A member of the Elizabeth School Board, who also serves as a firefighter in the community, has been charged with DWI after crashing into another vehicle at an intersection in Linden on October 15, according to NJ.com.
The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m., when Daniel Nina attempted to turn left from Route 1 North onto South Park Avenue.
His Kia struck a Chevy that was driving south on Route 1, causing minor injuries to the 56-year-old Chevy driver. Nina, 40, was also charged with careless driving.
Through his lawyer, Nina has strenuously denied driving drunk, with attorney Edward Kologi telling the press, “We will vigorously defend any allegations of inappropriate or unlawful conduct by Mr. Nina.”
It makes sense that he’d fight hard – public servants, be they elected officials or first responders- are generally held to a different standard in the public’s mind.
Nina joined the Elizabeth School Board in January of 2016, and was backed by major figures in the local political establishment.
As a firefighter, Nina has been recognized for bravery by the Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association.
According to a spokeswoman for the City of Elizabeth, the city will “deal with any discipline after the legal process is completed.”
If you’ve been charged with DWI in New Jersey, there’s a lot riding on the outcome of your case. Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9660 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey DWI defense lawyer.
