What are the Consequences of a DWI in the State of New Jersey?
Driving is a huge responsibility. When you get behind the wheel of a car, you are operating a piece of machinery that weighs thousands of pounds. If you abuse this responsibility, you may face severe consequences. If you are charged with a DWI offense in the state of New Jersey, you must contact an experienced attorney immediately. Here are some of the questions you may have if charged:
What is Blood Alcohol Content?
Blood Alcohol Content–or BAC–is the amount of alcohol found in your system at the time you are pulled over. If you are pulled over and have a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you are over the legal limit. If you are a commercial vehicle driver, you are considered over the legal limit if you have a BAC of 0.04% or higher. If you are under the age of 21 and have a BAC of 0.01% or higher, you are automatically considered over the legal limit.
What are the penalties for a first-offense DWI with a BAC over 0.08% but below 0.10%?
If you are caught driving under the influence, here are some of the penalties you may face:
- A 3-month license suspension
- Up to 30 days in jail
- 12-48 hours in the IDRC, with applicable fees
- A fine of $250-$400
- $100 to AERF
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- A 3-year surcharge of $1000 per year
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
What are the consequences of a second, third or subsequent-offense DWI?
If you are a repeat offender, the state of New Jersey will not treat your case lightly. If this is your second offense, you may face the following consequences:
- 2-year loss of license
- A fine of $500-$1000
- Up to 90 days in jail
- 12-48 hours in the IDRC, with applicable fees
- An interlock device installation for the duration of your license suspension and 1-3 years after
- $100 to AERF
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- A 3-year surcharge of $1000 per year
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- Up to 30 days of community service
If this is your third or subsequent offense, here are some of the penalties you may face:
- 10-year loss of license
- A fine of $1000
- Up to 180 days in jail
- 12-48 hours in the IDRC with applicable fees
- Ignition Interlock Device during license suspension and 1-3 years following the restoration
- $100 to AERF
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- A 3-year surcharge of $1000 per year
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- Up to 90 days of community service
Contact our New Jersey 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.