Memorial Day Weekend DWIs in New Jersey | What to Know
You may have celebrated the long weekend with some red, white, and blue cocktails. Memorial Day is an important federal holiday, and most holidays involve a few drinks. Unfortunately, some individuals make the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence. Drinking and driving is taken very seriously in New Jersey. That is because driving while intoxicated endangers the driver, their passengers, all others on the road, and pedestrians. As a result, DWIs carry serious consequences. If you are facing DWI charges in New Jersey, you will need the help of an experienced traffic violations attorney. Read on to learn more.
First DWI in New Jersey
If you are charged with a DWI for the first time and you have a BAC between .08-.09%, you may face the following penalties:
- Up to 30 days of incarceration
- Suspension of license for 3 months
- $1,000 yearly surcharge for 3 years
- $250 and $400 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
These charges will increase if your BAC is above .10%.
Second Offense
When considering your DWI charges, your blood alcohol content (BAC) will be taken into account, as well as your prior offenses. This means, if you are pulled over driving while intoxicated for a second time, your penalties will be harsher than the first time because you are a repeat offender.
These penalties can include:
- Up to 90 days of incarceration
- Suspension of license for 2 years
- $1,000 yearly surcharge for 3 years
- $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
Third Offense
If you are charged with a third DWI, you may face the following penalties:
- Up to 180 days of incarceration
- Suspension of license for 10 years
- $1,500 yearly surcharge for 3 years
- $1000 fine
- 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
If you or a loved one is facing DWI charges, reach out to our firm right away. We will advocate for you every step of the way.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times when they need it most. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.