The night before Thanksgiving is a popular night for partying. This is because many college students return home for the first time all semester and reunite with their hometown friends. This often involves attending parties or going to bars. Unfortunately, this often leads to an increase in drunk drivers on the road. DWI charges carry very heavy consequences, so it is important to understand the penalties. Read on to learn more.
What are the penalties for a first offense DWI?
DWI charges are tiered. This means that your penalties will increase depending upon your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and your prior offenses. If you are pulled over with a BAC of .08% or higher for the first time, you will likely face the following consequences:
- A license forfeiture of 30 days
- Will will have to spend up to 48 hours at the New Jersey IDRC
- You may face up to 30 days of incarceration
- A $500 fine
- You will have to install and use the ignition interlock device for between 3 and 6 months, at your own cost
It is important to note that if your BAC is .10% or above, you may face increased reckless driving charges.
Do penalties increase for a second DWI?
If you are pulled over for a second DWI, you will be considered a repeat offender, and your charges will likely increase. In this case:
- You may go to jail for 90 days
- You will face a $1,000 fine
- You will most likely have to pay a $100 fine to the Drunk Driving Fund
- A $75 fine to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- You will have to install and use an ignition interlock device, at your own cost
- You may lose your license for 2 years
- You may have to spend up to 48 hours in the New Jersey IDRC
Will I go to jail for a third DWI?
A third DWI is a serious offense. As a result, you will likely face:
- A $1,000 fine
- $100 fine to the Drunk Driving Fund
- $75 fine to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- You may go to jail for 90 days
- You may lose your license for two years
- You may have to spend up to 48 hours in the IDRC
- The use of the ignition interlock device, at your own cost
If you are facing DWI charges, you will need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm is here to help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner our firm can begin building your case.
Contact our experienced Red Bank 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, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.