Morris County, New Jersey DWI Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested for DWI is a serious matter that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing an DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Arrested for DUI in Morris County?

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

• 1. BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level between 0.08% and 0.10%
• 2. BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.10% or greater

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

• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Morris County, New Jersey results in the revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey for 3 months.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Morris County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days jail time.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Morris County, 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.

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

• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Morris County, New Jersey results in the suspension of driving privileges in New Jersey for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Chemical Test Refusal - DWI - If you refuse to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement in New Jersey, it will result in the suspension of driving privileges in New Jersey for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.
• Additional Penalties in Morris County, New Jersey - A first time DWI or DUI offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 (six) hours a day for 2 (two) consecutive days.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Morris County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days imprisonment.
• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months jail time.

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges Can result in...

• The indefinite suspension 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 New Jersey MVC on an annual basis for drivers who have earned excessive points or committed a specific violation like a New Jersey DWI charge. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.

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 in New Jersey. Failure to comply will result in further revocation of your driving privileges in New Jersey and possible jail time.

• DWI or DUI offenders attend required Alcohol and Highway Safety Education classes
• There is an IDRC in each county for first and third-time DUI or 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 New Jersey MVC.
• The DWI offender may supplement (but not replace) the treatment with attendance at a self-help group