Protect Your Drive: DUI Law in NJ, NY & PA
Drinking and driving can cost you your license, your freedom, and your future. In New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, DUI laws are strict, and prosecutors rely heavily on breath-testing devices to prove impairment. But that doesn’t mean you’re without options—or defense.
Personal Breathalyzers: A Practical Risk-Reduction Tool
Many drivers choose to carry personal breathalyzers, such as consumer models from BACtrack or AlcoHAWK. These portable devices give you an on-the-spot estimate of your blood alcohol content (BAC), helping you make safer choices before getting behind the wheel.
⚠️ Important note: Portable breathalyzers are only estimates. Calibration issues, user error, and timing can affect results. The safest choice after drinking is always not to drive.
How DUI Breath Tests Work in Court
If you are charged with DUI, the stakes are much higher.
New Jersey: DUI is treated as a traffic offense, but penalties include fines, suspensions, ignition interlock devices, and even jail. NJ uses Draeger Alcotest machines, which must meet strict rules for admissibility.
New York: DUI is a criminal offense, meaning a conviction creates a permanent record. Breath-test results are often central to the case.
Pennsylvania: DUI laws are tiered by BAC level, with escalating penalties for higher readings or repeat offenses.
Across all three states, breath-testing machines are not flawless—calibration errors, maintenance lapses, or officer mistakes can lead to unreliable results.
Why Technical Knowledge Matters
I’m Joseph M. Horn, Esq., and I’ve received training on the Alcotest system used in New Jersey. That technical background allows me to:
Examine police procedures in detail
Review calibration and maintenance logs
Challenge operator errors and improper testing protocols
By exposing flaws in breath-testing evidence, I work to exclude unreliable results and protect my clients’ rights.
Protect Your Future Today
The best way to reduce DUI risk is to plan ahead:
Use a reliable personal breathalyzer as a guide
Wait until you are sober
Choose a ride-share service or safe alternative
If you are charged, however, don’t face it alone. Contact a DUI lawyer licensed in NJ, NY, and PA who understands both the law and the science behind breath tests. Our office is ready to fight for your freedom, your license, and your future. Contact us for a free consult.
