Passaic County, New Jersey DWI Attorney

Were you charged with DUI in Passaic County, New Jersey?

Pursuant to New Jersey law, when you have been cited for violating the DUI or DWI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level. New Jersey uses a 2-tier system to impose DWI charges upon an offender:

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

Being arrested for 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 assertive and professional DWI criminal defense attorney 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%

• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI 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 Passaic County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days time in jail.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Passaic County, New Jersey results in the suspension of New Jersey 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 time in jail.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Passaic County, New Jersey results in the loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Passaic County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days imprisonment.
• 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 BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI 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 - 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 loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In Passaic 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 DWI / DUI 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 suspension of your New Jersey driving privileges and possible time in jail.

Failure to pay DUI or DWI Surcharges

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

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 DWI / DUI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.

Subsequent DUI or DWI Offenses in New Jersey

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