Paterson, New Jersey DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arrested for DUI in Paterson?

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 / DUI charges upon an offender:

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

Being arrested for DWI is a serious matter that can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a New Jersey DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. Searching for the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI 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%

• 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 Paterson, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Paterson, New Jersey will face up to 30 days time in jail.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction 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

• 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.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Paterson, New Jersey will face up to thirty days jail time.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Paterson, New Jersey results in the loss of 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 concentration (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI or 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.

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 suspension of your New Jersey driving privileges and possible time in jail.

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

Subsequent DWI / DUI 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 a competent and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI (driving while impaired) criminal defense attorney for a fast and free consultation.

Failure to pay DWI / DUI 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 Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey on an annual basis for drivers who have earned excessive points or committed a specific violation such as DUI or DWI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.