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DWI DEFENSE
DWI DEFENSE
CHARGED WITH A DWI IN NEW JERSEY?
In the State of New Jersey, a DWI is a traffic offense and not criminal. Although you are not facing a criminal charge, you are facing a serious traffic offense that carries numerous penalties.
As of December 2019, New Jersey revised its drunk driving laws to reduce suspension of license times and increase the usage of the ignition interlock device.
Penalties vary depending on age and the type of license an individual has. For a driver under 21 years old, any blood alcohol content over .01% is grounds for a DUI arrest because the driver is under the legal drinking age.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A DWI/DUI?
If you are convicted of a first-offense DWI you face the following statutory penalties:
BAC above .08 but less than .10%
- Fines of $250 to $500
- Loss of driver’s license until ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for 12-48 hours
- Ignition Interlock Device for 3 months
BAC above a 0.10% but less than a .15%
- Fines of $250 to $500
- Jail time of up to 30 days
- Loss of driver’s license until ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for 12-48 hours
- Ignition Interlock Device for 7 months to 1 year
BAC of .15% or higher:
- Fines of $250- $500
- Loss of driver’s license for 4 to 6 months
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for 12-48 hours
- Ignition Interlock device for 9 months to 15 months
For a second-offense DWI, if convicted the penalties are the same regardless of your BAC and include:
- Fines of $500 to-$1,000
- Potential jail time of up to 90 days
- Mandatory loss of driver’s license for one (1) to two (2) years
- Community service for 30 days
- Mandatory interlock device for two (2) to four (4) years in addition to period of license suspension
If you are facing your third DWI the penalties include:
- Fines totaling $1,000
- Potential jail time for 180 days
- Mandatory loss of driver’s license for eight (8) years
- Mandatory interlock device for two (2) to four (4) years in addition to the period of license suspension
In addition to the above statutory penalties, a DWI conviction results in numerous surcharges paid to the State such as: Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund surcharge; Violent Crimes Compensation Board; Safe Neighborhood Services Funds surcharge; Motor Vehicle Restoration fee, etc.
CONTACT OUR FIRM TODAY
If you have been charged with a DWI or a refusal offense, time is of the essence and it is important you consult with an attorney as soon as possible.