St. Patrick’s Day DWI in New Jersey | What to Know

Unfortunately, many individuals get behind the wheel after drinking on St. Patrick’s Day. If you are facing a DWI charge, no matter what level of offense, our legal team is here to help. Our Bergen County DUI attorneys are on your side.

What can happen if I received a DWI this St. Patrick’s Day?

If law enforcement pulled you over this St. Patrick’s Day for driving under the influence of alcohol, you can anticipate facing severe penalties, even if it is just your first offense. If you are behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08-.09%, you may face:

  • Up to 30 days of imprisonment
  • A $250-$400 fine
  • 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • DWI surcharge of $125
  • License forfeiture until the ignition interlock device is installed
  • $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 the event that you have a blood alcohol concentration between .10-.15%, you will likely face even stricter consequences including the following:

  • A $300-$500 fine
  • Up to 30 days of imprisonment
  • DWI surcharge of $125
  • License forfeiture until the ignition interlock device is installed
  • $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

What can happen if this is my second offense DWI in New Jersey?

A second offense DWI charge will likely result in:

  • A $500-$1,000 fine
  • Two to 90 days of imprisonment
  • $100 to the Drunk Driving Fund
  • License forfeiture for one to two years
  • 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

Will I go to jail after my third DWI charge?

As indicated, a third offense DWI charge has higher penalties. If you are encountering the effects of this charge, you will need a skilled attorney on your side or else 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

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.