New Jersey Man Arrested for Driving Intoxicated With Children in His Vehicle

In September of 2025, Patch reported that a New Jersey man had been arrested in East Windsor for allegedly driving drunk with two children in his vehicle. Fortunately, the man was arrested before he could crash and cause any harm to the minors. However, this situation could have been much worse. A drunk driver can cause life-altering or life-ending injuries to not only the occupants of their own vehicle but also everyone else on the road. What can you do if you believe that a drunk driver caused your crash? What if a drunk driver hurt someone you love? Could a New Jersey DUI accident lawyer help in this situation?

24-Year-Old Faces Criminal Charges After Driving Drunk With Kids in New Jersey

Patch reports that police became aware of the defendant’s intoxication during a routine traffic stop. They then noticed that the man had two minor passengers in his vehicle and placed him under arrest. Sources did not specify whether the minors in question were related to the defendant.

The defendant now faces a slew of criminal charges, including DUI, DUI with minors in the vehicle, careless driving, and improper turning. Authorities also applied “John’s Law” in this situation, which prevented the defendant from returning to his vehicle immediately after being processed and released by police. According to this law, a DUI defendant’s vehicle can be impounded for 12 hours by the authorities.

What are New Jersey’s Laws on DUIs With Children in the Vehicle?

Like many states, New Jersey enforces strict penalties for anyone caught driving intoxicated with minors. Courts consider this to be an “aggravated circumstance” that heightens potential penalties. According to New Jersey law, those convicted of this offense must complete up to five days of community service in addition to the standard penalties for DUI in New Jersey. Defendants may also lose the right to drive for up to six months.

Depending on the circumstances, a defendant accused of driving under the influence with a minor might also face child endangerment charges. Child endangerment is a more serious offense than DUI. While driving under the influence is a “disorderly persons offense,” child endangerment is a second-degree or third-degree crime. As a result, those convicted of child endangerment can face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.

Of course, these criminal penalties cannot reverse life-altering injuries or bring back the children killed by drunk drivers. Families affected by this type of misconduct might want to explore civil lawsuits, as this course of action can provide compensation and accountability. With adequate compensation, it may be possible to help injured children access vital health care after DUI accidents. Children can also access additional compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological burdens. Families who have lost young ones to fatal accidents may be able to access compensation for funerals.

Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Injuring My Minor Passenger?

If your child was injured while riding as a passenger in a drunk driver’s vehicle, you have every right to pursue legal action. For example, another parent might have picked up your child from basketball practice while intoxicated. If they subsequently crashed and caused your child to suffer injuries, you could potentially file a lawsuit against this irresponsible parent.

You might also sue if your teenager was riding in the vehicle of an older friend before suffering injuries. For example, your 16-year-old daughter might have been riding as a passenger with a 19-year-old driver. Perhaps your son was riding in a car driven by an older teen under similar circumstances. Whatever the case may be, you might want to consider your legal options in this scenario. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help your family pursue accountability and compensation.

Can a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If a drunk driver harmed you or someone you care about, you have every right to consider your legal options. You may be able to file a claim and pursue meaningful compensation. This compensation can cover your missed wages, medical expenses, emotional distress, and any other damages you were forced to endure. If you lost a loved one due to the reckless conduct of a drunk driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Consider expanding on this conversation with the experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C.