Fifteen-Year-Old DWI Haunts Senate Candidate
A candidate for New Jersey's Senate seat found out last week what New Jersey DWI lawyers have been telling our clients for years: DWI convictions can haunt you long after you thought they were over.
Andy Unanue, a businessman who is heir to the family-run Goya Foods corporation, filed papers April 7 to run for Senate as a Republican. He faces a tough battle against incumbent Frank Lautenberg, in part because of some sticky questions from the media about his history with alcohol. According to the South Jersey section of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Unanue faces questions about coming to work drunk as well as a 1993 DWI conviction from Fort Lee.
The article says Unanue was cited for driving while intoxicated after police responded to a call from him. He told police that another driver had rear-ended his car and driven away, but when they arrived, they cited him for DWI. He acknowledged to the newspaper that he realized at the time that he'd had too much to drink, so he pleaded guilty. Keep in mind that Unanue was about 25 at the time, and is now 40 -- and still being asked about this DWI! Allegations have also surfaced that he came to work drunk on occasion during his days at Goya, and critics have pointed out that Ubanue doesn't currently live in New Jersey, although he says he intends to by the June 3 primary.
Most people charged with a DWI in New Jersey aren’t planning to run for the United States Senate. But in many cases, there are more mundane consequences to a DWI conviction -- even one that happened almost 15 years ago. As New Jersey DWI defense lawyers, we see them over and over again: A driver's license suspension, the harsh financial penalties and the social stigma of a DWI can all have a profound effect on a client's life, now and in the future. Jobs and job opportunities can be lost, even years into the future. And insurance companies never forget a DWI when it's time to pay your premiums.
Because the consequences of a DWI can be severe or even life-altering, you should always understand your rights and your options before you plead guilty. Lependorf & Silverstein offers free consultations, so there's no risk for you in talking to our experienced DWI defense attorneys. Call us today to set up a free evaluation of your case.
