DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ
New Jersey has some of the toughest laws in the country regarding drunk driving, specifically driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). Notably, there's a strict prohibition against plea bargaining to reduce DWI charges. A first-time conviction for drunk driving can result in hefty fines, a possible jail sentence of up to 30 days, and a 90-day suspension of your driving privileges, not to mention additional financial repercussions that can linger.
If you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence, prepare for mandatory license suspension, the potential for jail time, and a staggering minimum of $6,575 in fines and surcharges if convicted. If your insurance company catches wind of the conviction, you may have to pay significant premium increases over the next three years
The truth is that New Jersey's courts are notoriously harsh on people arrested for DUI and DWI. The penalties are substantial and can have a lasting impact on your freedom, work, and life as a whole. Fortunately, working with a quality DUI lawyer - like Edward G. Appel - can help prevent serious charges from going on your permanent record.

- Get Your DUI Case Dismissed with Help from Attorney Edward G. Appel
- The DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ, You Can Trust
- What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
- How Do DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
- Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
- DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ
Edward G. Appel, Esq.
Since 1988 Edward honed his litigation expertise serving as a defense attorney in Criminal Cases, DUI/DWI and traffic matters.
His distinguished courtroom seasoning will benefit his clients as Edward focuses on criminal defense litigation. He has handled thousands of cases and is well versed in motion practice with years of trial experience. His philosophy of being well prepared has served him well over the years and is a testament to his work ethic and diligence. Email: eappel@southjerseydui.com

The DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ, You Can Trust
Did you know that getting a DUI conviction in New Jersey means that you'll have that charge on your record for everyone to see? We're not just talking about friends and family. We mean loan officers, college officials, and prospective employers - people and entities that can help set you on a pathway to success in life. For that reason alone, it's absolutely essential to have a seasoned DUI attorney by your side who can fight for your rights when it's time to go to court. That's where DUI attorney Edward G. Appel comes in.
Many law firms in New Jersey view DWI cases as just another item on their agenda. At our firm, however, it's a primary focus. Unlike those where DWI matters are handled by generalists, we have built a dedicated department solely for DWI cases, staffed with highly trained attorneys who are passionate about this area of law.
This level of specialization isn't just a talking point. It reflects our commitment to providing clients with the strongest defense possible. By leveraging advanced training and a thorough understanding of New Jersey DUI laws, our team is ready to fight your DUI charges and pursue the best possible outcomes for your case.
At the end of the day, our goal isn't to lecture you or judge your actions. Our goal is to defend you and your rights with reliable, aggressive advocacy so you have a real shot at reclaiming your life. Some of the most common situations we help clients overcome include:


DUI Defense in New Jersey
There are several methods to challenge a DWI charge, so facing this accusation does not necessarily lead to a conviction. Attorney Edward G. Appel will examine the specifics of your case to identify the best approach to defend your rights and safeguard your freedom.
DUI Penalties in New Jersey
Receiving a DUI conviction can lead to significant repercussions, irrespective of whether it's your first offense or a subsequent one. The best way to mitigate the risks of jail time, fines, license revocation, and other penalties is to contest your charge with the assistance of a skilled DUI attorney in Edgewater, NJ.


DUI Charges Involving Drugs in New Jersey
Being charged with DUI can happen if you're impaired by illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs. These situations tend to be complex, so having a skilled attorney is essential to effectively contest the charges.
DUI Penalties in New Jersey
A DUI conviction can lead to significant repercussions, whether it's your first offense or if you've been charged before. The best way to avoid penalties such as jail time, fines, and license suspension is to contest your DWI charge with the assistance of a skilled attorney.


DUI Field Sobriety and BAC Tests in New Jersey
Authorities use several types of tests to ascertain whether a driver is under the influence. These tests consist of field sobriety tests, breath analysis, and blood examinations. However, the outcomes of these evaluations can sometimes be misleading. Edward G. Appel has the expertise to recognize and demonstrate the inaccuracies in these results to protect your freedom.
What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
Most people feel anxious and frightened after getting arrested for DWI because they are uncertain about what comes next. It almost feels like you're about to hike Historic New Bridge Landing near Edgewater, NJ without the proper climbing gear. That's why it's so important to understand what to anticipate following a DUI arrest - so you can prepare yourself. The initial step in the legal process is the arraignment, which is a court session that occurs soon after your DUI arrest. At this session, the judge will outline the charges that have been brought against you and give you a summary of the penalties you might face. A significant number of traffic cases are settled with plea agreements, but prosecutors are prohibited from providing these arrangements in DUI cases.
That means you have two options: You can plead guilty and face the full penalties of a DUI conviction, or you can plead not guilty and continue to fight for your rights. There is a chance that your charges could be dropped before the trial, but this usually occurs only if there are significant weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence. The judge in your case will decide the outcome after both parties have presented their evidence. Instead of going through this complicated legal process by yourself, call a New Jersey DUI lawyer like Edward G. Appel. It could mean the difference between years of hardship and a clean record.

