Facing a DWI After a Checkpoint Stop on Route 40 in Buena Borough?
On August 2, 2025, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated a DUI checkpoint in Buena Borough (part of Franklin Township) along Route 40—an effort to intercept impaired drivers in South Jersey. Dozens of tickets were issued, and some drivers faced DWI charges. If you were one of them, you need a skilled DWI defense lawyer now.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so you have nothing to lose. Send our law firm a message online or give us a call.
What Happens at a DWI Checkpoint in New Jersey?
New Jersey law requires sobriety checkpoints to follow strict rules. They must be approved by a supervisory authority, strategically located, and run with public safety in mind—not as a fishing expedition. There should be prior public notice, proper signage, and consistent processing procedures to avoid random or discriminatory stops.
At last Friday’s checkpoint along Route 40 in Buena Borough, law enforcement—working with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office—stopped vehicles late at night, screening drivers for impairment and issuing multiple citations. Over 60 tickets were reportedly written that night.
How a DWI Defense Lawyer Can Fight Your Charges
1. Review Whether the Checkpoint Was Lawful
Was the checkpoint properly authorized? Was it publicly announced? Did officers stop cars in a neutral, consistent pattern? A violation of any of these standards can render the stop unconstitutional and the resulting charges invalid.
2. Challenge Probable Cause for the Stop or Arrest
Checkpoint stops must be brief and non-intrusive. If an officer detains you longer than required—without evidence of impairment—it may violate your rights. Questions like improper observation, bad field sobriety testing, or failure to follow protocol can lead to suppression of evidence.
3. Examine Breath, Blood, and Field Test Results
Even at a checkpoint, breath tests or field sobriety examinations must meet legal standards. Calibration issues, improper administration, or medical conditions can cast doubt on test results. A defense lawyer can challenge these to weaken the prosecution’s case.
4. Explore Officer Conduct and Biased Stops
If the stop targeted certain vehicles or was based on selective or discriminatory criteria, it may be unlawful. An experienced lawyer like Matthew V. Portella, with a background in both prosecution and defense, knows how to review these details and investigate whether your rights were violated.
Why Choose Attorney Portella as Your DWI Defense Lawyer?
Matthew V. Portella brings over 30 years of criminal defense experience in South Jersey, including handling DUI and traffic matters at the municipal and county level. He knows how the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office operates, especially in DUI roadblocks. His insights from past roles help identify errors in checkpoint setup, processing, or sobriety testing.
With his firm in Haddonfield, he counsels clients across Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, and Atlantic Counties—including Buena Borough. He works aggressively to get charges dismissed, evidence suppressed, or penalties minimized.
What You Should Do After a DUI Checkpoint Stop
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Stay silent: Don’t argue or admit impairment. You have a right to remain silent.
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Request legal help immediately: A DWI defense lawyer should intervene early.
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Preserve evidence: Keep copies of citations or reports. Avoid sharing details on social media.
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Focus on defense strategy: Whether to challenge the checkpoint legality, test results, or field sobriety procedures—a strong legal strategy is essential.
FAQs About DUI Checkpoint Stops in South Jersey
Can I fight a DUI based on how the checkpoint was set up?
Yes. If law enforcement failed to follow proper rules—like lacking authorization or inconsistent stops—you may challenge the entire stop.
Is a breath or sobriety test always reliable?
Not always. Breathalyzers can be faulty, and field tests can be biased by medical issues, improper administration, or environmental factors.
What happens if evidence is suppressed?
If a motion to suppress is successful, key evidence may be tossed. That often leads to case dismissal—or at least much weaker charges.
Don’t Let a Checkpoint Stop Define Your Future
Even routine DUI checkpoint stops can lead to serious consequences: license suspension, fines, increased insurance rates, and criminal records. You don’t have to face this alone.
Matthew V. Portella is an experienced DWI defense lawyer who understands how to challenge Atlantic County checkpoint cases and protect your rights. If you were stopped on Route 40 in Buena Borough late Friday night, don’t wait.
Contact Matthew V. Portella, Esq. today for a confidential consultation. Let him review the facts, investigate the legality of the checkpoint, and help build your defense immediately.