About Monmouth County
Monmouth County was created in 1683 as a county in Central New Jersey. Monmouth is the northernmost county located on the Jersey Shore. As of the 2010 Census, Monmouth had a population of 630,830. The most populous place in the county is Middletown Township with more than 65,000 residents. The county sits on 665.32 square miles, and its county seat is Freehold Borough.
Monmouth County has an average household income of $64,271 according to the 2010 census. The county is very diverse and is home to Native Americans, African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and much more.
The Central New Jersey County is governed by a Board of Freeholders. The Board of Freeholders is a five member board. Board member seats come up for election every year at a staggered rate. The board oversees legislative duties, and the executive oversees executive duties.
Law enforcement in Monmouth County is shared between the Sheriff's Department and the prosecutor. Depending on the type of lawsuit, cases are either heard in superior court or municipal court. Criminal offenses are heard by the superior court, and traffic offenses and less serious infractions are handled by the municipal court.
DUI or DWI charges are brought against an individual when he or she is believed to have been drinking or using a controlled substance while operating a motor vehicle on land or water. If you are stopped and suspected of drunk driving, you may be asked to take field sobriety tests and undergo a breathalyzer. Under New Jersey state law, you are legally intoxicated if your BAC is at or above 0.08%. Standard sobriety tests are subjective and rely upon the officer's interpretation and observation during the test. New Jersey's DUI/DWI law covers more than just alcohol. A suspect can be charged with a DUI or DWI if using a controlled substance as well. If you are facing DWI or DUI charges in New Jersey, you need a lawyer to help you mount a positive defense.
The Alcotest is the test law enforcement uses to test breath samples when you are suspected of driving drunk. New Jersey's Supreme Court approved the test in 2008 and it is accepted as reliable. All DWI cases are tried in NJ municipal court in front of a judge. Jury trials are not granted for this offense. If you are found guilty of a DWI, the Motor Vehicle Commission can suspend your license and work permits and hardship licenses are not available in New Jersey.