Atlantic Highlands NJ

Tucked away inside Sandy Hook on the Jersey Shore overlooking lower New York Bay, the villages of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands put the A in “quaint.” A small town of under 5,000 people within the borough of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands is beloved for rows of well-preserved Victorian homes overlooking an active harbor, Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook and views off toward the lights of Manhattan.

Located just to the east of Atlantic Highlands, Highlands is another borough of around 5,000 people that is down close to the water - backed by Hartshorne Woods Park and protected from the elements by Sandy Hooks.

Towering 266 feet above sea level, the hills of Atlantic Highlands are the highest point along the eastern seaboard, south of Maine. But those hills aren’t the only highness in Atlantic Highlands as both places are serviced by the Seastreak Ferry bringing outsiders who cherish the small town quiet, the views and who eat, drink and get merry in the thriving bars and restaurants along the waterfront.

Maybe a little too merry at times. Atlantic Highlands and Highlands are well-preserved Victorian towns with a slight drinking problem. Take a look at a typical police blotter for either place and you will see arrests for DWI/DUI happen often.

If it happens to you, Atlantic Highlands DWI attorney Tara Breslow-Testa is the first person you should talk to. Born, bred and educated (Rutgers) in New Jersey, Ms. Breslow Testa has defended dozens of DWI and DUI cases. She understands the short and long-term consequences of a conviction for these crimes - fines, possible jail, license suspension, a criminal record - and she will treat your case with gravitas and efficiency.

Tara Breslow-Testa has worked both sides of the bench, and knows how to stand up to aggressive prosecutors and negotiate with judges who have heard it all. Ms. Breslow-Testa knows how to detour cases down legal tributaries like Pre Trial Intervention, Conditional Discharge and Drug Court.

An attorney defending DUI and DWI cases in Atlantic Highlands Tara Breslow-Testa has the experience to save you a great deal of money, time and stress - short term and long term - if you have been accused of driving while intoxicated in Atlantic Highlands.

For a free consultation, call Tara Breslow-Testa: (732) 784-2880.

Citations for DWI/DUI are heard in the Municipal Court of Atlantic Highlands, located at 100 First Ave.

Presiding judge for Atlantic Highlands is the Honorable C. Catherine Jannarone and she hears cases on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 5:00 PM.

Presiding judge for Highlands is Richard Leahey, Jr. who hears cases every first and third Tuesday at 3:00 PM.

Municipal court telephone number is (732) 291-3225.

A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.10% or greater will result in a prison term of up to 30 days, a license loss of 7 months to one year, and a variety of fines, fees and surcharges including a $300 to $500 fine, a $230 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center fee, $100 to the drunk driving fund, $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund, a $1,000 a year surcharge (for three years) and $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund.

If your BAC is 0.15% or greater an ignition interlock device will be placed on your car during license suspension and for six months to a year after restoration of driving privileges.

You don’t want any of this and Tara Breslow-Testa is an experienced DUI lawyer for Atlantic Highlands who can help get you out of trouble faster than you got into it.

If convicted of DUI with a BAC of between 0.08% and 0.10%, the fines and terms are a prison term of up to 30 days, loss of licence for three months, a fine of $250 - $400, a $230 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center fee, $100 to the drunk driving fund, $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund, a $1,000 a year surcharge (for three years) and $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund.

If convicted of a second DUI within 10 years of the first DUI, the fines and penalties are a prison term from 48 hours to 90 days, loss of license for two years, a $500 - $1000 fine, a $280 IDRC fee, and $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund. Also, 30 days Community Service, 12 - 48 hours of IDRC ignition interlock during license suspension and for 1 to three years following the restoration.

The first offense fine for riding or driving with an open container is $200. For a second offense the fine is $250 and 10 days community service.

For driving with a DUI suspension, the penalty is a prison term of 10 to 90 days, loss of license for one to two years, a $500 fine and a $250 a year surcharge, for three years.

For driving while possessing drugs, the penalties are a loss of license for two years and a minimum $50 fine.

The courts for Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are not bustling places as they each are open only two days a month. But don’t let that small town aura fool you that they don’t take seriously charges of DUI and DWI. The consequence are potentially severe and Atlantic Highlands DWI lawyer Tara Breslow-Testa is who you want by your side if you find yourself in court.

For a free consultation, call Tara Breslow-Testa at (732) 784-2880.