The night before Thanksgiving is a popular night for drinking. In fact, Thanksgiving Eve has also been called “Blackout Wednesday” and “Drinksgiving.” As a result, this night is especially dangerous when it comes to drinking and driving. DWIs are taken very seriously in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is charged with a DWI this Thanksgiving, it is important to reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney. Read on to learn more about DWI charges in New Jersey.
First Offense DWI Penalties- .08-.09% BAC
Your DWI charges are dependent upon a few things. Your blood alcohol content (BAC) plays a large role in the severity of your charges. For example, for a first offense, there are two potential tiers under which you can fall. If you are pulled over with a BAC of .08 or .09%, you will face the following penalties:
- 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
First Offense DWI Penalties- .10% and Above
If you receive a DWI for the first time and your BAC is .10% or above, your penalties will become more severe. In this case, you may face the following:
- 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
It is important to note that if your BAC is .15% or higher, you will be charged with reckless driving and you will be issued an ignition interlock device.
Additionally, if you are pulled over for a DWI a second or third time, your penalties will be more severe. If this is a second or third offense, there will not be a lower tier for a lower BAC.
If you are under the age of 21, you cannot have a BAC of .01% or above.
What Should I Do if I Receive a DWI?
If you receive a DWI, you should reach out to a New Jersey criminal defense attorney. An attorney may be able to lessen your charges. If you are a loved one receives a DWI this Thanksgiving, contact our firm to discuss your case.
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.