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DUI Lawyers in Livingston, 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 Livingston, NJ, You Can Trust
- What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
- How Do DUI Lawyers in Livingston, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
- Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
- DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in Livingston, 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 Livingston, 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 Livingston, 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 Thomas Edison National Historical Park near Livingston, 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 Livingston, 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 Rutgers University Livingston Campus in Livingston, 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 Livingston, 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 Old Road Bridge in Livingston, 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 Livingston, 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 Livingston, 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 Livingston, NJ
Baseball: 2025 Greater Newark Tournament final preview - Livingston vs. Seton Hall Prep
Brian Bobalhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/05/baseball-2025-greater-newark-tournament-final-preview-livingston-vs-seton-hall-prep.html
Saturday, May 17 at Verona High School, 12pmBracketComplete HistoryLivingstonSeton Hall PrepLivingstonSeton Hall PrepLivingstonSeton Hall Prep...
Saturday, May 17 at Verona High School, 12pm
Livingston
Seton Hall Prep
Livingston
Seton Hall Prep
Livingston
Seton Hall Prep
This is the third time these two rivals will meet this season and Seton Hall Prep earned a pair of 4-0 wins.
Tyler Chen did an admirable job starting both games for Livingston and ultimately has a line of 12 innings, six earned runs, 10 hits and 12 strikeouts. Seton Hall Prep will counter with Marcelo Harsch, one of the best pitchers in the state. Harsch’s microscopic 0.28 ERA included a scoreless six-inning outing against Livingston on April 3. He fanned seven and allowed just one hit.
Seton Hall Prep’s 30 runs allowed is tied with Gloucester Catholic for the fewest in the state. Offensively, the team is averaging just under 10 runs per game and it’s a big reason the group has won 11 in a row.
The lineup is lethal with Henry Ayers, Jordan Burwell, Kaden Frei and William Mahala combining for 97 hits and a .437 average this season.
This team has it all going in the right direction.
Livingston was 3-3 in its first six games and is 14-2 since. One of those losses was against Seton Hall Prep.
Chen will do his best to give his team a chance to win on the mound. The good news is the offense has been hot. During this seven-game winning streak, Livingston has averaged 7.14 runs.
E.J. Frayne, Julian Schultz and John Marco Maiello are helping lead the charge with 79 of the team’s 151 total hits. Ben Lubetsky and Robby Lynn are on the verge of the 20-hit club, sitting with 19 apiece.
If that group can stay hot, Livingston has a chance to snap its title drought.
Seton Hall Prep 4, Livingston 1
Brian Bobal may be reached at bbobal@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @BrianBobal.
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Livingston Keeps Hammering Out New Vision For Mall Property
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/livingston/livingston-keeps-hammering-out-new-vision-mall-property
Got big ideas about what should be done with the Livingston Mall? You're not alone.Patch Staff|Updated Thu, Mar 27, 2025 at 5:17 pm ETLIVINGSTON, NJ — Got big ideas about what should be done with the Livingston Mall? You’re not alone – thousands of local community members have been offering their feedback to town officials over the past weeks.Many local residents have found themselves pining for the glory days of the Livingston Mall, which is located at 112 Eisenhower Parkway. In recent years, ...
Got big ideas about what should be done with the Livingston Mall? You're not alone.
Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Mar 27, 2025 at 5:17 pm ET
LIVINGSTON, NJ — Got big ideas about what should be done with the Livingston Mall? You’re not alone – thousands of local community members have been offering their feedback to town officials over the past weeks.
Many local residents have found themselves pining for the glory days of the Livingston Mall, which is located at 112 Eisenhower Parkway. In recent years, the mall has lost stores and shoppers, with one visitor comparing the experience to entering the set of a post-apocalyptic movie.
Recently, town officials announced that they are seeking input from residents as they try to create a “community-led vision” of what the property will look like for the next 50 years.
Livingston recently held a week-long “visioning process” with the public that was guided by real estate consulting firm Topology.
The firm began by launching a survey about the mall that got responses from 4,197 people living and working in town.
Find out what's happening in Livingstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A series of community meetings then took place from March 17 to March 22 to explain the development process and gather more community input, Livingston officials said:
“The meetings began with a Kick-Off Presentation to help participants learn about the visioning process and market realities. The presentation then led to a Hands-On Visioning Workshop during which the approximately 100 attendees were put into small groups to discuss and generate ideas. These ideas produced 16 vision maps that were referred to throughout the visioning process.”
