A routine patrol on State Route 36 turned into a massive Underage New Jersey DWI Arrest after police discovered a vehicle filled with empty alcohol containers and an unlicensed driver behind the wheel.
The incident began in the early morning hours of August 30, 2024, in Highlands, New Jersey. What started as a simple observation of a swerving vehicle quickly escalated into a double arrest involving a 20-year-old driver and a passenger who allowed the intoxicated, unlicensed woman to drive.
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Watch: Underage New Jersey DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:01:25 where the officer first detects the strong odor of alcohol and questions the passenger about the driver’s age and licensing status.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
At approximately 12:49 AM, Patrolman Kevin M. Connor was traveling northbound on State Route 36 when he spotted a gray Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was failing to maintain its lane, swerving over the dashed white lines.
Officer Connor activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle just north of Lakeside Drive. As he approached the driver’s side, he was immediately met with the smell of alcohol.
The situation became complicated due to a language barrier. While the driver, Gloria Villanueva, did not speak English, the passenger and vehicle owner, Nohemi Lopez, assisted with translation.
Lopez admitted to the officer that Villanueva had consumed “maybe like two” White Claws. Even more concerning, Lopez revealed that Villanueva was only 20 years old and did not have a driver’s license.
Spanish-speaking Patrolman Davi Cunha arrived to assist with the investigation. During Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), Villanueva showed multiple signs of impairment, including staggering during the eye test and swaying back and forth.
A search of the vehicle revealed the true extent of the night’s activities. Officers found one full White Claw and ten empty White Claw containers scattered on the back seat and inside a duffle bag.
The Arrest: Charges Against Gloria Villanueva and Nohemi Lopez
Both women were taken into custody and transported to the Highlands Police Department. Villanueva later provided a breath sample resulting in a 0.07% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Charges for Gloria Villanueva (Driver)
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| DWI | Driving under the influence of alcohol. | Fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. |
| Underage DWI | Driving with a BAC over 0.01% while under 21. | Loss of license and community service. |
| Reckless Driving | Driving with a willful disregard for safety. | Fines and points on driving record. |
| Open Container | Having open alcohol in the passenger area. | Monetary fines. |
| Unlicensed Driver | Operating a vehicle without a valid license. | Fines and delays in getting a future license. |
| Failure to Maintain Lane | Swerving out of designated road lanes. | Fines and points. |
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Charges for Nohemi Lopez (Owner/Passenger)
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| DWI Allowing | Permitting an intoxicated person to drive. | Similar penalties to a standard DWI. |
| Allowing Unlicensed Driver | Letting someone without a license drive her car. | Fines and potential insurance spikes. |
| Open Container | Possession of open alcohol in the vehicle. | Monetary fines. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Underage New Jersey DWI Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the initial stop appears justified under the Fourth Amendment. The officer observed a specific traffic violation—failing to maintain a lane (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)—which provides “reasonable suspicion” to pull the vehicle over.
Once stopped, the “plain smell” of alcohol and the driver’s bloodshot, watery eyes gave the officer “probable cause” to expand the investigation into a DWI. The presence of ten empty containers further strengthened the case for impairment.
Police protocol was strictly followed regarding the language barrier. By calling for a Spanish-speaking officer to perform the SFSTs and translate the formal breath test warnings, the department ensured that Villanueva understood her rights and the requirements of the law.
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5 frequently asked questions (FAQs) in regarding the legal charges and implications of this case
Since the driver’s BAC was 0.07%, why was she charged with a DWI if the legal limit is 0.08%?
Under New Jersey law, the standard 0.08% BAC limit applies only to adults aged 21 and older. Because the driver in this case was 20 years old, she is subject to the “Baby DUI” statute (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14), which makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher. Furthermore, an officer can still issue a standard DWI charge based on observational evidence of impairment—such as failing field sobriety tests or swerving—regardless of the specific BAC reading.
Can the vehicle owner really be arrested just for letting someone else drive?
Yes. In New Jersey, it is a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 to knowingly allow an intoxicated person to operate a motor vehicle. The owner, Nohemi Lopez, was charged with “DWI Allowing” because she permitted Gloria Villanueva to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, owners face liability under “John’s Law,” which holds individuals responsible if they facilitate an impaired person’s access to a vehicle.
Why was the car impounded even though the owner was present as a passenger?
Under John’s Law, when a person is arrested for DWI, the police are mandated to impound the vehicle for at least 12 hours. This serves as a “cooling-off period” to ensure the arrested individuals cannot immediately return to the road while still potentially impaired. Even though Lopez owned the car, her own arrest and suspected intoxication meant the vehicle had to be towed to a secure lot for public safety.
What are the long-term consequences for the driver since she never had a license?
Beyond the immediate fines and penalties, being caught driving without a license (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10) while intoxicated carries severe future restrictions. She faces a minimum 180-day bar from obtaining a valid driver’s license in the future. Additionally, an underage DWI conviction remains on a driving record and can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums once she eventually becomes eligible to drive.
Are empty alcohol containers treated the same as full ones under the Law?
New Jersey’s Open Container Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51b) prohibits possessing any unsealed or open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a vehicle. While completely empty containers are often viewed as “trash,” they become evidence of a violation if they are cold to the touch or contain any residual liquid. In this case, the discovery of 10 empty containers and one full one was used by officers to establish probable cause for the intoxication charges.
Conclusion & Current Status
Following their processing, both Villanueva and Lopez were released pending their appearances in Highlands Municipal Court. The Toyota Highlander was impounded for 12 hours under “John’s Law,” a New Jersey statute designed to keep intoxicated drivers from returning to their vehicles immediately after an arrest.
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Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
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