Off Duty Police Officer Charged with DWI
By The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C.
Jul. 8, 2013 12:29p
A 37-year-old police officer has been charged with driving while intoxicated after an incident that occurred at a Jersey City gas station. The officer, M.L., was off duty at the time and had pulled into a gas station around 3:15 in the morning. He went into the station's convenience store where he reportedly got into an argument with four people. The argument continued outside of the store and escalated. One of the men in the group of four allegedly assaulted M.L. and caused him to fall to the ground. M.L. got back up and pulled out his gun.
Police responded to calls about the incident and arrived on the scene shortly before 3:30 a.m. They reviewed video footage of the fight which they say showed that the off duty officer was indeed the victim in the incident. In talking to M.L. about the fight, however, officers said that his behavior showed that he was intoxicated. What exact behavior was observed was not described but an officer asked M.L. to take a breathalyzer test. M.L. refused the test and was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving since he had been driving his vehicle just prior to the assault incident. The man who assaulted the off duty officer was arrested and charged with simple assault. M.L. has been placed on administrative duty while an internal affairs investigation is conducted.
New Jersey DWI Charges
Get the help of a criminal defense lawyer immediately if you have been arrested and charged with DWI in Morris County, NJ. It is important to know that under New Jersey law, refusing to take a breathalyzer test means an automatic driver's license suspension. The penalties for even a first time driving while intoxicated conviction can include lengthy incarceration, expensive fines, license suspension and other penalties. A conviction can also mean increases in your insurance rates. Don't face DWI charges on your own!
DWI Defense Attorney Serving Clients in New Jersey
I am Attorney Christopher G. Porreca, and I established my firm with the purpose of helping those accused of crimes to get the dedicated legal help they deserve. I have successfully defended clients in cases involving charges such as a first DWI offense, second or third DWI, multiple DWI, underage drunk driving, assault by auto and more. I may be able to fight the drunk driving or DUI of drugs charges you are facing and seek a positive outcome in your case. Contact my law offices right away to find out more!