DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Monmouth County, New Jersey

Arrested for DUI in Monmouth 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 DUI / 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

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 (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Finding the legal advice of an accomplished and professional DWI criminal defense attorney 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%

• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Monmouth County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days time in jail.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Monmouth 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.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Monmouth County, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.

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

• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Monmouth County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days imprisonment.
• 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.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Monmouth County, New Jersey results in the suspension of New Jersey driving privileges for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Additional Penalties in Monmouth County, New Jersey - A first time DUI or DWI offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 (six) hours a day for 2 (two) consecutive days.
• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months time in jail.

Subsequent DUI / 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 options and rights. This is why a capable and knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI (driving while impaired) lawyer for a professional and 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 DUI / DWI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.

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

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In Monmouth County, 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 DUI or 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 MVC.

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