via a plea agreement.
