Tag: DUI

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New Jersey State Police to Set Up DWI Checkpoint’s For St Patrick’s Day

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March 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, St. Patrick’s Day would not be complete if law enforcement didn’t put some witty spin on luck of the Irish as it relates to getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking. You’ll get no so such satisfaction here. Daring to be different, we’ll begrudgingly abstain from the all-too-familiar banter you’ll see everywhere else—hopefully. You’ll just have to read on to find out.

Instead, we’ll talk about DWI checkpoints and why you should never get behind the wheel regardless of whether or not it’s a holiday. Let’s first remind everyone that checkpoints are legal here in New Jersey and are used as a deterrent. We strongly recommend ignoring the advice of those who don’t believe this to be true—the people who encourage motorists to not comply with officers at checkpoints. This is not sound advice. If those people follow their own advice, perhaps they can use the gold they procured from an angry leprechaun to pay their fines.

So, with that being said, here are the details:
In an effort to make our roads safer and reduce crashes attributed to driving while under the influence, the New Jersey State Police will set up a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, March 17, in the area of Belmar Borough and Neptune Township.
If you see a driver you believe is posing a hazard because of poor driving behaviors, please call the aggressive driver tip line from a hands-free mobile device to report it by dialing #77. Be ready to give a description of the vehicle and occupants, a location and direction, and a license plate if possible.
Troopers will be looking for signs of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. If you plan on drinking, have a designated driver, arrange for a taxi or ride share service like Uber or Lyft, or stay where you are. It’s not worth the risk of hurting or killing yourself, a friend, a loved one, or innocent motorist.
Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day, people!

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Ridgewood Police : Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted as Part of Statewide Year End Campaign

Ridgewood Police

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Police

November 29,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Law enforcement officials from the Village of Ridgewood will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning December 8, 2017 and continuing through January 1, 2018, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education.
Last year, 20% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for the holiday season:
• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
• Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

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20K New Jersey DWI Cases Could Be Thrown Out

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file photo

October 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, good news for those convicted in DWI cases in New Jersey .  According to NJ Advance Media Prosecutors are notifying more than 20,000 people charged with drunken driving that their cases are under review after a State Police sergeant who oversaw breath-testing devices was accused of falsifying records .

Multi-County prosecutors have been sending letters to people charged with driving while intoxicated between 2008 and 2016 informing them a specially appointed judge would weigh “whether you are entitled to relief” based on the accusations against the sergeant. These letters were sent in recent weeks to DWI defendants in Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties.

NJ Advance Media also reported that Prosecutors and defense attorneys claim the number of cases that could be thrown out as a result of the criminal inquiry is likely low. But the issue, which came amid a similar probe of the State Police drug lab, created a morass of legal challenges which could take years to sort out.

New Jersey prosecutors often rely on evidence of a defendant’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to prove guilt in driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases. Police officers typically determine a person’s BAC by testing a breath sample. All police departments in this state use a device known as the Alcotest for this purpose. The Alcotest is prone to errors, and it requires continual maintenance.

The Alcohol Drug Testing Unit (ADTU) of the New Jersey State Police is responsible for inspecting Alcotest devices throughout the state, performing calibrations and recalibrations, and maintaining the required documentation certifying that each device is in proper working order.

State Police Sgt. Marc Dennis, a coordinator in the State Police Alcohol Drug Testing Unit, was accused last year of lying on official documents about completing a legally required step in re-calibrating the machines, known as Alcotest devices, which are used to check the blood-alcohol level of accused drunken drivers.

Dennis, denies the charges against him, was allegedly observed skipping the step in calibrating just three machines. But the criminal accusations raised a cloud of doubt over every device touched by the trooper, who performed routine checks on devices used by local police across five counties.

“Sergeant Dennis’ alleged false swearing and improper calibrations of these three instruments may call into question all of the calibrations performed by Sergeant Dennis over the course of his career as a coordinator,” said one letter, a copy of which was obtained by NJ Advance Media.

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Paramus Police Department Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown August 18 thru September 4

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file photo by Boyd Loving
The Paramus Police Department is cracking down August 18 thru September 4

Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted Locally as Part of National Campaign

August 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ,  Police agencies from around New Jersey are gearing up for the state’s largest annual drunk driving crackdown. The 2017 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Statewide Labor Day Crackdown begins August 18 and concludes on September 4. During the campaign, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols targeting motorists who may be driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement backed up by educational activities including national radio and television advertisements, posters, banners and mobile video display signs. The campaign looks to curtail impaired driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.

“Despite years of enforcement and public awareness efforts, too many people still make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. Nearly 30% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol related,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested,” he added.

