In 2016, NJ County Prosecutors began notifying over 20k people with past DUI arrests and convictions that there was a chance their case could be overturned. These potential conviction challenges were put on hold while the Supreme Court of New Jersey heard the case against Sgt. Mark Dennis. Dennis was charged with lying on official documents in the matter of a temperature calibration done on Alcotest machines in 5 counties. These counties Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union had their machines tested by Dennis between the years of 2008 and 2016.
The Supreme Court of New Jersey unanimously ruled the Alcotest readings were inadmissible as evidence. Opening up the courts to challenges from any of the 20,000 cases. In their opinion, they write that regardless of the temperature check being just one of many fail-safes there was still "substantial doubt" about the results. It's also interesting to note that New Jersey is the only state in which the test is required.
After learning of the claims against Dennis, Eileen Cassidy for whom the decision is named sought to have her conviction overturned. While she has now received the overturning of the sentence, unfortunately she passed away of a terminal illness before the final verdict was announced. The court continued hearing the case due to the "significant public importance" that would come out of the decision.
The criminal case against Dennis is still pending. Now that the Supreme Court has made their ruling, it's likely to move forward.
If you have a DUI/DWI in one of the five above mentioned counties, call the Simon Law Group to find out if you have the chance to have your conviction overturned. This can affect your future, any opportunity to prove your innocence should be taken with the utmost seriousness and thought. Give yourself the gift of a guilt free future this holiday season.
If you are seeking representation for a DUI/DWI or have been involved in a DUI/DWI between 2008-2016 call today for a free consultation 800-709-1131 or fill out a contact form on our website for a no-cost consultation. We hope to hear from you today!