Next, a Framework Pin-Up session brought the community’s vision maps to life, with Topology displaying initial ideas in a large presentation area for review and feedback by attendees.
These ideas helped frame the Conceptual Vision Plan – a roadmap used to guide the next steps in the development process, officials said.
Here’s what came next, officials said:
“The next step was a Concept Pin-Up session, which demonstrated the evolution of various ideas and gathered additional input on the Framework Pin-Up. Over the course of the week, Open Design Studio sessions in Town Hall offered community members the opportunity to stop by the studio where Topology’s Community Visioning Team was working. Individuals viewed the project progress, asked questions, and shared input with Topology’s team members.”
The week concluded with a Work-in-Progress Presentation that detailed the working version of the Conceptual Vision Plan. This presentation included a master plan with three-dimensional and digital images illustrating the potential future of the Livingston Mall property.
Moving forward, Topology will create a concept plan that will serve as the basis for a formal redevelopment plan. Upon completion, this plan will be shared with the Livingston Township Council.
NEW FUTURE FOR AN OLD MALL
Need a quick refresher about what’s at stake? According to the town’s website:
“Opened in 1972, the Livingston Mall has long been a staple of the community. Nonetheless, the mall has faced a variety of challenges as e-commerce, consumer preferences and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted its viability. Faced with shuttered anchor stores, declining patronage and growing maintenance issues, the township deemed the mall as an ‘area in need of redevelopment’ in October 2024.”
Now it’s time to look to the future, officials say:
“As we close the chapter on 50 years of the Livingston Mall, the township now looks to create a community-led vision of what the Livingston Mall property will look like for the next 50 years. Appreciating the unique opportunity and challenges that come with redeveloping 43 acres of prominent property, the township invites the Livingston community to make their voice heard as part of a series of community meetings. Through this comprehensive process, the township seeks to hear from as many voices in the community as possible to gain an assessment of local issues and desires, ultimately rooting the future of the property in a common community vision. This approach creates quality places that contribute to our community’s health, happiness, and well-being.”
Some have claimed that its end is nigh for the Livingston Mall.
“That mall is gonna be gone within the next year,” a social media user commented in November. “Livingston Mall is falling apart,” another commenter agreed.
However, other visitors have urged their fellow shoppers to take heart and continue patronizing the mall while it's still open.
According to a recent social media post: “I know there are a lot of rumors about Livingston Mall being completely closed down, but that is not true. I just got my eyebrows done here. While a lot of the stores are empty, the rumors are hurting the ones that are still open.”
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page.
Sidewalk Enforcement Resuming In Livingston: What To Know
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/livingston/sidewalk-enforcement-resuming-livingston-what-know
LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Livingston. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.Livingston property owners are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining, repairing, or replacing any sidewalk on their property. Residents and property owners with damaged, overgrown, or otherwise impassable sidewalks on their properties a...
LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Livingston. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Livingston property owners are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining, repairing, or replacing any sidewalk on their property. Residents and property owners with damaged, overgrown, or otherwise impassable sidewalks on their properties are urged to move forward with repairs or replacement as soon as possible.
Sidewalk maintenance enforcement is resuming now that warmer weather has arrived. Cracked, uneven, overgrown, and otherwise damaged sidewalks are unsafe. Depending on the level of damage, individuals might be likely to trip and/or fall due to the unevenness of the surface. In addition, pedestrians — including school children — may not be able to use certain sidewalks at all, forcing students to walk in the street.
The township’s updated sidewalk ordinance allows sidewalks on most roads to be made of asphalt, which is much less expensive than concrete, which had previously been required.
Only three roads in Livingston still require concrete sidewalks:
Find out what's happening in Livingstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Properties that are still required to replace their sidewalks with concrete will be able to participate in the township’s Cost-Share Sidewalk Repair program. The program will reimburse for 50% of the cost of the concrete sidewalk, subject to approval of the Township Engineer as to the reasonableness of the charges.
The change to allow asphalt for repairs or replacements should lead to improved sidewalks in town within a relatively short period of time. Residents are urged to contract with a vendor as soon as possible so that sidewalks can be repaired or replaced in a timely manner now that warmer weather is returning.
All residences with sidewalks in need of repair or replacement that are located on streets not listed above should begin their asphalt sidewalk replacements or repairs as soon as possible. For more information, visit livingstonnj.org/Maps.
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