Newark, New Jersey DWI Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested for DUI in Newark?

Under New Jersey law, when you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your blood alcohol content (BAC). 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

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

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

• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Newark, New Jersey results in the loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 3 months.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Newark, New Jersey will face up to 30 days time in jail.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Newark, 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 Newark, New Jersey results in the loss of driving privileges for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• 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 loss of driving privileges for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.
• Additional Penalties in Newark, New Jersey - A first time DWI (driving while impaired) 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 Newark, New Jersey will face up to thirty days imprisonment.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Newark, New Jersey is from $300 to $500.

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges Can result in...

• The indefinite suspension of New Jersey 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 New Jersey driver's license. Failure to comply will result in further loss of your driving privileges in New Jersey and possible time in jail.

• 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 New Jersey MVC.
• The DWI offender may supplement (but not replace) the treatment with attendance at a self-help group