Princeton New Jersey Drunk Driving Attorneys
What Happens if you are Charged with a DWI in New Jersey
If you have been charged with a DWI in New Jersey there are several particular factors that you should be aware of. New Jersey law states that all drivers must be under the blood alcohol limit of 0.08%. Multiple convictions or a blood alcohol level much higher than .08% can lead to further penalties and even jail time.
There are no jury trials for drinking and driving cases in New Jersey. All persons convicted of a DWI in New Jersey are given the right to a trial in front of a judge only. The judge hears the case, listens to the defendant's arguments and then makes a decision. If the decision rules against the defendant then he or she has the right to appeal on what is called a de novo (Latin for "anew") appeal. The second case, if granted, will be heard by a different judge.
If you are charged with a DWI in New Jersey you face several penalties and charges. Under New Jersey's "John's Law" your car may be impounded by the police for up to 12 hours. If it is your first offense for DWI then you face several fines including court fees, violent crimes compensation board penalties, safe neighborhood fund assessments, a DWI surcharge fund fine, up to 48 hours taking alcohol related courses, up to 30 days in jail, and several insurance charges. Your driving privileges will also be taken away for a period of time. Your first DWI in New Jersey may consist of paying up to around $5,000 in damages and include jail time, loss of driving rights and the loss of your vehicle.
Additional DWI charges in New Jersey include paying more fines, spending more time in jail, having an ignition lock put onto your vehicle and the revocation of your license for a longer period of time. The fines you will pay on subsequent New Jersey DWI charges and convictions will likely be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Because the risk of having a sudden and serious change in your life because of a DWI conviction is very real you should have an experienced lawyer to help you. The offices of Lependorf & Silverstein have particular experience in dealing with DUI or DWI convictions throughout New Jersey. While our office is in Princeton we can handle cases throughout the state including Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison, and Elizabeth.
Our New Jersey DUI attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations on any potential case which makes us different from most DWI lawyers in the state. We also offer all clients clear and easy to follow information regarding their case and our fees. We never have any hidden charges and will always work with our clients to set up a payment system that they can afford.
Contact our offices at any stage in your New Jersey DWI case. Even if you have been convicted or have hired another attorney, we can answer your questions. Our New Jersey DWI conviction lawyers are professional and will respond to all questions promptly.
If you or a loved one has been accused or arrested for a DWI in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.