Somerville DUI, DWI & Traffic Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for DUI or DWI in Somerville or stopped for a serious traffic violation anywhere in Somerset County, you need fast, focused help from a local attorney who understands how these cases are handled in New Jersey courts. As a Somerville DUI and traffic defense lawyer, Christopher G. Olsen defends first-time and repeat offenders, examining every detail of the traffic stop, field tests, and chemical testing the state plans to use against you, as well as the basis for any tickets, points, or license-suspension threats. This page explains what is at stake, how Christopher approaches DUI and traffic cases, and what your next step should be if you are facing charges or multiple traffic tickets.
Charged With DUI, DWI or serious traffic offense in or Near Somerville, NJ?
Being arrested for DUI or DWI in Somerville or anywhere in Somerset County can feel overwhelming and isolating. The same is true when you are staring at a stack of traffic tickets for speeding, reckless driving, or driving while suspended and wondering what they will do to your license and insurance. You may be worried about jail time, losing your license, points on your driving record, or how a conviction will affect your job and family.
New Jersey’s DUI and traffic laws are strict, but working with an experienced Somerville DUI and traffic lawyer means every stop, test, and piece of evidence can be challenged. Christopher Olsen provides clear, honest guidance and builds a defense strategy focused on protecting your record, your driving privileges, and your future — whether the case involves alcohol, drugs, or high-risk traffic violations.
Common New Jersey DUI Situations We Handle
First-Offense DUI in New Jersey
Many clients are facing their first-ever arrest and are unsure what a New Jersey DUI will mean for their record, insurance, and job. Christopher explains the range of possible penalties, then works to limit consequences by challenging the stop, the testing, or the way the case was charged.
High BAC and Aggravated DUI Charges
A higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC), an accident, or passengers in the vehicle can increase mandatory penalties. Christopher evaluates whether the BAC result is reliable, if the machine was properly maintained, and whether the state can actually prove the alleged aggravating factors.
Serious Traffic Tickets, Points & License-Suspension Cases
Not every case involves alcohol or drugs. Christopher also represents drivers facing high-speed tickets, reckless or careless driving charges, leaving the scene of an accident, driving while suspended, and no-insurance violations. He works to reduce points, protect commercial and professional drivers, and prevent or shorten license suspensions whenever possible.
Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing
Refusing a breath test in New Jersey carries its own license consequences, and many people do not realize this until after the arrest. Christopher examines what you were told at the roadside or station, and whether the officer clearly explained the consequences and properly recorded the alleged refusal.
Underage and College-Student DUI Cases
Young drivers and students face unique risks, including school discipline, loss of scholarships, and long-term insurance issues. Christopher helps families understand both the court process and the practical fallout, aiming for outcomes that protect a young person’s future whenever possible.
Repeat DUI / DWI Offenses
Penalties increase significantly with second or third DUI convictions in New Jersey, including longer license suspensions and potential jail time. Christopher reviews your prior record, checks whether earlier convictions are being counted correctly, and pursues strategies aimed at minimizing mandatory penalties.
What To Expect From Your New Jersey DUI and Traffic Defense
From your first call, Christopher listens carefully to what happened, the charges and tickets you are facing, and any upcoming court dates or Motor Vehicle Commission deadlines. He reviews the police reports, video if available, and the results of any breath or blood testing with a critical eye, and he evaluates the impact of any traffic tickets on your license, points, and surcharges.
You will get straightforward explanations of your options, from negotiating a plea to filing motions to suppress evidence or going to trial when appropriate. Throughout the process, you can expect regular updates, honest answers to your questions, and a focus on the outcome that matters most to you — whether that is avoiding jail, keeping your license, protecting a CDL, or limiting damage to your record and insurance.
Typical Steps in a DUI or Serious Traffic Case:
- Initial case review and explanation of the charges, tickets, and potential New Jersey DUI and traffic penalties.
- Requesting and analyzing discovery, including reports, videos, Alcotest or blood-test data, and officer notes.
- Identifying legal and factual issues, such as the basis for the stop, problems with testing procedures, or errors on traffic citations.