Understanding DUI Charges in New Jersey: Criminal vs. Traffic Offenses
In New Jersey, driving under the influence (DUI) is categorized as a traffic violation, though the consequences of DUI charges are severe. However, a license suspension is not mandatory for all offenders. First-time offenders arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level under 0.15% may avoid suspension if they quickly install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their personal vehicle. Other potential penalties associated with a DUI conviction can include community service, fines, and, in certain situations, imprisonment. Depending on the circumstances of your case, working with experienced DUI attorneys in Edgewater, NJ, can help you avoid some or all of these punishments.
You may also be charged with DUI if you operate a vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating substances, regardless of whether they are illegal, prescribed, or available over the counter. The specific type of drug is irrelevant; what matters is your impairment and inability to drive safely.
If convicted of a drug-related DUI, you could face:
- A license suspension of 7 to 12 months
- Up to 30 days of incarceration
- Fines and surcharges exceeding $3,500
A second conviction may result in a jail sentence ranging from 2 to 90 days and a 2-year suspension of your driver's license, along with increased fines and surcharges.

Here's What to Expect After Your 1st DUI Charge in New Jersey
Many individuals charged with DUI believe that they will receive leniency if it's their first offense, but this is not always true. First-time offenders may incur significant fines, up to 30 days of incarceration, and the compulsory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. Penalties increase for first-time offenders with a BAC of 0.10% or more at the time of arrest.
As mentioned above, these individuals face a longer mandatory IID installation period, larger fines, and the potential for jail time. First-time offenders will also experience a rise in their auto insurance premiums after their arrest. The State of New Jersey takes DUI offenses seriously, even for those encountering it for the first time.

Here's What to Expect After Your 2nd DUI Charge in New Jersey
It doesn't take a graduate from Apple Montessori Schools Camps Edgewater in Edgewater, NJ to know that getting a second DUI is bad. Defendants who are charged again within 10 years of a prior conviction face increased penalties for a second DUI offense. They may be fined up to $1,000 and must serve at least 48 hours in jail, with a maximum of 90 days. Additionally, a second conviction can lead to 30 days of community service, a one-to-two-year license suspension, and two to four years of mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) use. These consequences, along with higher insurance rates, can significantly affect a repeat offender's life.

Here's What to Expect After Your 3rd DUI Charge in New Jersey
The court has the authority to impose stringent penalties on individuals with two or more DUI convictions within the past decade. If a person is found guilty of DUI for the third time in a 10- year span, the court may sentence them to 180 days in jail along with a $1,000 fine. Those convicted for the third time will lose their driving licenses for a duration of 8 years.
The court may also require these offenders to install an ignition interlock device for a period of two to four years after their driving rights are reinstated. Because third-time offenders are categorized as high-risk drivers, they will likely face significantly increased auto insurance rates. These individuals should anticipate an extra $1,500 surcharge on their auto insurance each year for three consecutive years. Given that these penalties can have a serious impact on both personal and professional aspects of life, it is crucial to contest the charges with help from a skilled DUI attorney like Edward G. Appel.
How Do DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
Hiring a well-respected DUI lawyer often has a major impact on your case's outcome. Great attorneys will get started immediately by taking a deep dive into the particulars of your case. They'll look for issues with the prosecution's evidence, such as:
- Did on-scene officers follow protocol when storing samples and administering chemical tests?
- Did officers have a valid reason for pulling you over to begin with?
- Are the results from your chemical tests reliable?
If not, a lawyer can expose these concerns, potentially resulting in the dismissal of the charges. These are just a few examples of how an attorney can challenge DUI charges for you.
At the law firm of Edward G. Appel, we thoroughly investigate every detail when defending our clients. In fact, our clients benefit from personalized attention, support, and a meticulously crafted defense that aligns with the specific details of their arrest. For instance, if you're arrested for DUI near Edgewater Old Borough Hall in Edgewater, NJ, our team can examine the scene, analyze the protocols police took, and interview witnesses. We're not satisfied until our lawyers have explored every potential defense strategy for your case. Through comprehensive investigation, negotiation, and, when required, litigation, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Clients choose us not to simply enter a guilty plea but to robustly contest the charges against them. While no attorney can promise specific outcomes, we assure you that we will continue to advocate for you until you decide otherwise. We examine every detail of your case to ensure all necessary evidence is gathered and the right motions are submitted. There are motions available to suppress evidence if your constitutional rights were infringed upon during the stop, as well as motions to limit or dismiss evidence under particular conditions. Contact us today to evaluate your case. We are eager to help you, even if it's just to provide an initial consultation.

Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
The steps you take following a DUI arrest can significantly influence your chances of successfully contesting the charges. Unfortunately, many individuals fall into common traps that can worsen their situation and negatively impact the outcome of their case. Here's a list of the three most common mistakes that people tend to make after being arrested for DUI.


1. Failing to Hire Reputable DUI Attorneys in Edgewater, NJ
When selecting a lawyer for a DUI case, you can consult your family lawyer, seek a recommendation from a friend, or find a local attorney. The biggest thing to remember is that you should hire an attorney who understands DUI law and has a solid reputation in DUI defense. Legal issues can be complicated in New Jersey, which is why competent support is paramount. Presenting the right defenses at the right time is crucial; otherwise, you may lose those opportunities. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses may become unavailable. A case that seems winnable can quickly turn into a lost cause. Remember that failing to act is also a choice.


2. Downplaying DUI Consequences
Understanding the implications of a conviction is a key part of strategizing your defense and can influence your defense approach. Factors such as how your home state handles convictions, the impact of any previous offenses, whether you are a commercial driver or the potential effects on your employment should be explored with a DUI lawyer who is familiar with the possible repercussions of your unique situation.


3. Giving Up and Pleading Guilty
Anyone can choose to plead guilty. However, if you decide to challenge your DUI charge, you have a chance of winning. By pleading guilty, you forfeit that opportunity. There are many scientific and constitutional challenges that can lead to the dismissal of your DUI case. When you plead guilty, you give up your right to contest these issues and force the State to prove its case against you. It's important to check that your lawyer is well-equipped to spot the issues that could lead to a successful defense in your case
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DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in Edgewater, NJ
Since 1988, Edward G. Appel, Esq. and his team of criminal defense attorneys have fought hard for the rights of clients just like you - men and women who have been charged with a DUI in New Jersey. Because the truth is that a DUI conviction can change your life in an instant.
Opportunities that you once had may be lost, sometimes forever. Having an experienced and dedicated defense attorney by your side can mean the difference between incarceration and dismissed charges or a diminished sentence. It's critical that you exercise your right to hire an attorney who can protect your freedom and defend you in court. Call the offices of Edward G. Appel to learn more about DUI law in New Jersey and to schedule your initial consultation today.
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Latest News in Edgewater, NJ
See how this plot of land in Edgewater is tied to corruption trial of Menendez, Daibes
Kristie Cattafihttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2024/07/02/edgewater-nj-land-connected-corruption-trial-daibes-menendez/74271819007/
5-minute readNorthJersey.com0:001:44EDGEWATER — As the largest plot of undeveloped land along the Hudson River's Gold Coast, 615 River Road has sparked numerous lawsuits, a state investigation against local officials and was the catalyst that ended Sen. Bob Menendez's 20-year friendship with Philip Sellinger, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.The 18.7-acre plot that was once filled with oil tanks and owned by Hess was indirectly mentioned during testimony last month in the Southern District of New Y...
5-minute read
NorthJersey.com
EDGEWATER — As the largest plot of undeveloped land along the Hudson River's Gold Coast, 615 River Road has sparked numerous lawsuits, a state investigation against local officials and was the catalyst that ended Sen. Bob Menendez's 20-year friendship with Philip Sellinger, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
The 18.7-acre plot that was once filled with oil tanks and owned by Hess was indirectly mentioned during testimony last month in the Southern District of New York during the federal corruption trial against Menendez.
Menendez faces federal bribery and corruption charges and was indicted along with his wife and three businessmen — one of them developer Fred Daibes, who is responsible for most of the high-rise buildings in Edgewater and the development boom in the area.
It was Daibes' alleged influence over this plot of land that spawned the lawsuit that created a conflict of interest for Sellinger. Allegedly Menendez pressed Sellinger to intervene on behalf of Daibe's other federal banking indictment.
The tale of 615 River Road in Edgewater
Hess sold the site to The Maxal Group, a private equity and investment banking firm, and EnviroFinance Group, a land reuse and redevelopment company, in 2014 for $26 million. The two companies created a development entity called 615 River Road Partners LLC, and filed the first development application for the property in 2015.
In 2017, after years of stalled plans, 615 River Road Partners, LLC, filed a complaint in federal court against the borough, claiming officials had blocked it from building on its River Road site on because of the influence exerted by Daibes.
The firm representing 615 River Road Partners was Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where Sellinger was a managing shareholder for 19 years. Management at 615 River Road did not wish to comment on this story.
