If you have been accused of drunk driving charges in New Jersey, you are only entitled to a bench trial, where a judge, not a jury, decides your guilt or innocence. If you want to have your day in court, you should learn about the court proceedings in advance so that you know what to expect. For more information, you should consult with a New Jersey DUI attorney who can explain the relevant court procedures in bench trials before municipal court judges.
The municipal courts of New Jersey hear cases involving DUI charges. A municipal court is not a trial court with juries sitting in a jury box. A judge will act as both the judge and the jury, determining issues of law and issues of fact. This process is called a “bench trial.” New Jersey laws only provide the right to a jury trial in DUI cases involving a felony, such as vehicular homicide.
To properly prepare for a bench trial before a municipal court judge, it is imperative that you learn about your legal rights under New Jersey state law. For example, just like a jury trial, you have a right to hire a New Jersey DUI attorney to represent you in municipal court. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may also have the right to ask the municipal court judge to assign an attorney to you.
The strategy for presenting and defending a case to a judge generally differs from the strategy used in a jury trial. However, in a bench trial your attorney will still need to present evidence, expert testimony and cross-examination of witnesses. As such, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side that can aggressively defend your legal rights and dismiss the DUI charges against you.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one was arrested for a DUI, you need to immediately call New Jersey DUI attorney Dan Matrafajlo at 908-248-4404 for a free consultation. We have offices in Elizabeth, North Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey to serve you. Mr. Matrafajlo has the experience in New Jersey municipal courts that you need. He has been recognized locally for his legal ability and named a SuperLawyers Rising Star by his peers. Dan has the knowledge and skill to prepare the best strategy and present the best evidence at your bench trial to increase the likelihood of dismissing the DUI charges against you.
