“How do you know I didn’t just chug five beers in my car?” yelled Stephanie Starr during the Barnegat Stephanie Starr DWI Arrest. What started as a simple welfare check in Barnegat, New Jersey, quickly spiraled into a confrontational showdown between a 19-year-old woman and local police. This case has gone viral because of the suspect’s intense refusal to cooperate and the dramatic intervention by her own boyfriend.
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Watch: Barnegat Stephanie Starr DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:40:20 where the situation escalates as the Sergeant explains he is on the verge of arresting Stephanie for a DWI.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The drama began at 12:30 AM on March 27, 2024, on Sandstone Court. Police received a call from Kenzo Vazquez, who was worried about 19-year-old Stephanie Starr. Kenzo claimed Stephanie and her boyfriend, Anthony Judice, were intoxicated and arguing.
When officers arrived, Anthony was outside with his brother, Rocco. Anthony explained they had been arguing about Stephanie’s cousin, whom he called a “bad influence”. He told police that Stephanie had already left the scene, possibly to a nearby Wawa.
Suddenly, a silver Hyundai Sonata turned onto the street. Rocco pointed it out, saying it was likely Stephanie. As the car parked, officers Joseph Duncan and Calicchio approached the vehicle while it was still running.
The moment Stephanie rolled down the window, the officers smelled a “strong alcohol odor”. Stephanie was immediately aggressive. She refused to follow orders and began shouting at the officers.
“You guys as cops, stop thinking that you own the world, okay?” she snapped. She repeatedly demanded a lawyer and a supervisor, refusing to believe the police had a right to be there.
Her boyfriend, Anthony, tried to help the police. He begged her to cooperate with the eye test to prove she wasn’t drunk. “He’s helping you right now. Help him help you!” Anthony pleaded.
Despite the help, Stephanie remained irrational. She mocked the officers, yelled about her rights, and eventually refused to finish the sobriety tests. Because she was so difficult, the police had no choice but to place her in handcuffs.
The Arrest: Charges Against Stephanie Starr
After the Barnegat Stephanie Starr DWI Arrest, police searched her vehicle. They found four Jim Beam Whiskey “shooters” within reach of the driver’s seat. Two were open, and one was completely empty.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| DWI (39:4-50) | Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. | Fines, license suspension, and IID installation. |
| Refusal to Submit (39:4-50.2) | Refusing to provide a breath sample for testing. | Up to 20-year license revocation and $2,000 fine. |
| Reckless Driving (39:4-96) | Driving with a willful disregard for safety. | Fines and potential jail time. |
| Careless Driving (39:4-97) | Driving without due caution or circumspection. | Points on license and fines. |
| Open Container (39:4-51B) | Having an unsealed alcoholic beverage in the car. | Fines and community service. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Barnegat Stephanie Starr DWI Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the officers followed strict New Jersey protocol. Under the Community Caretaking Doctrine, the initial welfare check was valid because of the 911 call reporting intoxicated subjects in a dispute.
Once Stephanie drove the vehicle back to the scene while officers were present, they had Reasonable Suspicion to approach the car. The “strong odor of alcohol” and her dilated pupils provided Probable Cause for the DWI investigation.
In New Jersey, the Implied Consent Law (NJSA 39:4-50.2) means that by driving on public roads, you agree to provide breath samples if arrested for DWI. Stephanie’s repeated “No” constituted a legal refusal, leading to additional severe penalties.
The search of her car was also legal as a Search Incident to Arrest to find further evidence of intoxication.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Barnegat DWI & Refusal Case: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be arrested for DWI if the police didn’t see you driving on a main road?
Yes. In this case, officers observed Stephanie Starr driving toward the residence on a public street (Sandstone Ct) before she parked. Under New Jersey law, police only need “operation” or the intent to operate a vehicle to justify a DWI investigation. Being in the driver’s seat of an actively running vehicle is sufficient evidence of operation.
What happens if I refuse the breathalyzer because I want my lawyer first?
In New Jersey, you have no legal right to have an attorney present for the purpose of taking breath samples. As explained to the suspect, any response that is conditional or delayed—including asking for a lawyer instead of giving a “Yes” or “No”—is legally treated as a “Refusal”. This results in a separate criminal summons regardless of whether you are actually drunk.
Does an “Open Container” charge apply if the bottles are hidden or in the back seat?
The law (NJSA 39:4-51B) applies to any unsealed alcoholic beverage within the “passenger compartment”. In this incident, police found two open Jim Beam shooters within reach of the driver-side compartment. Even if the bottles are not in the driver’s hand, their accessibility and the fact that they are unsealed are enough to trigger the charge.
Why was the suspect’s car towed even though it was parked near her boyfriend’s house?
Under John’s Law (NJSA 39:4-50.22), police are required to impound a vehicle for at least 12 hours when a person is arrested for DWI. This is a mandatory safety measure designed to prevent an intoxicated person from regaining access to the vehicle and driving again shortly after being released.
Can I go to jail for “Refusing” the breath test if I’ve never been arrested before?
A Refusal or a first-offense DWI is generally classified as a “traffic violation” rather than a criminal offense in New Jersey, meaning it usually does not lead to county jail time on its own. However, the penalties are still severe, including heavy fines (up to $2,000), mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and potential license revocation for up to 20 years.
Conclusion & Current Status
Stephanie Starr was transported to headquarters, processed, and held in a cell for 22 minutes of observation. Her car was impounded for 12 hours under John’s Law.
She was eventually released into the custody of Rocco Giannotti after he signed a potential liability form. She is currently awaiting her court date to face five motor vehicle summonses.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records from the Barnegat Township Police Department.
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