Ocean County, New Jersey DWI Lawyer

Arrested for DUI in Ocean 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 content). New Jersey uses a 2-tier system to impose DWI charges upon an offender:

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

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

• 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 is from $250 to $400.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Ocean County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days time in jail.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction results in the loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 3 months.

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

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

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In Ocean 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 / 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 loss of your driving privileges in New Jersey and possible time in jail.

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges in New Jersey

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 such as DUI or DWI. They can...

• ...result in the indefinite suspension of driving privileges
• ...result in action filed in State Superior Court by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission

Subsequent DUI or 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. This is why an accomplished and knowledgeable 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, professional consultation.