DWI Lawyer - Somerset County, New Jersey

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

Pursuant to New Jersey law, when you have been cited for violating the DWI or DUI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level. 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

Being charged with DWI is a serious matter that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing an DWI charge in New Jersey understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI criminal 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%

• 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 Somerset County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days imprisonment.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Somerset County, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.
• 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

• New Jersey Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time 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.
• Chemical Test Refusal - DWI or DUI - 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 for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.
• 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 Somerset County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days jail time.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Somerset County, New Jersey results in the suspension of driving privileges for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months imprisonment.

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In Somerset 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 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 imprisonment.

DWI or DUI - Subsequent Offenses

The penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI or DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in New Jersey, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an aggressive and professional defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI or DUI attorney for a quick and easy consultation.

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges in New Jersey

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 DWI or DUI. They can...

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