The holidays are a time for celebrating, and often, we choose to celebrate with drinks. This is perfectly acceptable, until you get behind the wheel of a car. Driving while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous, and as a result, carries steep penalties.
In New Jersey, DWI penalties are dependent upon your blood alcohol content (BAC) and your prior offenses. This means the higher your BAC and the number of times you have been pulled over driving while intoxicated will directly impact your penalties. Read on to learn more about the penalties you will face for various first-time offenses.
First Offense Penalties
A driver under the age of 21, may face the following:
- Mandatory license suspension up to 90 days
- Depending on the situation, various combination of fines and penalties issued to first-time offenders over 21
- Up to 30 days of mandatory community service
- Hours of participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
If you are above 21 and caught driving under the influence with a BAC between .08 and .09%, you will face the following:
- 3-month license suspension
- A fine of $250-$400
- Up to 30 days in jail
- 12-48 hours in the IDRC with applicable fees
- $100 to AERF
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- 3-year surcharge of $1000 per year
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
If you are caught with a BAC over 0.10% or under the influence of drugs you face the following penalties
- Up to 1-year loss of license
- A fine of $300-$500
- Up to 30 days in jail
- 12-48 hours in the IDRC with applicable fees
- $100 to AERF
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- 3-year surcharge of $1000 per year
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
If you are caught with a BAC higher than 0.15%, you will be issued an ignition interlock device during your license suspension and up to 1 year following restoration.
If you or a loved one is charged with a DWI, contact our experienced firm today.
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.