Need help from an New Jersey DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Arrested for DUI in Trenton?

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) 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 loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a New Jersey DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. Finding the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

Penalties for First Time Offenders with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level Between 0.08% and 0.10% DWI

• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Trenton, New Jersey will face up to 30 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.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Trenton, New Jersey results in the loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 3 months.
• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Trenton, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.

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

• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Trenton, New Jersey will face up to thirty days time in jail.
• Chemical Test Refusal - DWI - If you refuse to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement in New Jersey, it will result in the revocation of New Jersey driving privileges for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.
• Additional Penalties in Trenton, New Jersey - A first time DWI / DUI offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 (six) hours a day for 2 (two) consecutive days.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Trenton, New Jersey results in the revocation 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 imprisonment.
• 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.

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 driver's license. Failure to comply will result in further loss of your driving privileges in New Jersey and possible imprisonment.

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

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges Can result in...

• The indefinite revocation of driving privileges
• 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 similar action

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 like a New Jersey DWI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.

Subsequent DWI (driving while impaired) 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 capable and professional defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI defense attorney for a a free case evaluation.