DWI Criminal Defense Attorney - Sussex County, New Jersey

Were you arrested for DUI in Sussex 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 level. 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%

• 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 Sussex County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days time in jail.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Sussex County, New Jersey results in the revocation of 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 Sussex County, New Jersey results in the loss of driving privileges for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Sussex County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days jail time.
• 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.
• New Jersey Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DWI or 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 / DUI - 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.

New Jersey Intoxicated driver program

In Sussex 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 or 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 Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey.

Satisfactory participation in IDRC is a step toward restoring your license. Failure to comply will result in further revocation of your driving privileges and possible time in jail.

DUI or DWI - Subsequent Offenses

The penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI / 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 accomplished and skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI / DUI lawyer for a free consultation.

Failure to pay DWI Surcharges

Surcharges are fines assessed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission 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.

• Can result in the indefinite suspension of New Jersey driving privileges
• Can result in an action filed in State Superior Court by the Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other actions.