DUI Attorney in Ocean County

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can have immediate adverse effects, even when the offense didn’t result in a collision. If Ocean County police pulled you over, you may now be facing jail time, fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and other consequences that could impact your ability to work and perform everyday tasks.

An experienced Ocean County DUI attorney can help you fight back. William Fay, Esq., is a former Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. With such significant experience prosecuting criminal cases, he knows how to protect clients who face DUI charges.

Contact Mr. Fay today to arrange a free in-person or over-the-phone consultation to discuss your case and review your next steps with a reputable DUI lawyer in Ocean County.

Why Hire William Fay for Your DWI/DUI Defense in Ocean County?

Mr. Fay understands that no two DWI or DUI cases are the same. His approach involves a careful examination of every piece of evidence and an evaluation of the circumstances, allowing him to craft the most beneficial strategy for your situation. As a born-and-bred DUI lawyer in New Jersey, he brings a professional and determined perspective to defending clients in Ocean County.

From start to finish, Mr. Fay is directly involved in every case. He works closely with clients, stays accessible by cell phone, and provides both aggressive courtroom advocacy and compassionate client support. His result-driven and client-focused practice makes him a reliable choice for anyone facing these charges.

The following are just some of the reasons to choose Mr. Fay for your intoxicated driving case:

• He’s a former Deputy Attorney General with insight into how prosecutors build cases
• He has in-depth knowledge of New Jersey DWI/DUI laws and court procedures
• He makes strategic use of expert testimony and technical evidence where appropriate
• He has a strong track record of negotiating favorable resolutions when possible
• He’s always prepared to take cases to trial when doing so serves his clients’ best interests
• He takes a balanced approach that blends legal precision with real-world understanding

Reach out today for your free, confidential case review.

How Much Does a DWI/DUI Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an Ocean County DWI lawyer can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, whether you have prior DUI offenses, how much experience the attorney has with these cases, and whether the matter goes to trial. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour.

Mr. Fay will discuss the cost of representation with you during your free, no-obligation consultation. It’s worth remembering that the cost of legal services is likely to be far less than you’d face if convicted without representation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing DWI/DUI Charges?

Trying to fight a DWI or DUI charge without legal representation can expose you to serious risks. New Jersey DWI/DUI penalties are strict and severe, and a conviction can affect your ability to drive, work, and maintain your reputation.

Without an Ocean County DUI lawyer in your corner, you may miss opportunities to challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, or even have the charges against you dropped. Prosecutors and judges are very familiar with the relevant laws and court procedures, and trying to go it alone puts you at a disadvantage from the start.

As an experienced DWI lawyer in New Jersey, Mr. Fay can review the details of your arrest and evaluate whether the stop and testing procedures were lawful or if the police violated your rights. He’ll also negotiate on your behalf, advocate for reduced sentencing, and represent you in court hearings.

With Mr. Fay’s informed guidance, you have a greater likelihood of protecting your future and limiting the consequences associated with a DUI charge.

What’s the Difference Between DWI and DUI in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the terms DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are often used interchangeably. Both refer to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. However, unlike some states, New Jersey law does not distinguish between the two. Similarly, DWAI (driving while ability impaired) is also not a unique offense.

Whether the impairment comes from alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal substances, the charges and penalties are the same and can carry lasting legal and personal consequences.

What Types of DWI/DUI Crime Cases Does William Fay Handle?

Mr. Fay defends clients in a wide range of impaired driving cases in Ocean County. Whether your case involves alcohol, drugs, or refusal to comply with testing, it presents unique challenges, and it’s helpful to have a DWI lawyer in Ocean County who understands the nuances of these charges.

Mr. Fay’s background as a former prosecutor gives him valuable insight into how the state approaches cases involving the following:

What Are Common Defenses in New Jersey DWI/DUI Cases?

Depending on the facts and the available evidence, several defenses may be available in your DWI or DUI case. The following are some of the most commonly employed defense strategies in New Jersey impaired driving cases:

• Unlawful Traffic Stop – Police need reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle. If they stopped your vehicle without a valid legal basis, any evidence they gathered afterward may be thrown out.
• Improper Field Sobriety Tests – Police must administer these tests under specific conditions. Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or officer error can undermine their reliability.
• Breathalyzer Errors – Breath testing devices require strict calibration and maintenance; mistakes in operation or record-keeping can call their results into question.
• Medical Conditions – Issues like diabetes, neurological disorders, and fatigue can mimic the effects of intoxication. They may lead police to falsely assume you were impaired.
• Violation of Rights – If police failed to advise you of your rights or conducted an illegal search, your DWI/DUI criminal defense attorney may succeed in having the evidence suppressed.

How Can You Protect Your Rights During and After a DWI/DUI Arrest?

Although the moments following a DWI or DUI arrest in Ocean County can feel overwhelming, it’s important to understand that the steps you take next can affect how your case unfolds. Being proactive and careful, starting from the moment you’re pulled over, can help strengthen your defense and avoid giving the prosecution unnecessary advantages.

Following an arrest, you should be sure to do the following:

• Remain polite and respectful with law enforcement.
• Do not volunteer unnecessary information.
• Exercise your right to remain silent.
• Request to speak with an Ocean County DWI attorney as soon as possible.
• Avoid making statements without legal counsel present.
• Write down details about the stop and arrest.
• Save any documents provided by the police.
• Follow court dates and deadlines carefully.
• Stay in regular communication with your attorney.

What Are New Jersey’s DWI/DUI Laws?

New Jersey has strict laws governing the classification of DUI offenses. If you’re fighting charges in Ocean County, Mr. Fay can explain the exact charges you’re facing and the potential penalties associated with them.

Is a DWI/DUI a Felony in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a DWI or DUI is not considered a felony. Instead, these charges are categorized as traffic offenses rather than criminal offenses.

What is the New Jersey DWI/DUI limit?

For most drivers, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08 percent. Drivers under the age of 21 face a zero-tolerance standard, meaning any measurable alcohol can result in charges. Commercial drivers are subject to a stricter limit of 0.04 percent.

Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still face charges if alcohol consumption has noticeably affected your ability to drive safely.

What is the Cost of a DWI/DUI?

A DWI/DUI in New Jersey can carry substantial costs. Beyond fines that can run into the thousands of dollars, you may face higher insurance premiums, court fees, ignition interlock device costs, and mandatory program expenses. The financial impact increases significantly for repeat offenders, and the indirect costs, including lost income from license suspension, can add up quickly.

Can a DWI/DUI Be Dismissed?

It’s possible to get your DUI charges dismissed if there are issues such as an unlawful traffic stop, faulty breathalyzer testing, mishandled evidence, or violations of constitutional rights. Mr. Fay can review your case to identify grounds for a challenge that may lead to a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

What Are the Sentences for DWI/DUI in New Jersey?

New Jersey law imposes strict sentences for DWI and DUI convictions, and the penalties can be greater with subsequent offenses or when elevated BAC results are involved. Even a first offense carries serious consequences that can disrupt your daily life.

Common sentencing guidelines include the following:

• First DWI/DUI – Fines between $250 and $400, up to 30 days in jail, license suspension prior to three-month installation of an ignition interlock device, minimum 12 hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) over a two-day period
• Second DWI/DUI – Fines of $500 to $1,000, mandatory 48 hours to 90 days in jail, license suspension for one to two years, 30 days of community service, mandatory IDRC attendance, and ignition interlock for the suspension period plus two to four years afterward.
• Third DWI/DUI – $1,000 fine, mandatory 180 days in jail (with up to 90 days served in an inpatient program), license suspension for eight years, IDRC attendance, and ignition interlock for the suspension period plus two to four years afterward
• DWI/DUI probation – In addition to the penalties above, courts may impose supervised probation requiring regular reporting, alcohol or drug counseling, compliance with treatment programs, and adherence to all other sentencing conditions

Contact an Ocean County DWI/DUI Defense Attorney Today

Were you pulled over and arrested for DUI in Ocean County, New Jersey? Let William Fay, Esq., provide the compassionate but determined legal support you need to fight the charges and pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Contact him today to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation.