What Are the Legal Penalties for a First-Time DUI/DWI Conviction in New Jersey
What Are the Potential Fines? How Much Jail Time Can You Face? Are There Other Criminal Sanctions?
You’ve been pulled over by police. Maybe it was for a minor traffic violation, or maybe they suspected you were driving while impaired. They asked if you’d been drinking, and you admitted that you had. They had you submit to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test, and you came in above the legal limit. It’s never happened to you before. What are the legal penalties you can face for a first conviction for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated?
Potential Criminal Sanctions for a First DUI/DWI Conviction in New Jersey
The consequences of a first DUI/DWI conviction in New Jersey vary based on your level of intoxication:
- If it’s your first conviction, and your BAC is less than .10 but greater than .08, you may incur fines of up to $400 and up to 30 days of incarceration. Your license will usually be suspended until you have an ignition interlock installed on your vehicle, and the interlock must remain in place for three (3) months. You also must complete a program at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (“IDRC”) between 12 and 48 hours.
- If your blood alcohol content is .10 or above but less than .15, the fine can go up to $500, but there’s no potential increase in jail time, which would be up to 30 days. You will, however, be required to have the ignition interlock device on your car for at least seven months and as long as a year. You will also need to complete a program at the IDRC between 12 and 48 hours.
- If your BAC is .15 or higher, you will be fined up to $500.00, your license may be suspended for four to six months, and you will be required to have an ignition interlock for up to 15 months. In addition, you will need to attend the IDRC between 12 and 48 hours.
- On all first offender convictions, the New Jersey MVC will assess a surcharge of $1,000.00 a year for three (3) years.
Contact Attorney Howard N. Sobel
At the office of Howard N. Sobel, we aggressively advocate for people in New Jersey who have been charged with drinking and driving or driving while impaired. Contact our office online or call us at 856-424-6400 to set up a free initial consultation. Evening and weekend appointments can be arranged upon request. We accept all major credit cards.
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