DWI Lawyer - Cape May County, New Jersey

Being charged with DWI is a serious matter that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing an DWI charge in New Jersey understand what challenges they will encounter. Finding the legal advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI attorney will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Arrested for DUI in Cape May County?

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%

• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Cape May County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days imprisonment.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Cape May County, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Cape May County, New Jersey results in the revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey for 3 months.
• 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.

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

• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Cape May County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days time in jail.
• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months imprisonment.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Cape May County, New Jersey results in the revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• 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.
• Chemical Test Refusal - DUI or DWI - If you refuse to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement in New Jersey, it will result in the revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while impaired) 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.

Intoxicated Driver Program - New Jersey

In New Jersey, any person convicted of an alcohol related traffic offense must participate in a program at a New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (also known as the IDRC.) Satisfactory participation in IDRC is a step toward restoring your driver's license. Failure to comply will result in further revocation of your driving privileges in New Jersey and possible imprisonment.

• DWI (driving while impaired) offenders attend required Alcohol and Highway Safety Education classes
• There is an IDRC in each county for first and third-time DWI offenders and three regional centers for second-time DWI offenders
• 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.
• IDRC monitors all compliance and reports any noncompliance to the courts and the Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey.
• The DWI offender may supplement (but not replace) the treatment with attendance at a self-help group

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges Can result in...

• The indefinite loss of driving privileges
• Action filed in State Superior Court by the New Jersey MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission). This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other similar action

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

Subsequent DWI 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 rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an accomplished and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DUI or DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation.