What If My Teen Gets Charged With A DWI In Bergen County?

One of the worst things a parent can hear is that their teenager has been charged with a criminal offense. Teen DWIs in Bergen County are unfortunately quite common, and these criminal charges can be highly distressing for the entire family. In this situation, it makes sense to pull together and pursue positive outcomes alongside an experienced New City criminal defense lawyer. What happens after your teen faces these charges?

Teen DWI in Bergen County Shows How Serious These Charges Can Be 

Although it is true that criminal courts may exhibit some leniency toward juvenile offenders, this leniency only goes so far. If your teen committed a particularly egregious DWI with numerous aggravating factors, they may face serious penalties. Some of these penalties can be life-altering. In addition, teens may be tried as adults if their conduct behind the wheel was particularly reckless or negligent.

Perhaps the most obvious example of this is a DWI causing deaths or serious injuries. If your teen has caused harm to motorists or bystanders due to their intoxicated driving, it is imperative that you take this situation seriously. An effective defense strategy is essential, as your teen will likely receive little or no leniency from criminal courts. This is especially true if your teen is older – and close to the age of 18.

In October of 2024, an intoxicated teen sent two police officers to the hospital after crashing into their parked police car on Route 17. The 18-year-old faced numerous charges, including DWI and assault by auto. As a legal adult, he will likely face the full extent of the law.

Authorities say that the police officers were in the middle of a traffic stop when the teen approached in a Range Rover. The teen then lost control and entered the shoulder before impacting the police car. This impact caused a chain reaction that ultimately injured both police officers. The teen then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody.

One of the two officers reportedly suffered much more serious injuries than the other, and he required two separate surgeries during his hospitalization. A family member revealed on social media that he underwent surgery for both his pelvis and hand.

Defense Strategies Are Possible for Teen DWIs 

The same basic defense strategies apply to teen DWIs. A defense lawyer may be able to help you challenge Breathalyzer results, the constitutionality of the traffic stop, and many other elements of a DWI.

Get in Touch With an Experienced DWI Lawyer in Bergen County 

If your teen faces DWI charges in Bergen County, consider a consultation with an experienced defense attorney. With help from one of these legal professionals, your family can explore potential defense strategies with confidence. Do not make the mistake of believing that your teen will escape criminal consequences just because of their age. Contact Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law – and get started with a defense strategy today.

Sources: 

patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/teen-crashed-suv-police-car-injuring-2-cops-bergen-prosecutor

patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/2-surgeries-police-officer-injured-teen-driver-route-17