- Negotiating with the prosecutor where appropriate or filing motions to challenge evidence and minimize points or suspension time.
- Preparing you for court appearances and resolving the case through plea, motion practice, or trial, while coordinating any Motor Vehicle Commission consequences.
Comparing Common New Jersey DUI Case Outcomes
| Scenario | Potential Penalties | License Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First-offense DUI with lower BAC and no accident | Fines, surcharges, classes, and possible short-term loss of driving, but often the focus is on limiting collateral consequences. | There may be a period of license suspension or ignition-interlock use, and Christopher works to minimize how long you are off the road. |
| First-offense DUI with high BAC or accident | Higher fines, longer classes, and increased risk of jail time, especially if injuries or significant damage occurred. | License suspension and ignition-interlock requirements are often longer, and the goal is to reduce the duration and conditions whenever possible. |
| Second-offense DUI in New Jersey | Mandatory penalties increase, including longer possible jail terms and steeper financial costs. | A longer suspension period is common, and restoring driving privileges may require careful planning and strict compliance with court orders. |
| DUI with refusal to submit to breath testing | Refusal charges can add penalties on top of the underlying DUI or replace them if the state relies mainly on refusal. | Separate refusal-related suspensions can apply, and Christopher looks for errors in how officers explained and documented the alleged refusal. |
A New Jersey DUI charge does not have a one-size-fits-all outcome; the result depends on your record, the facts, and how the case is handled. This comparison is not legal advice, but it can help you understand the range of possibilities and why it matters to work with a Somerville DUI lawyer who takes time to understand your situation. Christopher uses these factors to guide recommendations and build a strategy tailored to your goals.
Not sure which scenario is closest to your situation? A short conversation can clarify your risk and the options you still have.
Common Questions About New Jersey DUI/DWI Charges
What are the penalties for a first DUI or serious traffic offense in New Jersey?
A first DUI in New Jersey can involve fines, surcharges, mandatory classes, and possible jail time, with penalties increasing if your BAC is higher or there was an accident. Serious traffic offenses like reckless driving, driving while suspended, or leaving the scene of an accident can also lead to steep fines, points, and possible jail, especially with a prior record. The exact consequences depend on the facts, your history, and where the case is heard. Christopher reviews these details with you so you understand what is realistically at stake.
Will I automatically lose my license after a DUI or multiple traffic tickets in Somerset County?
Not every case results in the same license suspension. The length and terms depend on your BAC, prior convictions, refusal charges, and the number and type of traffic violations you have on your record. In some situations, the focus is on limiting the suspension time, reducing points, or qualifying for ignition-interlock so you can keep driving for work and family needs. Christopher will walk you through how New Jersey DUI and traffic laws apply to your specific circumstances.
Do I have to plead guilty if the test says I was over the limit or the officer says I was speeding?
No. A high BAC result or a high-speed reading does not mean your case is hopeless. There may be issues with the traffic stop, the way field sobriety tests were performed, the maintenance and operation of the Alcotest machine, or the accuracy and use of radar or pacing in a speeding case. In some situations, constitutional or procedural problems can lead to evidence being limited or excluded. A Somerville DUI and traffic attorney evaluates these issues before recommending any plea.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after a DUI arrest?
It is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. Early advice can help you avoid mistakes, track important deadlines, and protect your rights in both the court system and with the motor vehicle agency. Waiting often narrows your options, especially if there are videos or other evidence that should be preserved. Reaching out early gives Christopher more time to build a strong DUI defense strategy.
Can a DUI ever be expunged from my record in New Jersey?
New Jersey treats DUI as a traffic offense rather than a criminal conviction, and traditional expungement rules do not apply in the same way. That does not mean a DUI has no long-term impact, especially for professional licenses, background checks, or insurance. Christopher can explain how a DUI will appear on your record and discuss any future options that may be available under New Jersey law.
Need a Somerville DUI and Traffic Lawyer on Your Side?
If you are facing DUI or traffic charges in Somerville or elsewhere in Somerset County, you do not have to navigate the process alone. A focused criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your options, challenge the state’s case, and work toward the most favorable outcome available.