Actor and Hollywood Celebrity Vince Vaughn was charged on Friday with driving under the influence of alcohol. The charges were announced by Los Angeles County prosecutors arising from a June 10 stop at a DUI checkpoint in Manhattan Beach, California. He received three charges: misdemeanor driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, misdemeanor driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher, and misdemeanor refusing to comply with police.
Although New Jersey’s intoxicated driving law is different than California’s, the nationwide legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is the same at .08% BAC. If you are caught driving with a .08% BAC or higher anywhere in the state, you will likely face charges for driving under the influence under the state’s laws, which do not include different charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while intoxicated as a result of any other substance.
If you or someone you know is arrested, charged, or convicted of DUI or DWI in the state, it is important to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible, because establishing a good defense can be complicated and time sensitive.
Vince Vaughn’s Arrest at a DUI Checkpoint
Vince Vaugh, the actor and comedian well-known for his roles in such films as Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball, apparently refused to get out of his vehicle when he arrived as sobriety checkpoint this summer. He subsequently failed a field sobriety test, and the results of the test were captured on a police officer’s body camera. Vaughn then also failed a blood alcohol content test showing that his BAC was .08% or higher.
The fact that he was caught on camera failing his sobriety test is important. As previously discussed on the Edward M. Janzekovich law blog, the standard field sobriety tests in New Jersey can include walking-and-turning in a straight line, standing on one foot, and performing a horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Failing these tests can provide an independent basis for the charges of drunk driving. This is in addition to failing the blood alcohol test, which was likely a breathalyzer test.
Misdemeanor DUI
On Friday, Vaughn was charged with misdemeanor DUI based on this incident. Misdemeanor DUI is charged in California for first, second, or third incidents of drunk driving wherein there is no accident or injury. Fourth or subsequent incidents, or incidents wherein there is an accident or injury may be charged as a Felony DUI.
In New Jersey, the law does not differentiate between misdemeanor (disorderly persons) or felony DUI, as drunk driving is considered a quasi-criminal offense in the state. Nonetheless, the penalties remain extremely serious and can include jail time, as well as severe fines and lengthy loss of driving privileges. Because it is considered quasi-criminal, a DUI conviction will also remain on a person’s permanent driver’s record. At the same time, a drunk driving that results in an accident or injury in New Jersey can result in additional charges depending on the specific circumstances.
If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney immediately. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you could be facing significant charges and consequences. A good lawyer will be able to review your situation, identify the best defenses, and may even be able to have the charges against you dismissed completely.
New Jersey Drunk Driving Attorney Edward M. Janzekovich Can Fight Your DUI Charges
Every person is different and every DUI or DWI case is different. If you or someone you know is charged with drunk driving or driving under the influence of any substance in New Jersey, you will want an attorney who gives you individual attention and advice that can help. A good lawyer can make all the difference. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey.