DWI Penalties in New Jersey: License Suspension, Fines, Fees, Jail Time
NJ DWI Lawyers Serving Camden County and Nearby Areas
The penalties for DWI in New Jersey are extensive and severe. As a person charged with driving under the influence, you face a period of driver’s license suspension, significant fines, an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle, court fees and assessment, surcharges to the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles, increasing insurance premiums, mandatory attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), and a potential jail term. Some DWI convictions also require community service and can even lead to substance abuse treatment. The potential penalties for DUI in New Jersey vary based on a number of factors, including the number (if any) of previous DWI convictions on your driving record, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), if you consented to a breathalyzer test, and if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Regardless of the circumstances of your DWI case, our firm can help.
William Fay is a highly accomplished DWI defense lawyer whose experience in the courtroom and commitment to delivering superior outcomes has earned him a reputation as a skilled DUI Defense Attorney in New Jersey. As a former Deputy Attorney General for the NJ Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Fay skillfully attacks the prosecution’s case in pursuit of a dismissal. Here is what one former client said about Mr. Fay’s work on their case:
“Excellent Lawyer .. To have on your side !! Attorney William really knows his stuff.. He a honest excellent attorney. He was very informative and handled the case with the highest level of care and professionalism. He cares about people not just the money. I would highly recommend him to anyone. And if needed will definitely use him again. Thanks Bill for all the help!!!” – ★★★★★ Sean H.
To read more of Mr. Fay’s client reviews, you can visit his profile on Avvo.com. Contact our offices at 609-832-3202 for a free consultation with an experienced DWI attorney.
NJ Penalties for Driving Under the Influence DUI
Under New Jersey DWI Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50), a person is considered driving while intoxicated if he or she operates a motor vehicle or vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A person is also guilty of DUI if he or she drives under the influence of a narcotic or habit producing drug. The potential consequences of a DUI conviction are vast and prosecutors are not allowed to offer diminished penalties under any circumstances. In other words, if you are convicted of DWI in New Jersey, there is no way to negotiate for a lesser sentence. New Jersey also refuses to offer hardship licenses to those found guilty of drunk or drugged driving.
First Offense DWI with BAC between 0.08% and 0.10% and Drug DUI
- License suspension until an ignition interlock device is installed for a period of 3 months
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Fines between $250 and $400
- $1,000 per year for 3 years in motor vehicle surcharges
- $230 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
- $100 to the drunk driving fund
- $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
- $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
- 12 to 48 hours of attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
First Offense DWI with BAC of 0.10% or Higher
- License suspension until an ignition interlock device is installed for a period of between 7 months and 1 year
- Fines between $300 and $500
- All of the penalties above
- For a BAC of 0.15% or higher:
- License suspension for 4 to 6 months
- Mandatory ignition interlock device for a period of between 9 months and 15 months after license restoration
Second Offense DWI
- License suspension for 1 to 2 years
- Between 2 and 90 days in jail
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- $1,000 per year for 3 years in motor vehicle surcharges
- $280 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
- $100 to drunk driving fund
- $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
- $75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
- 30 days community service
- 12 to 48 hours of attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- Ignition interlock device during license suspension and between 2 and 4 years after restoration
Third Offense DWI
- License suspension for 8 years
- 180 days in jail
- $1,000 fine
- $1,500 per year for 3 years in motor vehicle surcharges
- $280 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
- $100 to drunk driving fund
- $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
- $75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
- Up to 90 days community service
- 12 to 48 hours of attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- Ignition interlock device during license suspension and between 2 and 4 years after restoration
Additional DWI Resources & Information