As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local police agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. During last year’s crackdown, participating agencies made 1,649 DWI arrests.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 crackdown offer the following advice:

• If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.
• Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is held.
• Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep

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ICE Newark arrests 113 criminal targets in 5-day enforcement surge

ICE Arrests
June 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark Field Office arrested 113 criminal targets during an operation Jun. 5-9, as part of the agency’s ongoing public safety and national security efforts. The operation was supported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New Jersey Field Office, the New Jersey State Parole Office, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

All of the targets in this operation were criminal in nature. 93% of those that were arrested were convicted criminals and 87% of them had prior felony convictions.

“The continued results of our Fugitive Operations officers and their law enforcement partners underscore ICE’s ongoing and steady commitment to public safety,” said John Tsoukaris, field office director of ERO Newark. “As part of this operation, we continue focus on the arrest of individuals who are criminal and are a threat to public safety and national security. Because of the tireless efforts of these professional officers, there are 113 fewer criminals in our communities,” he added.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extremely proud to have assisted in this operation,” said Leon Hayward, Acting Director New York Field Office. “It is through collaborative efforts, such as the one leading to today’s arrests, that law enforcement agencies can combat illegal acts and apprehend criminals who pose a threat to the Homeland.”

“The State Parole Board is pleased to have been able to take part in this very successful fugitive operation. Cooperative efforts with other state and federal agencies serve as a force multiplier resulting in a significant public safety benefit. We are proud of the efforts of our parole officers and all that took part in the operation.” said James T. Plousis, chairman of the NJ State Parole Board.

The individuals arrested throughout New Jersey were nationals of Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Korea, Latvia, Liberia, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, Trinidad and Uruguay.

These individuals range from age 18 to 74 years old and all were previously convicted of a variety of offenses. Some of the convictions included sexual assault on a minor, child abuse, possession of narcotics, distribution of narcotics, robbery, trespassing, damage to property, DUI, crimes against person, fraud, sex offense against a child/fondling, threaten to kill, sexual exploitation of a minor, domestic violence, battery, theft of us government property, possession of a weapon, illegal use of credit cards, burglary, larceny, aggravated assault and illegal reentry.

Among those arrested during this operation include:

A Iraqi citizen convicted of possession of narcotics
A Honduran citizen wanted by Honduras for the offense of double Homicide
A Latvian citizen convicted of heroin sale  
A El Salvador citizen convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor
A Ecuadorian citizen convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor
A Jordanian citizen convicted of synthetic narcotic possession
A Dominican citizen convicted of cocaine sale
A Bangladesh citizen convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon

In fiscal year 2016, ICE conducted 240,255 removals nationwide. Over ninety percent of individuals removed from the interior of the United States had previously been convicted of a criminal offense.

ICE is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that targets serious criminal aliens who present the greatest risk to the security of our communities, such as those charged with or convicted of homicide, rape, robbery, kidnapping, major drug offenses and threats to national security.

ERO Newark works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce federal immigration laws as part of its homeland security mission.

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New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from Friday, March 17 to Monday, March 20

New Jersey State Police

Have a Fun and Safe St. Patrick’s Day, But Don’t Push Your Luck

March 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

West Trenton, NJ , If you plan on participating in St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans this year, don’t leave your safety and the safety of others up to luck. Troopers will work with local law enforcement agencies to keep intoxicated drivers off of the roadways and help protect New Jersey motorists from the tragedies associated with impaired driving.

The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from Friday, March 17 to Monday, March 20. During this period, over 140 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speed, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI. The details will supplement regular State Police patrols that will continue to diligently enforce New Jersey’s traffic laws.

Often, we remind motorists to be alert of pedestrians, especially during parades when people are celebrating and may be drinking alcohol. It is just as important to remind pedestrians to pay attention to motorists as well. Here are some safety tips that you and your loved ones can follow to ensure a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day:

• Cross the street at appropriate and legal locations.
• Always obey the crosswalk traffic signal.
• If you are driving in the area of a parade, watch for pedestrians, especially small children.
• Designate a sober driver and give that person your vehicle keys.
• Use mass transit, a car service or ride sharing application if you don’t have a designated driver.
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Never let a friend drive drunk.
• Report hazardous driving by dialing #77 from a hands-free mobile device.

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DUI the culprit in Route 17 South Bound Crash early Sunday Morning in Ridgewood

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photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
DUI the culprit in Route 17 South Bound Crash early Sunday Morning in Ridgewood
December 13,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , The adult female driver of a 4-door Ford Taurus was charged with driving under the influence in connection with a crash on Route 17 southbound in Ridgewood early Sunday morning. The crash occurred just prior to the Linwood Avenue overpass and shut down two (2) lanes of traffic on Route 17 southbound, plus an on ramp to the highway southbound from Linwood Avenue, for almost one (1) hour beginning at approximately 1 AM. No injuries were reported in the incident. HoHoKus and Paramus PD units assisted Ridgewood PD officers at the scene; Ridgewood FD personnel attended to a crash related fluid spill. A flatbed tow truck removed the Taurus from the roadway. The incident reportedly involved two (2) vehicles. One (1) of the vehicles was said to have fled the scene and was later involved in another crash on Route 4 westbound near the Garden State Parkway in Paramus. No word as to whether the driver of that vehicle was charged in connection with the Ridgewood incident.

