The holidays are a time for celebration, and celebrating often means drinking. This is perfectly acceptable as long as you are of age and you don’t get behind the wheel of a car. DWIs are taken very seriously in New Jersey and carry harsh punishments. Read on to learn more about DWIs in New jersey and what to do if you are charged with one this holiday season.
If you receive a DWI for the first time, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is between .08-.09%, you will face the following penalties:
- License forfeiture until the ignition interlock device is installed
- Up to 30 days of imprisonment
- A $250-$400 fine
- 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- DWI surcharge of $125
- $100 surcharge to the Drunk Driving Education Fund
- $50 to VCCO
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- The mandatory installation and use of the ignition interlock device at your own cost for three months
In New Jersey, your first DWI is tiered for your first offense. This means that as your BAC increases, your penalties increase. If you are pulled over with a BAC between .10-.15%, you will face the following:
- License forfeiture until the ignition interlock device is installed
- Up to 30 days of imprisonment
- A $300-$500 fine
- DWI surcharge of $125
- $100 surcharge to the Drunk Driving Education Fund
- $50 to VCCO
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- Between 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- The mandatory installation and use of the ignition interlock device at your own cost for between 7 months and 1 year
In addition to your BAC, your charges will also depend on your prior offenses. If you receive a DWI for a second time, you will face:
- License forfeiture for one to two years
- A $500-$1,000 fine
- Two to 90 days of imprisonment
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- A DWI surcharge of $125
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- Up to 30 days of community service
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center in accordance with treatment classification (usually 48 hours)
- The installation and use of the ignition interlock device duration of your license suspension and two to four years after the license is restored
- $50 to VCCO
- $100 to AERF
For a third DWI offense, you will face:
- An 8-year license forfeiture
- $1,000 fine
- Six months in jail
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center in accordance with treatment classification
- $100 to AERF
- $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
- DWI surcharge of $125
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- Up to 90 days of community service
- $50 to VCCO
- Ignition Interlock Device during license suspension and for two to four years after the license is restored
If you or a loved one is charged with a DWI this holiday season, contact our firm to discuss your case. We will work to lower your penalties.
Contact our Firm
If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need strong legal defense. Contact the Law Office of Carl Spector for dedicated representation. With over 30 years of experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, he offers a unique perspective on how both sides think, and how to best approach each aspect of the case. When your future is on the line, don’t settle for less than the best possible legal representation. Contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for you. Call today for a free confidential consultation. Let our experience work for you.
