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DUI Lawyers in Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, NJ, You Can Trust
- What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
- How Do DUI Lawyers in Franklin Lakes, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
- Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
- DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, 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 G Thomas Donch Nature Preserve formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve near Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, 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 BrainStorm Learning Arts Center in Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, 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 Van Slyke Castle in Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, NJ
Wyckoff & Franklin Lakes Lions Club Carnival!
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/calendar/event/20250514/f61304c0-9e3d-49e6-bfda-39f3a4fa0555/wyckoff-franklin-lakes-lions-club-carnival
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Wyckoff|Local EventKeri Leigh, NeighborWed, May 14, 2025 at 6:00 PMParsons Pond Park, Parsons Pond Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ, 07417???? Carnival Week is ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Wyckoff|Local Event
- Wed, May 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
- Parsons Pond Park, Parsons Pond Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ, 07417
???? Carnival Week is Here! ????
Join us for rides, games, food, and fun at the Wyckoff & Franklin Lakes Lions Club Carnival!
Bring the whole family and make memories under the lights! ✨????????
More Upcoming Events
Local Event
May27
???????? Tacos & Men Friendship Night: Celebrating Our 1st Birthday Year! ????????
Tuesday, 6:00 pmWyckoff, NJ
Local Event
May29
Sip & Shop Happy Hour
Thursday, 5:00 pmWyckoff, NJ
Local Event
May30
Open House - The Vista
Friday, 2:00 pmWyckoff, NJ
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May31
Open House - 55+ Community in Wayne
Saturday, 11:00 amWyckoff, NJ
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Jun1
Craft in the Park Show in Westwood
Sunday, 10:00 amWestwood-Hillsdale, NJ
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Bergen County Card & Collectibles Show
Sunday, 9:00 amParamus, NJ
Franklin Lakes challenges state's affordable housing number, awaits plan for Cigna site
Marsha A. Stoltzhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/franklin-lakes/2025/02/06/franklin-lakes-advances-affordable-housing-plan-challenges-state/78193241007/
FRANKLIN LAKES — The borough is moving forward on multiple affordable housing fronts after responding to a Jan. 31 deadline to comment on fourth-round quotas issued to municipalities in October by the state Department of Community Affairs.The borough has taken five actions in response to the department's quotas number.It first responded with a challenge to the 497 new affordable units assigned by the state, offering calculations that 463 is a more accurate number. The borough's assignment ranked fourth among Bergen County...
FRANKLIN LAKES — The borough is moving forward on multiple affordable housing fronts after responding to a Jan. 31 deadline to comment on fourth-round quotas issued to municipalities in October by the state Department of Community Affairs.
The borough has taken five actions in response to the department's quotas number.
It first responded with a challenge to the 497 new affordable units assigned by the state, offering calculations that 463 is a more accurate number. The borough's assignment ranked fourth among Bergen County municipalities, behind Paramus's 1,000 units, Mahwah's 629 and Ramsey's 503.
Story continues below Franklin Lakes photo gallery.
Franklin Lakes then said it would continue its association with the 26 municipalities acting as the coalition Local Leaders for Responsible Planning to legally delay the enactment of the fourth-round quotas. The group is appealing two court rejections of its proposal to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
The borough also announced its decision to end its association with a 12-municipality challenge to the affordable housing law's constitutionality spearheaded by the borough of Madison.
It issued a request for proposals for the design and construction of a 65-unit affordable housing complex previously planned for McCoy Road and now on 3.5 acres donated to the borough as part of its settlement agreement with S. Hekemian Group on the development of the remaining 89 acres of the Cigna property.
The fifth action to be taken by the borough is to wait for a Planning Board application for development of the remaining portion of the Cigna site by S. Hekemian Group, trading as SHG Franklin Lakes LLC, "in the next few months."
Changing uses in Franklin Lakes
The 189-acre complex was built by IBM in 1971 and vacated in 1993. Medco bought the property in 1997 and sold it to Express Scripts in 2012. In 2015, Express Scripts agreed to donate 100 acres of the site to the town in return for a reduced tax assessment. Known as Parsons Pond Park, it was dedicated in June 2016.
Cigna, which was bought out by Express Scripts in December 2018, announced in August 2021 that it was moving its 2,100 employees to Morris Plains.
Hekemian initially proposed 2,500 multi-housing units for the site, or 28 units per acre. The number of units varied throughout discussions during 2023, from 650 units to 305 units and 495,000 square feet of warehouse space.
The borough came to an agreement with SHG Franklin Lakes LLC and the Fair Share Housing Center in November 2023 to rezone the property with two options — one for residential and the other for federal use.
Three lawsuits were filed challenging the agreement. In October 2024, the mayor and Borough Council adopted a new ordinance amending the 2023 zoning to settle the three legal challenges.
