The penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of drugs range from losing your license for 4 months to 8 years, depending on the BAC and past offenses. Fines, surcharges, jail time, and community service vary too. The extent of DWI consequences in New Jersey is based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and past offenses. 

 

       The penalties for first-time driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) are the same as for driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.10 percent except you face a loss of license for 7 to 12 months but your are not required to install an ignition interlock device. Also, there is no minimum amount of drugs you must have in your bloodstream.  Any amount that impairs your ability to drive is sufficient to be considered “under the influence.”  

 

       A First Offense with BAC above .08 and below .10, you are facing the following court-imposed and administrative penalties and punishments: 

• Loss of license until you can prove that you have installed an ignition interlock device,

• Up to 30 days in jail, 

• Fine between $250 and $400, 

• $1,000 annual surcharge for 3 years, 

• Participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program between 12 and 48 hours, 

• Mandatory installation of ignition interlock device for 3 months, and 

• Other fees and surcharges.  

 

       A First Offense with BAC of 10% or higher, you are facing:

• 4 to 6 months loss of license with BAC of .15% or greater,  

• Up to 30 days in jail, 

• Fine between $300 and $500, 

• $1,000 annual surcharge for 3 years, 

• Participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program between 12 and 48 hours, 

• Mandatory installation of ignition interlock device for duration of suspension plus 6 to 12 months, or 12 to 18 months for a BAC of ,15% or greater, and 

• Other fees and surcharges.

 

       A 2nd Offense within 10 years of your first offense with any BAC over .08% you are facing:

• 1 to 2 years loss of license, 

• Up to 90 days in jail, 

• Fines between $500 and $1000, 

• 30 days community service, 

• $3,000 annual surcharge for 3 years, 

• Participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program between 12 and 48 hours, 

• Ignition interlock device while suspended and following return of license, and

• Several other fees and surcharges.

 

       A 3rd or Subsequent Offense within 10 years of your second offense with any BAC over .08% you are facing:

• 8 year loss of license, 

• 180 days in jail, 

• Minimum $1,000 fine, 

• 90 days of community service, 

• $4,500 annual surcharge for 3 years, 

• Participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program between 12 and 48 hours, 

• Ignition interlock device, and 

• Several other fees and surcharges.

 

       As you can see, the penalties for any DWI/DUI offense is severe and life changing.  As a former New Jersey State Trooper, Attorney Mario Di Rienzo is One of only approximately 10 attorneys in the State to have been dually certified on the Alcotest and in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing by the NHTSA.

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       To learn more about Attorney Mario Di Rienzo’s experience and qualifications, please use the link below to view his profile:

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• Mario Di Rienzo, Esq.

 

We have the experience, skills, and unique law enforcement knowledge and perspective to vigorously defend you. For a Free Consultation Call DiRienzo Law Now at 908-329-2727 or fill out our on-line Contact Form.