Judge Charged With DUI is Censured

Municipal Court Judge Wilfredo Benitez attempted to talk his way out of a driving under the influence arrest by wielding the power of his office. Now Benitez is barred from presiding over DUI matters until September 7, 2019, although he remains a municipal court judge in East Orange and Belleville. Benitez was arrested in November 2016 when found by New Jersey State Troopers asleep in the driver’s seat of his vehicle on Route 80 West in Teaneck. Upon investigation, Benitez was found to possess bloodshot and watery eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. After field sobriety tests, the Judge was placed in handcuffs and became belligerent, telling officers that he is a Judge and they were wasting their time. The Advisory Council on Judicial Conduct (“ACJC”) filed a complaint due to Benitez representation that he was a Judge to win favor with the police. The ACJC found mitigating factors in that there was no prior history of such behavior in a lengthy career and aggravating factors in Benitez’ insulting language and efforts to degrade the Troopers. The result was the censure of Wilfreo Benitez and a temporary bar from presiding over DWI matters. DUI Charges in NJ will have a serious impact on your life no matter who you are and they can have significant implications in related matters. If you are charged with Driving Under the Influence in NJ, you should seek an experienced attorney immediately to protect your rights. For more information about DUI, reckless driving or CDS in a motor vehicle visit DarlingFirm.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of an attorney.