Highlands, New Jersey — The recent Highlands NJ DWI Arrest of a local resident has captured public attention after bodycam footage and police reports revealed a driver who was remarkably honest about her level of intoxication. Officers in the small borough of Highlands were called to action on May 31, 2024, when a concerned citizen reported a woman drinking all day before getting behind the wheel of her red Ford Thunderbird.
Table of Contents
Watch: Highlands NJ DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:00:56 where the situation escalates as the suspect admits to consuming at least eight glasses of alcohol.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began at approximately 5:55 PM when the Highlands Police Department received a tip about an intoxicated subject driving from Ralph Street toward Driftwood Liquors on Bay Avenue. Sergeant O’Donnell and Patrolman Alvator responded to the scene and located the red Ford Thunderbird as the driver was exiting the vehicle.
Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Julie Kulak-Rodgers, officers immediately noticed she was visibly unsteady on her feet. When asked if she had been drinking, Kulak-Rodgers was “very forth-coming,” admitting she had been drinking since 11:00 AM.
The Highlands NJ DWI Arrest process moved quickly as the suspect estimated she had consumed at least eight glasses, or roughly 8-12 ounces, of alcohol throughout the day. Patrolman Alvator noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her person during this initial interaction.
Field Sobriety Tests: A Struggle for Balance
Officers requested that Kulak-Rodgers participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to determine if she was safe to operate a vehicle. She agreed, though the results were far from favorable.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) During the HGN test, which tracks eye movement, Sergeant O’Donnell observed six out of six “clues” of impairment. The suspect struggled to follow the pen with her eyes only, frequently moving her head despite instructions.
The Alphabet Test Kulak-Rodgers was asked to recite the English alphabet from A to Z without singing. While she completed the task, the officer noted slurred speech and reported that she repeated letters during the recital.
Finger Dexterity Test The final test involved touching each finger to the thumb while counting. The suspect began the test before being told to start and displayed slow, labored movements. Throughout these tests, officers observed her swaying from side to side.
The Arrest: Charges Against Julie Kulak-Rodgers
Based on the physical clues and the suspect’s own admissions, Patrolman Alvator determined she was under the influence of alcohol and placed her under arrest.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| DWI (39:4-50) | Driving while intoxicated (Alcohol/Drugs) | Fines, IDRC, License Suspension, Ignition Interlock |
| Reckless Driving | Driving with willful disregard for safety | Fines, points on license, potential jail time |
Following the Highlands NJ DWI Arrest, the suspect was transported to headquarters where a Chemical Breath Test was administered. Her Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was recorded at .123%, significantly higher than the New Jersey legal limit of .08%.
Legal Analysis: Was the Highlands NJ DWI Arrest Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: The stop and subsequent arrest appear to be firmly grounded in legal protocol. The police had “reasonable suspicion” to make contact based on a specific citizen report detailing the car make, color, and location. The “probable cause” for the arrest was established through the suspect’s admission of drinking, the smell of alcohol, and her failure of the field sobriety tests.
Police Protocol: The officers followed the New Jersey Attorney General’s Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators. They also adhered to “John’s Law,” which requires police to impound the vehicle of a DWI arrestee for 12 hours to prevent them from returning to the road while still intoxicated.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the charges in this case
What is “John’s Law” in New Jersey, and how does it affect my vehicle?
John’s Law requires police to impound the vehicle of anyone arrested for DWI for at least 12 hours. This is a mandatory safety measure designed to prevent an intoxicated person from regaining access to their car and driving again shortly after being released.
Can I be arrested for DWI even if I am not currently driving when the police arrive?
Yes. If the police have evidence or a witness report that you were operating the vehicle while intoxicated shortly before they made contact, you can still be charged. In this case, officers observed the suspect exiting the vehicle after receiving a report of her driving while intoxicated.
What happens if I refuse to provide a breath sample after a DWI arrest?
In New Jersey, drivers are required by law to submit a breath sample for testing. Refusing to do so results in a separate “Refusal” summons, which carries severe penalties such as heavy fines, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and potential license revocation for up to 20 years.
Does a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) lead to harsher penalties?
Yes. While the legal limit in New Jersey is 0.08%, a higher BAC—such as the 0.123% recorded in this case—can lead to more stringent sentencing requirements and longer periods for ignition interlock device installation.
What is the “20-minute observation period” mentioned by officers?
Before administering a chemical breath test, officers must continuously observe the suspect for 20 minutes. This ensures the suspect does not ingest anything, regurgitate, or place anything in their mouth (like gum or tobacco) that could contaminate the breath sample and produce an inaccurate reading.
Conclusion & Current Status
Julie Kulak-Rodgers was processed at the Highlands Police Department and eventually released to a sober party. Her vehicle was towed and held under the mandatory 12-hour impound period. She was issued a court date for June 18, 2024, at the Highlands Municipal Court.
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 and transcripts provided by the Highlands Police Department.
Don’t Rely on Their Word Alone In this case, conflicting stories led to an arrest. The only way to prove your innocence in a traffic stop is with your own 4K evidence. Protect yourself this holiday season. 🎄 Click Here