Rutherford DUI Lawyer

Aggressive, Experienced, Dedicated, and Compassionate Criminal Defense Attorney Fights for Clients Arrested on DUI/DWI Charges in Rutherford and Throughout NJ.

If you need a Rutherford, NJ DUI defense lawyer, call our office 24/7 for a free consultation. The town of Rutherford, located in Bergen County, experiences a significant number of DWI arrests. This is hardly surprising, given that it ranks 17th out of 70 municipalities in the county for population, with more than 18,852 people, and is situated along major highways such as New Jersey Route 3 and Route 17.

A DUI carries serious consequences – and not just in the short term. In addition to hefty fees and possible jail time, a DUI can lead to ramifications such as increased insurance rates, points on your driving record, and the loss of future job opportunities. This is why you need to get legal help right away if you are arrested for a DUI in Rutherford.

The Law Offices of Anthony Vecchio bring over 17 years of combined experience and frequently represent clients in Rutherford Municipal Court and we can provide the skilled and aggressive legal representation that you need. Over the course of his career, Anthony has adeptly handled thousands criminal, municipal, and appellate cases, including numerous cases involving DUI. His work has earned him recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in New Jersey for six years (2012-2018), a Super Lawyer for Criminal Defense in 2019-2026 and helped our firm to achieve a 10-star Avvo rating. For more information on how we can assist you, reach out to our office today to schedule a free consultation.

About Rutherford, New Jersey

Rutherford, NJ, located in Bergen County. Founded in the early 19th century, it grew from a small farming community into a bustling suburban town, known for its charming residential areas and proximity to New York City. Traffic in Rutherford can be heavy during rush hours, especially along Route 17 and near the train station, as many commuters use the town as a gateway to the city. To get there, you can take NJ Transit’s train service from Penn Station in New York, or drive via major highways like the Garden State Parkway or Route 3.

Rutherford Municipal Court Information

 The Rutherford Municipal Court is located at 18 Donaldson Ave. Rutherford, NJ 07070. The Court sessions are every Tuesday at 1:30 pm, and the court can be contacted directly at 201-460-3030.

The Rutherford Municipal Court handles traffic violations, ordinance violations, and minor criminal offenses, including shoplifting, disorderly conduct, and simple assault. For more information about the Rutherford Court, please visit their website.

What You Should Know About a DUI/DWI Charge in Rutherford.

DWI and DUI, which mean “driving while intoxicated” and “driving under the influence,” are interchangeable terms in New Jersey. However, not all DWI/DUI charges in New Jersey are the same. DUIs are separated into three separate categories under state law: 

• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between .08 and .10 percent
• BAC greater than .10 percent
• Driving while intoxicated in a school zone.

If you are a first-time offender and pulled over with an alleged BAC of between .08 and .10 percent, you face the following potential consequences:

• Loss of driving privileges for three months
• Between 12 hours and 30 days of jail time
• Between $250 and $400 in fines
• A $1,000 annual automobile insurance surcharge for three years
• Other fees and surcharges not in excess of $525
• Possible ignition interlock requirement
• Alcohol abuse assessment, in addition to other penalties.

Enhanced Penalties 

If you were driving in a school zone, your fines may increase by as much as $500 to $800, and you could be sentenced an additional 60 days in jail. Instead of your license being suspended for three months, you could lose it for as long as two years.

If you are a second-time offender and/or if your alleged BAC was far above the legal limit, you could face second- or third-degree DUI penalties, which include fines of up to $1,000, a jail sentence between two and 180 days and between two and 10 years of license suspension. Your DUI charges may be more severe if you are charged with reckless driving, refusal to submit to a breath test, or driving with an open container.

As you can see, a DUI can have serious consequences on both your short-term and long-term future. You will protect that future by reaching out to our team at the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, to discuss your options for fighting the charges.

What Happens If Police Arrest You for a DWI in Rutherford?

If you are stopped and suspected of driving under the influence in Rutherford the first thing law enforcement will do is test you. To do this, they will take you to a location such as the New Jersey State Police’s Troop B station or the Rutherford Police Department. The police may also ask you to submit to a blood test or, in rare cases, to provide a urine sample. You may be tempted to refuse a test. It will depend on your circumstances. A refusal could potentially harm your defense.

Let your DUI defense attorney do the fighting on your behalf. For instance, because blood and urine samples need to be sent out for testing, mistakes can occur at different points in the process. Our team will thoroughly investigate both the police force’s processes as well as the lab’s conduct and look for any basis to throw out the test results. 

You should never fight a DUI on your own. DUIs are serious. The prosecution does not treat them lightly. If the charges stand, you face fines, jail time, and life-altering consequences. The best thing you can do for your future is to reach out to a skilled attorney who understands the court system and who will help you to successfully navigate it.

How Can a Rutherford DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer Help You?

Anthony began his career as an intern in the trial unit of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. He went on to intern for the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender after that, where he also later served as a designated attorney. Eventually, he joined a private practice, where he served as a criminal defense and personal injury attorney over 17 years.

With this background, Anthony has the skills, experience, and knowledge that it takes to defend your rights. He also understands the risks that people expose themselves to when they do not get legal help with their DUI charge. He will know how to protect your rights and pursue all possible defenses in your case. Depending on the facts of your situation, those defenses could include the following. 

Potential Defenses  

• The police lacked probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop you 
• Police failed to comply with New Jersey’s “20-minute rule”
• The police violated your Miranda rights
• The prosecution committed discovery violations  
• Confusion (including hearing aid-related confusion) leading to a refusal
• Problems with the testing of your breath, blood or urine.

If you are not fully aware of your rights, it is not a good idea to try to defend yourself. A practiced and knowledgeable attorney like Anthony will be familiar with all of your rights and able to if they were violated. In many cases, a violation of a DWI defendant’s rights can lead to suppression of evidence and, in turn, the dismissal of the charge.

Anthony Vecchio will also be upfront with you. He will advise you about the pros and cons of entering a plea. His goal will be to ensure that you make a fully informed decision, and he will never pressure you to enter a plea. If you choose to plead guilty, he will work hard to minimize the consequences for you.

You Deserve an Experienced Rutherford DUI Attorney

Everybody – no matter what charges they face – deserves a chance to fight for their freedom and protect their rights. If you were arrested for driving under the influence in Rutherford or throughout NJ, call the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, to discuss your case. We will get to know the facts of your case, fight tirelessly for you and always keep your best interests at heart. When you are ready to defend your future, contact our office for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to take the field sobriety tests?

Unlike the implied consent law that requires you to provide breath samples for the alcotest or breathalyzer, you are not obligated to undergo field sobriety tests. The Rutherford Police use these tests mainly to gather evidence to build a case against you, not to help you. While we always recommend being courteous and respectful to officers, we advise that if you’re not fully confident in your ability to complete the tests, there is no law that forces you to take part. Keep in mind that this applies only to field tests, not the Alcotest, which has its own set of penalties for refusal.

Is there a distinction between DUI and DWI?

Although the terms Driving under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) vary slightly, they essentially refer to the same offense. In New Jersey, both terms are associated with N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, the law governing drunk driving.

How could a DUI impact my professional license?

For most professions, a drunk driving charge may not have any effect. Typically, the licensing board for your profession—whether you’re an engineer, lawyer, doctor, etc.—decides whether a DUI will impact your ability to continue practicing.

We defend DWI charges in DWI Lawyer in Garfield, DWI Lawyer in Lodi, and surrounding areas. See also our main New Jersey DWI Defense page.

Anthony J. Vecchio, Esq.
New Jersey DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Municipal Prosecutor
Law Office of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC

Last updated: October 6, 2026