Increased DUI Charges in New Jersey | What to Know

Posted on by Accel Admin

Increased DUI Charges in New Jersey | What to Know

In New Jersey, there are various factors that can impact your DUI charges. Some things that may increase your charges include repeat offenses, a high blood alcohol concentration, your age, and your profession. Read on to learn more.

First offense DUI charges:

For a first-offense DUI charge with a BAC of .08-.09%, you may face consequences such as:

  • Suspension of license for 3 months
  • $1,000 yearly surcharge for 3 years
  • $250 and $400 fines
  • Up to 30 days of incarceration
  • Engagement in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and applicable fees
  • $100 for the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
  • $100 Drunk Driving Fund fee
  • $75 Neighborhood Services Fund fee

Repeat offenses:

If you receive a second DUI charge, you will be seen as a repeat offender. This will mean your penalties will increase, resulting in:

  • Suspension of license for 2 years
  • $1,000 yearly surcharge for 3 years
  • Up to 90 days of incarceration
  • $500 and $1000 fines
  • Engagement in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and applicable fees
  • $100 for the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
  • $100 Drunk Driving Fund fee
  • $75 Neighborhood Services Fund fee

High BAC

If you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, you will receive a DUI. However, if your BAC is .10% or higher, you can face increased and additional charges such as reckless driving:

  • Up to 30 days of incarceration
  • A license suspension of up to 12 months
  • $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
  • $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
  • Up to 48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • The mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device during the license suspension and up to 12 months after its restoration
  • A fine between $300 and $500
  • $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund

Underage DUI

New Jersey takes underage drinking very seriously. As a result, a BAC of just .01% will result in an underage DUI. Drinking and driving while underage can result in harsh consequences, including:

  • License suspension for 30 to 90 days.
  • A teenager with a probationary license must complete a four-hour corrective driving course without the ability to receive a basic driver’s license for one year. If they have a learner’s permit, the teenager must complete the four-hour class and will face suspension for an additional 90 days.
  • 15 to 30 days of community service
  • Complete the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program

Commercial Driver’s License

Some people make a living driving and may have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you have a CDL, you can receive a DUI with a BAC of .04%, which will lead to:

  • A 3-month standard license suspension
  • 1-year CDL license suspension
  • Between $250-$400 in fines
  • Between 12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center
  • Up to 30 days of incarceration

If you are facing DUI charges, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Contact our Firm 

 If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.