DWI Criminal Defense Attorney - East Orange, New Jersey

Arrested for DUI in East Orange?

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

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

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing an DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an assertive and skilled DWI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

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

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

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

• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months imprisonment.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in East Orange, New Jersey results in the loss of New Jersey driving privileges for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in East Orange, New Jersey will face up to thirty days jail time.
• 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.
• New Jersey Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DWI 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.
• 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.

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In East Orange, 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 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 New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

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

Subsequent DUI / DWI Offenses in New Jersey

For any additional DUI violations, penalties are more severe. Because of the complexity of DUI laws in East Orange, New Jersey, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why a competent and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI (driving while impaired) defense lawyer for a free consultation.

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges Can result in...

• The indefinite revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey
• 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 New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission 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.