Am I entitled to an attorney when charged with a DWI?

A DWI in New Jersey is not considered a criminal offense, it is considered a motor vehicle violation. Because it is a “quasi-criminal” offense, you are not entitled to an attorney when you are stopped, subjected to sobriety testing, and arrested for a DWI. However, you should contact an attorney once you are charged with a DWI in order to contest any issues relating to your vehicle stop or testing.