On September 11, 2018, authorities in Hawthorne were dispatched to the scene of a reported accident with injuries. Police arrived at the scene to find 35 year old Brandon Blenis allegedly trapped inside his vehicle with passengers who appeared to be injured. Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and was able to extract Blenis from his vehicle.
Blenis allegedly told cops that his brakes were not working properly while he was traveling, and when he swerved to miss another vehicle, a car in the southbound lane struck his vehicle head on. After police purportedly observed hypodermic syringes and suboxone wrappers in the vehicle, Blenis reportedly admitted that he used heroin earlier in the day and drank a few beers. Blenis was placed under arrest at the scene, but was transported to St. Joseph s Hospital for treatment. He was subsequently charged with the following: Assault by Auto While DUI, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Under the Influence in a School Zone, Driving While Suspended, and a number of other traffic offenses. Click here to read more at www.tapinto.net.
The penalties for a DUI /DWI in New Jersey can be severe. A first offense DUI can result in a period of incarceration of one (1) month in county jail, loss of your driver s license for between seven (7) months and one (1) year, a requirement to participate in an alcohol education program at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), and a fine of up to $500. A conviction for a second DUI offense will subject to you to even worse penalties, including up to three (3) months in jail and mandatory suspension of your driver s license for two (2) years. If you are also charged with a DUI/DWI in a school zone, the court can impose enhanced penalties. In particular, the driver’s license suspension period can be doubled.
Blenis was also charged with a crime (Assault by Auto While DUI) because other individuals were injured during the accident. Depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, he could face separate penalties on that charge, including but not limited to a term of incarceration.
If you have been charged with a DUI/DWI under any circumstances, it is crucial that you have an experienced lawyer by your side during the process. Alissa D. Hascup has successfully handled countless DWI/DUI cases throughout New Jersey, including in Hawthorne, Paterson, and Wayne. She will work with you to obtain best possible outcome in your case. Contact her office today for a free consultation. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
