Atlantic County was created in 1837, and Mays Landing is the county seat. It is the 15th most populous county in the state and expected to grow substantially in the future. As of the 2010 census, the county had a population of 274,549, which was an increase from the previous census. Atlantic County is located in the southeastern tip of New Jersey right in the Atlantic Coastal Plain and covers 671.83 square miles.
According to the 2010 census, the median household income in the area was $43,493. Atlantic County also has a diverse makeup including Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Asians, Caucasians, and African Americans.
The county operates under County Executive Law, which includes a nine member Board of Chosen Freeholders. Each member of the board serves a 4-year term. Terms are staggered in 3-year terms, so there is regularly general elections. Atlantic is the only Jersey Shore County that is reliably democratic.
The Sheriff's department and the prosecutor are responsible for enforcement of laws in the County. The type of crime committed dictates what court the case will be held in. Traffic offenses and less serious criminal cases are heard in municipal court. Serious offenses are usually referred to superior court.
If a police officer suspects you are drinking while driving, or under the influence of drugs, you can be required to participate in field sobriety tests and take a breathalyzer test. Officers can arrest you and charge you with DUI or DWI if your blood alcohol content is over 0.08%. In addition to a breath sample test, an officer will also ask a suspected drunk driver to complete field sobriety tests. These tests are subjective and based on the professional's interpretation of test results and observations while someone is taking the test. If you are suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs, you can also be charged with a DUI or DWI.
One of the main test a New Jersey officer will use during a traffic stop is the Alcotest. The Alcotest uses a breath sample to determine a driver's blood alcohol content. The test was approved by the Supreme Court in New Jersey in 2008 and is considered reliable. DUI/DWI cases are judge only. No jury trials are offered for these cases in the state. If the Motor Vehicle Commission suspends your driver's license because of a DUI/DWI conviction, you will lose your license. There are no hardship or work permits allowed in New Jersey.