What are the DUI/OUI/DWI laws in New Jersey?
New Jersey as a state takes the offense of driving under the influence very seriously. Anyone who is caught breaking the law is subject to harsh penalties. As “per” the law, if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or other such intoxicants, having a blood concentration of 0.08% or higher, you are guilty of Driving While Intoxicated. For drivers under 21 in the state, this is down to 0.01%, for drivers of “CDL” the limit is barely 0.04%.
What should you do if you have been pulled over for drunk driving?
New Jersey is a state having the law of implied consent, which means if you are pulled over for Driving While Intoxicated; the law requires you to take a breath test. If you refuse to give the test, you can be detained and your blood sample taken. In this case, if you are proven guilty of DWI, you will also be subject to heavy penalties in addition to the ones for your crime.
How can a DUI affect your life?
If you are convicted of DUI. You may lose your driver’s license, you may need to pay hefty fines, and even in some cases serve time in jail. In addition to that, your rates of vehicle insurance will experience a steep rise. Call Castronovo & McKinney now at 973-920-7888 to get immediate help or by filling out our confidential case evaluation form.
What are the penalties for a first offense “OUI” in New Jersey?
If you have been caught for the first time in a DWI and your BAC level is more than 0.08%, you can face penalties such as:
- A 7 to 12 month suspension of license
- A maximum imprisonment of 30 days
- A fine worth around $300 to $500.
- A visit to the IDRC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center) for a period of 12 to 48 hours as well as a fee of $230.
- A payment in the Drink driving fund of $100
- Services Fund for the Neighborhood $75
- $1000 surcharges for a period of 3 years.
- An Ignition Interlock device for up to 1 year at least 6 months until the license if restored.
What are the penalties for a second offense OUI in New Jersey?
If you have been caught for the second time in a DWI, and irrespective of your BAC level under 10 years to the first offense, you can face harsher penalties such as:
- A 24 month suspension of license
- A maximum imprisonment of 90 days
- A fine worth around $500 to $1000.
- A visit to the IDRC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center) for a period of 12 to 48 hours as well as a fee of $280.
- 30 days of community service
- A payment in the Drink driving fund of $100
- Services Fund for the Neighborhood $75
- $1000 surcharges for a period of 3 years.
- An Ignition Interlock device for up to 3 years at least 12 months until the license if restored.
What are the penalties for a third offense “DUI” in New Jersey?
If you have been caught for the third time in a DWI, and irrespective of your BAC level under 10 years to the second offense, you can face harsher penalties such as:
- A 120 month suspension of license
- A maximum imprisonment of 180 days
- A fine of $1000.
- A visit to the IDRC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center) for a period of 12 to 48 hours as well as a fee of $280.
- 90 days of Community Service
- A payment in the Drink driving fund of $100
- Services Fund for the Neighborhood $75
- $1500 surcharges for a period of 3 years.
- An Ignition Interlock device for up to 3 years at least 12 months until the license if restored.
What are the penalties for more than three DUI offenses?
The penalties of more than three DUI offenses with the current one coming 10 years to the last DWI offense will result in a much harsher prison sentence and can result in a permanent driving ban in addition to an increase in the rest of the punishments reserved for 3rd time offenders.
Why you should hire an experienced DUI/OUI/DWI attorney?
A conviction in drunk driving can ruin your on-road life and can affect your life off the road. To make sure you escape these perilous consequences, you need an experienced defense lawyer who knows how to handle your high BAC levels and attach them to a legally acceptable reason allowing you to walk off as leniently as possible.
Call to speak with one of our New Jersey DUI/ DWI/ OUI lawyers at Castronovo & McKinney for a free consultation or a second opinion regarding your DUI charges. We can be reached at 973-920-7888 or by filling out our confidential case evaluation form.