The number of instances of individuals getting arrested for and charged with DUI here in New Jersey has gone down in recent years. This is what statistics noted in a recent Asbury Park Press article indicate.
These statistics came from a USA Today Network New Jersey analysis of state judiciary records. According to these statistics, between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2018, DUI charges fell by about 20 percent in the state.
Essex County and Middlesex have also been seeing trends of decreases in DUI charges and arrests. DUI arrests were down 12 percent in Essex County in the 2017-2018 period as compared to the 2016-2017 period. In Middlesex, the 2018 fiscal year saw 19 percent fewer DUI arrests than fiscal year 2017.
Many different factors have been brought forward as possible contributors to falling DUI arrests and charges in the state. These include the rise of ride-sharing, breath test issues, difficulties in detecting marijuana impairment and changes in driver behavior.
Now, it is important to remember that, even with this recent trend of decreases, there remain plenty of people in Middlesex and in the rest of the state who end up facing DUI charges. In fiscal year 2018, there were just a little short of 30,000 DUI charges in New Jersey. In Middlesex, 787 DUI arrests were made between July 2016 and June 2018.
Also, this time of the year, it can be important to note that the holiday season can see particularly aggressive DUI enforcement efforts by police. One wonders what the DUI arrest and charge numbers will end up looking like in Middlesex and the rest of the state this holiday season.
Being arrested and charged with DUI in the state can have major impacts on a person. A conviction on such charges can lead to serious penalties. So, what defense steps a person takes in the face of such charges matters greatly.
