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First-Time DWI / DUI

First-Time DWI/DUI

Attorney for a First DWI / DUI Conviction

New Jersey's stiff penalties for first-time DWI/DUI convictions mean that anyone arrested on DWI/DUI charges should consult an experienced drunk driving defense attorney to respond to the charges.

You may believe that it's pointless to fight a first-time DWI/DUI arrest, or you may believe that the easiest way out is to pay the fines and surcharges, accept the driver's license suspension, and move on with your life. Before you make any decisions, however, it is wise to consider all the potential negative consequences of pleading guilty without putting up a fight.

At the criminal defense law firm of Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, we provide aggressive and intelligent criminal defense representation for clients throughout Bergen County and New Jersey. Our attorney is both Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Lawyer, as well as a former New Jersey prosecutor. We know how prosecutors build cases against alleged drunk drivers, which helps us build strong, protective defenses in so that our clients' rights and interests are fully protected.

Have you been arrested on a first-time DWI? Seek competent legal advice from savvy criminal defense lawyer.

First-Time DWI/DUI Arrests: Essential Information

The potential penalties faced by a person arrested on a first-time DWI/DUI vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest but can include stiff fines and driver's license suspension for up to a year — without the possibility of a hardship driver's license. The penalties may also include installation of an ignition interlock device.

Penalties depend partially on bodily alcohol content and on whether the person refused the Alco test or field sobriety test during the traffic stop. For this reason, our investigation often focuses tightly on whether the police followed correct procedures in making the initial stop and in administering field sobriety tests, and on whether the police followed correct procedures in administering the Alco test.

Contact Our Bergen County Defense Lawyer

Before you decide how to respond after a DWI/DUI arrest as a first-time offender, get solid legal advice from Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC. To talk to our experienced criminal defense attorney, call (201) 574-7919 or contact us online.


Our law firm serves Northern New Jersey and Central New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Union County, Morris County, Middlesex County, Hackensack, Paterson, Passaic, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Morristown, Union City, Allendale, Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, Garfield, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Maywood, Midland Park, Montvale, Moonachie, New Milford, North Arlington, Northvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Oradell, Palisades Park, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Ridgewood, River Edge, River Vale, Rochelle Park, Rockleigh, Rutherford, Saddle Brook, Saddle River, South Hackensack, Teaneck, Tenafly, Teterboro, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Wallington, Washington Township, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Wood-Ridge, Wyckoff and surrounding areas.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client
Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if we feel it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.