New Jersey DUI Attorney Rachel Kugel Sheds Light on Delayed DUI Charges in the State
Drivers in New Jersey may be surprised to learn that they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) days or even weeks after an incident. New Jersey DUI attorney Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/can-you-be-charged-with-dui-days-later-in-new-jersey/) of The Kugel Law Firm is working to clarify this often-overlooked legal scenario and help individuals understand how DUI charges can still arise long after the initial event.
In New Jersey, DUI offenses are taken seriously, and the potential for delayed charges underscores the importance of knowing an individual’s rights and the legal steps to take when facing such situations. As a New Jersey DUI attorney, Rachel Kugel explains that although DUI charges typically follow an immediate arrest, there are several circumstances under which these charges can be filed later — sometimes even months after the alleged offense.
“There are scenarios where DUI charges may be filed sometime after the actual driving incident occurred,” New Jersey DUI attorney Rachel Kugel says. “Essentially, if law enforcement believes they can prove intoxication at the time of driving, despite not charging the driver initially, DUI charges may be filed days, weeks, or even months after the incident.”
Delayed DUI charges usually depend on evidence that becomes available after the incident. This includes blood test results, witness statements, surveillance footage, or findings from accident investigations. As a New Jersey DUI attorney, Kugel emphasizes that drivers may not even be aware that they are under investigation until charges are formally filed — making early legal consultation essential.
When law enforcement is not present at the scene of a suspected DUI incident, or when a driver is hospitalized after an accident, charges may be postponed until crucial evidence is reviewed. BAC (blood alcohol content) test results, medical reports, and even new information from witnesses can lead prosecutors to file charges later. Rachel Kugel, a trusted New Jersey DUI attorney, notes that such cases often require more time due to evidence processing or investigation delays, but that doesn’t mean they carry less weight in court.
Law enforcement follows specific procedures in post-incident DUI investigations. These include gathering blood test results, compiling accident reports, and interviewing witnesses. Once prosecutors receive this information, they assess whether it is strong enough to support DUI charges retroactively. As a DUI attorney in New Jersey, Rachel Kugel points out that these cases may be more complicated but are not uncommon.
Supporting evidence such as police reports and dashboard camera footage can also emerge after the incident. This type of evidence, according to Kugel, may not have been immediately available or reviewed at the time of the event, but can later become central to a case. Blood tests in particular, which often take longer to process than breath tests, can be the deciding factor in whether DUI charges are ultimately filed.
“Charges can also be delayed based on new information coming to light from various sources after the event,” Kugel explains. “This may indicate that the driver was under the influence even if it wasn’t immediately apparent.”
For those concerned about the legal timeframe, the statute of limitations for DUI charges in New Jersey is generally 90 days from the date of the offense. Although DUI is categorized as a traffic offense in New Jersey, this extended time period gives prosecutors a larger window to gather evidence and move forward with charges. Kugel advises that understanding this timeline is crucial for drivers who may have been involved in an incident but were not charged immediately.
While the statute of limitations determines when charges must be filed, the right to a speedy trial affects how quickly a case must proceed once charges are brought. Rachel Kugel explains that delays in trial proceedings can affect the fairness of the case and may provide defense opportunities, especially if key evidence becomes unreliable over time.
Anyone charged with a DUI after the fact should take immediate action. Kugel encourages individuals to understand their rights, such as the right to remain silent and to obtain a copy of the police report. She stresses the importance of contacting a New Jersey DUI attorney quickly to evaluate the evidence and develop a strong legal strategy tailored to the individual’s case.
“Requesting this information yourself is no substitute for competent legal counsel,” says Kugel. “Lawyers will make sure that your constitutional rights are protected when they request discovery, and they will set the stage so that the failure of the state to provide that discovery could be something that can be litigated to your advantage should it occur.”
Rachel Kugel and her team at The Kugel Law Firm are committed to defending clients who find themselves facing DUI charges long after they believed the matter was over. From challenging the accuracy of blood alcohol tests to questioning the legality of the initial stop, her legal strategies are built on a detailed review of every case.
For anyone who has recently been charged with a DUI days after an incident, or who fears they may still face charges, reaching out to a qualified New Jersey DUI attorney is a critical step. With proper legal guidance, individuals can better understand their options and work toward a more favorable outcome.
About The Kugel Law Firm:
The Kugel Law Firm is committed to defending individuals charged with DUI offenses throughout New Jersey. Led by attorney Rachel Kugel, the firm focuses on helping clients navigate complex legal processes, from the initial charge through resolution, with a focus on protecting their rights and achieving fair results.
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Phone: (973) 854-0098
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State: New Jersey 07102
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