Union Beach, NJ – A routine Union Beach DWI arrest turned into a complex legal battle involving field sobriety failures and a high-stakes refusal at police headquarters. On June 17, 2025, bodycam footage captured the arrest of Christine M. Oliva, 41, after an anonymous tip reported an erratic driver.
The incident highlights the strict enforcement of New Jersey’s “John’s Law” and the severe consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test. This investigation breaks down exactly how the stop escalated from a broken rear window discussion to a suspect in handcuffs.
Table of Contents
Watch: Union Beach DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:13:21 where the field sobriety test goes wrong. The suspect attempts the “Walk and Turn” test but struggles to follow the officer’s nine-step instruction.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Stop and Initial Suspicion
The incident began around 7:38 PM on a rainy evening near Park Avenue and Maple Street in Union Beach, New Jersey. Officer J. Rice initiated the stop following a complaint about a possible intoxicated driver.
From the moment Officer Rice approached the vehicle, he noted behavioral “clues.” He observed that Oliva was “fumbling” with her documents, “slurring her words,” and even hitting the car horn unintentionally. When asked where she was coming from, Oliva claimed she was leaving her fiancé’s house.
Emotional Defenses and Field Sobriety Tests
Oliva denied drinking, stating she only takes medication “once in a blue moon”. She attempted to explain her state of mind by mentioning her grandmother passed away in October. She also strangely admitted to a past prison stint, telling the officer, “I’m not a princess no more… I went to prison… ten years”.
Officer Rice proceeded with Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) to determine if a Union Beach DWI arrest was necessary.
- HGN (Eye Test): The officer had to restart the test because Oliva kept moving her head instead of just her eyes.
- Walk and Turn: Oliva failed to complete the nine heel-to-toe steps as instructed, miscounting and turning incorrectly.
- One-Leg Stand: While she performed better here, the officer noted she put her foot down early, estimating 20 seconds instead of 30.
The Arrest and Refusal
Based on the “clues” from the tests and the smell of alcohol, Officer Rice placed Oliva under arrest for suspicion of DWI. He informed her that under “John’s Law,” her vehicle would be impounded for a mandatory 12 hours.
At headquarters, the situation worsened for Oliva. Officer Rice read the standard New Jersey statement regarding breath testing. He warned her that an ambiguous response counts as a refusal. Oliva did not provide a proper sample, leading officers to charge her with refusal alongside the DWI.
The Arrest: Charges Against Christine Oliva
The following charges were filed based on the police report and transcript.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US/NJ) |
| DWI (39:4-50) | Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs18. | Fines, license suspension, IDRC classes, potential jail time. |
| Refusal to Submit (39:4-50.4a) | Refusing to take a breathalyzer test when lawfully arrested19. | License revocation (up to 20 years), fines up to $2,000, ignition interlock device. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Union Beach DWI Arrest Justified?
The Fourth Amendment and The Stop
For a Union Beach DWI arrest to be legal, an officer must have “reasonable suspicion.” In this case, Officer Rice relied on two factors: an anonymous complaint about driving behavior and his own observations of her “fumbling” and “slurring”. This combination typically satisfies the legal standard for extending a traffic stop into a DUI investigation.
Field Sobriety Protocols
Defense attorneys often challenge the administration of FSTs.
- Environmental Factors: It was raining during the stop. Officer Rice acknowledged this, stating, “The rain has its purpose. Oh, yeah. I hate it”. Slick roads can invalidate the “Walk and Turn” and “One-Leg Stand” tests in court if conditions are deemed unfair.
- Instruction Clarity: The officer demonstrated the tests clearly. However, Oliva’s failure to follow instructions—such as not counting out loud correctly—was documented as a sign of impairment.
The Consequences of Refusal
New Jersey is an “Implied Consent” state. By driving on NJ roads, you agree to submit to breath testing.
- The Warning: The transcript confirms Officer Rice read the full “Standard Statement,” warning Oliva that anything short of an unconditional “yes” is a refusal.
- The Outcome: Because she did not provide the samples, prosecutors do not need a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) reading to convict her of the Refusal charge. This charge often carries stiffer mandatory penalties than a first-offense DWI.
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FAQs related to DWI laws and police procedures
What happens if I refuse to take a breathalyzer test?
In many states, including New Jersey, refusing a breath test is a separate offense. If you refuse, you can face severe penalties, such as losing your license for up to 20 years and paying fines up to $2,000, because driving implies you consent to being tested.
What is “John’s Law”?
John’s Law” is a regulation that requires police to impound the vehicle of a driver arrested for DWI. Under this law, the car must be held for a mandatory 12-hour period before the owner can retrieve it, to ensure they do not drive while still impaired.
Do I have the right to a lawyer before taking the breath test?
Generally, no. During the specific time police are requesting breath samples at the station, you are told that you have no legal right to have an attorney or physician present, and you cannot delay the test to wait for one.
What are the standard Field Sobriety Tests?
Police typically use three main tests to check for impairment:
The Eye Test: Following a pen with your eyes (HGN).
The Walk-and-Turn: Taking nine steps heel-to-toe and turning around.
The One-Leg Stand: Raising one foot six inches off the ground and counting.
Why do police tow the car even if a sober passenger is there?
olice are often required by state law to tow the vehicle based on suspicion of drugs or alcohol. This is done for liability reasons and to strictly follow laws like John’s Law, which mandates a 12-hour hold on the vehicle regardless of who else is present.
Conclusion & Current Status
Christine Oliva was processed and released to the custody of her partner later that evening. Under New Jersey’s “John’s Law,” she was required to wait 12 hours before retrieving her vehicle to prevent the possibility of driving while still intoxicated.
Her partner signed a liability form, accepting responsibility for her upon release. The case will now move to the Union Beach municipal court, where Oliva faces the dual challenges of the DWI charge and the refusal charge.
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 bodycam transcripts.
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