Ordinance 1927:
Ramapo Indian Hills school board has new leadership
Marsha A. Stoltzhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/oakland/2025/01/08/ramapo-indian-hills-nj-school-board-new-leadership/77505934007/
2-minute readNorthJersey.comOAKLAND — The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education reorganized on Monday night, electing Audrey Souders of Oakland as president and Doreen Mariani of Wyckoff as vice president by a 5-4 vote.Souders defeated fellow candidate Tom Bogdansky of Wyckoff for the top post with votes from Souders, Mariani, Kim Ansh, Melissa Kiel and newly elected Oakland member Joseph Valenti. Ansh, last year's president from Franklin Lakes, was not renominated.Mariani defeated fellow candidate Helen ...
2-minute read
NorthJersey.com
OAKLAND — The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education reorganized on Monday night, electing Audrey Souders of Oakland as president and Doreen Mariani of Wyckoff as vice president by a 5-4 vote.
Souders defeated fellow candidate Tom Bogdansky of Wyckoff for the top post with votes from Souders, Mariani, Kim Ansh, Melissa Kiel and newly elected Oakland member Joseph Valenti. Ansh, last year's president from Franklin Lakes, was not renominated.
Mariani defeated fellow candidate Helen Koulikourdis of Franklin Lakes for the vice president seat with votes from the same five board members. Last year's vice president, Marianna Emmolo of Wyckoff, was defeated for a new term by challenger John Kinney Jr., who voted for Bogdansky and Koulikourdis with Bogdansky, Koulikourdis and Brian DeLaite.
The district oversees education for students from Franklin Lakes, Oakland and Wyckoff at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes and Indian Hills High School in Oakland.
The only ripple at Monday's meeting was an objection by Bodgansky, DeLaite and Koulikourdis to reappoint the board's general counsel, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman of Morristown.
The debate over attorney costs and services dates back to January 2023. At that time, a newly elected parents' rights majority inexplicably dismissed the board's long-term general counsel, Fogarty & Hara of Fair Lawn, also general counsel for its three-grade school districts, in favor of the Metuchen-based Busch Law Group. Busch quit after three months and was replaced by Porzio.
The 40-minute meeting passed with little of the drama that has punctuated Ramapo Hills board meetings over the last year, starting last January with a walk-in motion to hire an Illinois-based firm to search for a new superintendent. The vote followed a four-month debate over when and how to seek a replacement for Superintendent Rui Dionisio, who announced in August 2023 that he would leave the district that November to assume charge of the Fair Lawn district.
Since last January, a deeply divided board wrestled with its transgender policy, three attempts to hire a new superintendent, replacing two other administrators lost in 2023, correcting uneven enrollment at the district's two high schools, handling student mental health services, and a controversial realignment of its supervisory staff.
The board hired former Tenafly Superintendent Shauna DeMarco in August. In November, she secured the board's approval to start the high school day 45 minutes later next fall in a growing national trend to address altered adolescent sleep patterns.
Cemetery In Franklin Lakes To Host Memorial For Fallen Soldiers On Monday
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/cemetery-franklin-lakes-host-memorial-fallen-veterans
A cemetery in Franklin Lakes will host a memorial mass for fallen veterans. It's open to the public.Updated Sun, May 25, 2025 at 7:43 pm ETFRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Catholic Cemeteries run by the Archdiocese of Newark are holding Memorial Day Masses at its cemeteries, open to the public, on Memorial Day morning."These annual outdoor services serve as a solemn and unifying tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S., as well as to all veterans and active-duty military," they noted...
A cemetery in Franklin Lakes will host a memorial mass for fallen veterans. It's open to the public.
Updated Sun, May 25, 2025 at 7:43 pm ET
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Catholic Cemeteries run by the Archdiocese of Newark are holding Memorial Day Masses at its cemeteries, open to the public, on Memorial Day morning.
"These annual outdoor services serve as a solemn and unifying tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S., as well as to all veterans and active-duty military," they noted. "These Masses honor those who paid the ultimate price for the nation’s freedom while uplifting all who have served — and continue to serve — with courage and faith."
Among them, Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes will host Father John J. Chadwick, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Vicar General, for a Memorial Day Mass on Monday at 11 a.m.
Most Masses will be held outdoors under canopies, with seating provided. Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover and Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah will host indoor services inside their mausoleums.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate the Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, where the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit and the Chapel Mausoleum of Our Lady are both currently under construction.
Find out what's happening in Wyckofffor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The full list of participating cemeteries is below:
All are welcome to attend and take part. For full details and a tribute video, visit www.rcancem.org/memorial-day-mass.
Throughout the year, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark honors veterans with monthly remembrance Masses, special observances on Veterans Day and Flag Day and the placement of over 1,000 American flags on veterans' graves each Memorial Day, remaining through Flag Day. For more information, contact: cemetery@rcan.org or visit www.rcancem.org.
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