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Ridgewood Police will be Conducting Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown as Part of Statewide Year End Campaign

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file photo by Boyd Loving
December 7th 2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Law enforcement officials from the Ridgewood Police Department will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning December 11, 2015 and continuing through January 1, 2016, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent. People that choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs pose a grave danger to all roadway users and this initiative is designed to bring attention to this important issue.

Last year, 27% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2015 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for holiday season:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
• Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

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Women attempts to flee scene of an accident

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April 22,2015
the Ridgewood PD and the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, Ridgewood Police report on April 18, 2015 at 6:55 PM Ptl Anthony Mormino responded to a hit and run motor vehicle accident on East Saddle River Road. Ptl Keith Killion located the vehicle that left the scene on Wall Street. While investigating the incident it was determined that the driver and a passenger were attempting to hide the vehicle in a garage.

The driver Arnella E. Migirov 21 of Elmwood Park was arrested and charged with DWI, DWI in a School Zone, Unsafe Vehicle, Failure to Exhibit Documents, Failure to Install Interlock Device, Reckless Driving, Following to Closely, Leaving the scene of an accident wit Injury, and Failure to Report an Accident with Injury. The accused was released pending an appearance in Ridgewood Municipal Court.All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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N.J. Senate to consider bill Thursday to revamp penalties for drunken driving

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dwigrafic

N.J. Senate to consider bill Thursday to revamp penalties for drunken driving

FEBRUARY 4, 2015, 7:02 PM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015, 7:26 AM
BY DUSTIN RACIOPPI
STATE HO– USE BUREAU |
THE RECORD

Drunken drivers can lose their licenses for a year, serve jail time and pay insurance surcharges of $1,000 a year.

But now safety advocates – including Mothers Against Drunk Driving – are behind an effort to end the harsh penalties for first-time offenders.

Instead of fines, jail time and lengthy license suspensions, offenders would be required to install a device about the size of a cellphone that would measure their blood alcohol content before the car can be turned on.

If approved by the Senate today and signed by Governor Christie, a bill would add New Jersey to the growing list of states shifting from a punitive approach to a behavioral one to combat drunken driving.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/n-j-senate-to-consider-bill-thursday-to-revamp-penalties-for-drunken-driving-1.1264415

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Ridgewood Police remind Drivers to Drive Sober or get Pulled Over

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Ridgewood Police remind Drivers to Drive Sober or get Pulled Over

While your out enjoying a holiday party Ridgewood Police Officers will be out on extra patrol looking for impaired drivers. We would like you to enjoy your party and get home safely. If you intend to consume alcohol please follow our advice.

Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

Spend the night rather than get behind the wheel.

Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver.

Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep

Coffee.clubshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=363195

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DUI charges filed in connection with Sunday afternoon Ridgewood crash

RidgewoodDUI_theridgewoodblog.net

Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving
DUI charges filed in connection with Sunday afternoon Ridgewood crash
April 14th 2014
Boyd A. Loving
3:56 PM

Ridgewood NJ, RIdgewood Police Chief John Ward has confirmed via telephone that the female driver of a black Toyota Corolla 4-door sedan who struck a tree near the intersection of Fairmount and Heights Roads in Ridgewood at approximately 4:30 PM on Sunday, was taken into custody by Ridgewood PD uniformed patrol officers at the scene of the crash after a field sobriety test was administered, transported to Ridgewood PD headquarters, and formally charged with DUI.

The driver was the only occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash and she appeared uninjured.

The Corolla sustained heavy front end damage and was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.

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The Ridgewood Police Department is urging the public to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day ,responsibly and never drive drunk

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The Ridgewood Police Department is urging the public to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day ,responsibly and never drive drunk.

Here are some safety tips from the NHTSA:

■Designate your sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.
■If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come ……and get you; or just stay where you are and don’t drive until you are sober.
■Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
■Don’t ride in a vehicle with a driver who is intoxicated.
■Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against drunk drivers.
If you are hosting a party:
■Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange alternate transportation.
■Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
■Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party and begin serving coffee and dessert.
■Keep the phone number of local cab companies on hand, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk and get them a cab ride home.
■Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
■If an underage person drinks and drives, parents may be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
■Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to, or host a party where alcohol is available to, those under age 21 could face jail time.