Anytime a person is charged with a DUI or DWI in New Jersey, it has potential for serious consequences and can affect that person's life greatly. What makes matters much worse is when the alleged DUI or DWI was committed in a school zone, or if other additional charges are made.

This is the case for a 41-year-old Oak Ridge man who was accused of being drunk when he crashed his car across the street from New Milford High School in New Milford, New Jersey. Luckily the accident occurred after school had been let out for the day at 3:40 p.m.

The man's car apparently veered off at an intersection, crossed into the other lane and was eventually stopped by a fence after crossing the sidewalk.

When police arrived, the man refused a breath test and was brought into custody to be formally charged. Police charged the man with a DWI in a school zone and possession of a small amount of marijuana, which the man allegedly said he had been smoking. The man was then released from custody and remains free until a Municipal Court hearing can take place.

A DWI in a school zone is considered to be a more serious offense than a DWI committed elsewhere. The man's additional drug charge could also affect the severity of the sentencing, greatly affecting his finances, driving privileges, possible jail time and other areas of his life. That is why in situations such as these, where there are multiple and/or aggravated charges, it is important to consult an experienced defense lawyer to evaluate all aspects of the allegations made.

Source: CliffviewPilot.com, "Drunk driving accident outside New Milford High School could have been catastrophic, police chief says," Jerry DeMarco, 25 Feb. 2011