State v DI, Fort Lee Municipal Court

In State v. DI, a municipal court case in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. successfully defended a commercial driver charged with multiple offenses, including both a basic DWI and a commercial DWI. The defendant had been operating a van used to transport senior citizens to medical appointments when the incident occurred in June 2019.

A dash-mounted camera captured the driver stopping to make a street purchase of ketamine. It also captured him ingesting the drug and slipping into a trance-like state. He then drove the van onto a sidewalk and a grassy hill with passengers still onboard.

Multiple Charges Filed After Video and Blood Test Evidence

After witnesses called the police, officers arrived to find the defendant heavily sedated and incoherent. He was arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including disorderly conduct (endangering the welfare of others), commercial and basic DWI, careless driving, and several other motor vehicle violations.

Police secured a blood search warrant, and a subsequent lab report confirmed the presence of ketamine in the defendant’s system.

Expert Analysis Leads to Dismissal of Both DWI Charges

Clifford E. Lazzaro retained a toxicology expert to challenge the State’s lab results. The expert’s findings created enough doubt regarding the accuracy and reliability of the test that the municipal prosecutor dismissed both DWI charges.

The defendant pleaded guilty to a reduced set of charges, including the disorderly persons offense, careless driving, and improper lane and sidewalk use. He received 18 months of probation, no jail time, and fines. Judge John R. DeSheplo issued the sentence in December 2019.

DWI Defense for Commercial Drivers in New Jersey

If you’re a commercial driver facing DWI or drug-related motor vehicle charges, Lazzaro Law can help protect your record and career.

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Mr Lazzaro was referred to me from another attorney, in order to settle a family type dispute. His extensive knowledge and experience in family law provided me the peace of mind and confidence I needed when I entered that court room. Although...

Anonymous

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Anonymous

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JSweeney

Cliff is the best! When I needed help to get out of trouble Cliff came through big time. He has good relationships with almost everyone in the state so he was able to push and push and get an amazing deal on my behalf. I will be forever grateful...

Ori

Wrong place wrong time, guilt by association. Careful who you give a ride. Gave my "friend" a ride to the pharmacy to fill "his Mother's" prescription and before I knew it I was under arrest for 3 felony charges. I was referred to Cliff Lazzaro...

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Anonymous

Phenomenal Attorney. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. You definitely would want him on your A team.

C Rich

Words can’t even explain how fantastic Clifford Lazzaro is. He got my entire case dismissed with prior charges pending. Shows that hes 100% trustworthy and truly cares for his clients.

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Trial Attorney. I was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for stabbing a person in the chest with a knife. After a 2 week trial, the jury was deadlocked. I trestified at trial that the victim pulled the knife against me...

Damon

EXCELLENT Attorney!! Mr. Lazzaro has been my attorney for many years and has also represented other family members. He has handled criminal and family matters and in both areas he has been able to obtain positive outcomes in all cases. If not...

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Best lawyer in NJ. Hiring Clifford Lazzaro to represent me was the best decision I ever made. I didn't know the legal process of restraining orders and if I didn't have him by my side I am sure I would have lost the case. He is very...

Granville

A criminal drug case. An ABSOLUTE PERFECT FIND!!!!! A routine traffic stop turned into a criminal drug case. Facing 5-15yrs and over $15,000 in fines and offenses. Perused the internet looking for that perfect attorney. My son, honor student...

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Cliff is simply the best in the business. His rates are a clear sign of knowledge, passion, and unparalleled results. The man knows magic

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Without Mr. Lazzaro's legal representation, I would never have been granted my final restraining order. He is a very experienced trial attorney who prepared me prior to my testifying. He won my final restraining order hearing. Highly recommended

Jennifer

Clifford is an Angel. Just when I thought I had no other choice but to take do 2 years in a federal prison, I hired Cliff and he helped me understand what I was facing and the options I had. I looked at Cliff and said surprisingly “ I have...

Johanna

EXCELLENT Representation!!!! I had an ongoing, complicated case that spanned both criminal matters in superior court and related matters in family court. I was referred to Mr. Lazzaro by several friends who highly recommended him and were happy...

Lena

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