Morristown DWI Charges

Arrested for drunk driving (DWI) in Morristown? Need lawyer? Call Us

Authorities have charged a Morristown man with driving while intoxicated (DWI), assault by auto, and leaving the scene of an accident, among others, after he allegedly injured several people in two separate car crashes while drunk driving.

The man in question, 36-year-old Morristown resident Neel Patel, was reportedly driving a 2014 Acura RDX on Tuesday, January 10th, when the alleged incidents occurred. Officers were called to the scene of a crash on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany at approximately 11:00 p.m., at which time they discovered three people in a 2011 Honda CRV. The occupants of the Honda told police that they were hit by another car. They gave a description of the vehicle, which had fled the scene.

Shortly thereafter, police were informed of a second accident that had occurred just 0.25 miles away on North Star Drive in Morris Township. Members of the Randolph and Morris Township police departments then identified the same 2014 Acura RDX as the vehicle involved in the Morris Township accident. Ultimately, police arrested Patel, whom they believe is responsible for both the Parsippany and Morris Township crashes.

DWI and Other Charges in Parsippany and Morris Township

Patel is now facing charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI), three counts of assault by auto, two counts of reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in bodily injury. The potential penalties to which he is exposed are severe, as he is facing an array of charges for both criminal offenses and motor vehicle violations. For instance, while DWI is technically a traffic offense in New Jersey, it is among the most strictly enforced and vigorously prosecuted.

The consequences of a DWI may include significant fines, a period of driver’s license suspension, motor vehicle surcharges, attendance at a State-approved Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), and even a jail sentence. The specific penalties in each case are contingent upon the number of DWI or DUI offenses (if any) for which the person has been previously convicted, their blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the offense, whether or not they submitted to a breathalyzer test, and the location of the offense (if it was in a school zone or near a school crossing).

Assault by Auto Charges in Morris County Superior Court

In addition to the penalties associated with a DWI conviction, Patel has been charged with assault by auto, which is a criminal offense under New Jersey law. According to the statute which governs these offenses, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c), assault by auto is a either a third degree or fourth degree crime when the driver is driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. The extent of bodily injury sustained by the victim will determine the degree of the charges.

Specifically, if bodily injury results from the offense, assault by auto is classified as a fourth degree crime, which may result in a maximum prison term of 18 months. On the other hand, if serious bodily injury results from the offense, assault by auto is a third degree crime, punishable by a New Jersey State Prison sentence ranging from 3 to 5 years. In either scenario, these are felony (indictable) charges, which means the case will be adjudicated in Morris County Superior Court. As for the DWI charges, these cases are heard at the local municipal court and decided by a single municipal court judge.

Contact our Morristown Criminal and DWI Defense Lawyers

At pur firm, our highly experienced criminal and DWI defense attorneys represent clients in courts across Morris County every day. If you have been charged with drunk driving or another offense, we will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today at (908) 336-5008 to receive your cost-free consultation or to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located Morristown offices.

For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Man accused of assault by auto, DWI after hit-and-run crash in Parsippany