While testifying in the senator's corruption trial, Sellinger said that when Menendez was vetting him to be New Jersey's new U.S. attorney in 2020, he told him the prosecution of Daibes was unfair.
“Sen. Menendez hoped that if I became U.S. attorney, I would look at it carefully,” Sellinger told jurors on June 12.
A day after their initial conversation, Sellinger said he called Menendez to tell him that he discovered he was involved in a 2017 lawsuit against the borough of Edgewater involving Daibes. He testified that he told him that if he became U.S. attorney for the state, he would have to tell his bosses of the potential conflict of interest.
Sellinger testified that Menendez continued to press on and that he received several other calls from him as well as take part in meetings where Menendez and his associates brought up the Daibes case.
In 2018, Daibes was federally indicted in a 14-count bank fraud scheme and accused of circumventing loans through a bank he founded.
Sellinger testified that Menendez said he wouldn’t recommend President Joe Biden nominate him to be New Jersey’s next U.S. attorney and instead named Esther Suarez, now Hudson County’s prosecutor, as his choice.
When her appointment later fell through for the state position, Sellinger said he reached back out to Menendez to tell him he was still interested. On his first day as U.S. attorney, he reviewed the office’s major cases and flagged four cases of potential conflicts of interest including the Daibes case. Sellinger said he was removed from the case a week later.
Sellinger said he met Menendez about 20 years ago hosting fundraisers and was a guest as the senator's 2020 wedding.
Sellinger told jurors he called Menendez in March 2022 to see if he’d speak at the formal ceremony recognizing his appointment.
“He said, ‘I’m going to pass. The only thing worse than not having a relationship with the United States attorney is people thinking you have a relationship with the United States attorney, and you don’t'," Sellinger testified that Menendez said to him.
Sellinger told the court he interpreted that to mean they no longer had a relationship.
The tale of Edgewater officials, Daibes and an investigation
In 2023, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation report outlined the number of Edgewater officials who had connections to Daibes,and that some of the ties included business contracts and, in one case, discounted rent for a luxury apartment, substantiating many of the claims made in that 2017 lawsuit.
“The commission’s investigation found borough officials repeatedly abdicated their sworn responsibilities to safeguard public tax monies and the interests of all residents, to protect their own personal and financial concerns and those of private developer Fred Daibes,” the report stated.
Edgewater officials denied any wrongdoing following the release of the report.
Court documents in the lawsuit showed Daibes' close involvement with the future of the property, which was once considered to be part of an eminent domain plan and home to a public works facility, rather than one benefiting from tax ratables from a development.
Court documents showed that in 2017, zoning board member Jeffrey Mathieu sent an email to Daibes asking for his opinion on the rival development, which was due before the board.
“I would like to know your take on the Hess application coming before us on September 12,” Mathieu wrote.
Daibes replied: “I’m not in favor of the project at all.”
The emails and rent totals for public officials in Daibes' buildings are among several documents included as evidence in a federal lawsuit accusing borough officials of conspiring with Daibes to drive out competitors.
Settlement reached for 615 River Road
The 615 River Road lawsuit between Edgewater eventually ended in 2019 in a settlement agreement that allowed the developer to build up to 1,200 apartments and a commuter ferry, settle the town's affordable housing lawsuits and donate land to Edgewater for a new school.
Last year, the deed for the 8 acres of donated land was officially transferred to the borough. It's earmarked for a new school and officials have plans to put a referendum to the public to fund it when the time comes.
After the property owners settled their lawsuit with the borough a handful of other lawsuits popped up preventing work from beginning.
Multiple lawsuits were filed claiming the borough was "strong-armed" into the settlement agreement to avoid revealing its conflicts of interest with Daibes.
One lawsuit by Windsor Cove Associates LLC also cites conflicts of interest, saying the mayor and council were "eager" to enter into the settlement agreement "so there would never be a trial at which evidence of such conflicts would ever see the light of day."
Windsor Cove Associates owns two parcels of land in Edgewater. According to tax records, the properties are also owned by J. Demetrakis. The postal address for Windsor Cove Associates is the same as that of attorney David Carmel, who filed the lawsuit in state Superior Court in Bergen County. The address for both is 1 Bridge Plaza, Suite 519, in Fort Lee.
James Demetrakis, the luxury high-rise developer who helped transform Bergen County's Hudson River Gold Coast, avoided prison in 2019 when a judge sentenced him to two years probation for a loan scheme that also entangled Daibes, his business partner.
Additional lawsuits were filed by SoJo Spa and Cliffside Park, which claimed the development would block their views. The borough attorney said that litigation was decided in favor of the developer and is currently in the appeals process with no current court date set.
A judge ruled against SoJo Spa and Cliffside Park, but they are currently appealing the decision.
The property sits undeveloped.
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