Bayonne, New Jersey DWI Lawyer

Being charged with DWI is a serious matter that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing an DWI charge in New Jersey understand what challenges they will encounter. Searching for the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DWI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

Arrested for DUI in Bayonne?

Under New Jersey law, when you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your BAC level. New Jersey uses a 2-tier system to impose DWI charges upon an offender:

• 1. BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) between 0.08% and 0.10%
• 2. BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.10% or greater

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders with a BAC Between 0.08% and 0.10%

• Additional Penalties - The first time offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Bayonne, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Bayonne, New Jersey will face up to 30 days imprisonment.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Bayonne, New Jersey results in the loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 3 months.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders with a BAC of 0.10% or Higher

• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Bayonne, New Jersey will face up to thirty days jail time.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Bayonne, New Jersey results in the revocation of New Jersey driving privileges for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months imprisonment.
• Additional Penalties - The first time offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in New Jersey.

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In Bayonne, New Jersey, any person convicted of an alcohol related traffic offense must participate in a program at a New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (IDRC):

• New Jersey has an IDRC in each county for first and third-time DWI / DUI offenders and three regional centers for second-time DWI offenders
• DWI offenders attend mandatory Alcohol and Highway Safety Education classes
• IDRC evaluates each offender for an alcohol or drug problem and will determine any need for treatment. If treatment is needed, the center refers the offender to an appropriate provider for a 16-week minimum treatment.
• The DWI offender may supplement (but not replace) the treatment with attendance at a self-help group
• IDRC monitors all compliance and reports any noncompliance to the courts and the Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey.

Satisfactory participation in IDRC is a step toward restoring your license. Failure to comply will result in further loss of your driving privileges in New Jersey and possible imprisonment.

Subsequent DWI or DUI Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in New Jersey, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why a capable and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DUI or DWI attorney for a free consultation.

Failure to pay DWI Surcharges

Surcharges are fines assessed by the New Jersey MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) on an annual basis for drivers who have earned excessive points or committed a specific violation such as DWI or DUI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.

• Can result in the indefinite suspension of driving privileges
• Can result in an action filed in State Superior Court by the Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other actions.