Driving under the influence is never acceptable. While police are often out at night looking for potential drunk drivers, there’s a good chance they’ll patrol the streets even more than usual this Fourth of July. The Fourth is a day of celebration, and there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy your holiday–however, if you plan on drinking, make sure you have somewhere safe to sleep and that you do not get behind the wheel, whatever you do. If you find yourself facing a DWI offense in New Jersey, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the potential consequences of a first offense DWI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) between 0.08%-0.10%?
Even if this is only your first offense, the state of New Jersey takes drunk drivers very seriously. Some of the penalties you may face if convicted of a first offense DWI are:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- 3-month license suspension
- $1000 fine per year for 3 years
- A $250-$400 fine
- A $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund fee
- A $75 Neighborhood Services Fund fee
- A $100 Drunk Driving Fund fee
- 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and related fees
Though these penalties are severe, there is a good chance you may face even harsher consequences if you are convicted of a first offense DWI with a BAC over 0.10%. Some of those penalties are:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- 7-12 month license suspension
- A $1000 surcharge for 3 years
- A $300-$500 fine
- A $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund fee
- A $75 Neighborhood Services Fund fee
- A $100 Drunk Driving Fund fee
- 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and related fees
What are the potential consequences of a second or third offense DWI in New Jersey?
If this is your second or third offense, you must seriously consider contacting an experienced attorney today. The state of New Jersey is not sympathetic towards second, third or subsequent drunk driving offenders. If this is your second offense, here are some of the harsh consequences you may face:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- 2-year license suspension
- $1000 yearly surcharge for 3 years
- A $500-$1000 fine
- A $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund fee
- A $100 Drunk Driving Fund fee
- A $75 Neighborhood Services Fund fee
- 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and related fees
If this is your third or subsequent offense within 10 years of the second conviction, here is what you may be up against:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- 10-year loss of license
- A $1500 yearly surcharge for 3 years
- A $1000 fine
- A $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund fee
- A $100 Drunk Driving Fund fee
- A $75 Neighborhood Services Fund fee
- 12-48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and related fees
Contact our New Jersey firm
Our firm proudly represents clients in New Jersey who are faced with matters of family law, criminal defense, business law, real estate law, or estate planning. If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation