New Jersey DUI Defense Lawyer
Multiple DWI Convictions
The penalties for multiple DUI convictions in New Jersey are particularly severe and include thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of a driver's license, jail time and many others. Because each DWI case is different, the possibility of having serious consequences for a conviction, even if there were no injuries or property damage, is very real.
A person facing a second DWI conviction in New Jersey faces up to $1000 in fines, 30 days of community service, a $30 court fee, $50 paid to the Violent Crimes Compensation Board, $75 to the Safe Neighborhood Fund Assessment, $200 DWI surcharge fund, $100 restoration fee, MVC surcharge of $4,500 and additional insurance related costs. A second DWI also carries a mandatory jail time that can be as much as 90 days. Other penalties include up to 30 days of community service and 48 hours of alcohol awareness courses. Driving privileges will be suspended for two years and an ignition device will be placed on the driver's car for three years after the two year suspension.
A person facing a third DWI in New Jersey faces fines amounting to the following: $4,500 paid to the MVC, $1,000 fine, $30 court fees, and about $300-$400 in miscellaneous costs and fees. There is a mandatory jail time of 180 days which can include a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The convicted driver also faces 10 years of the loss of their license and the installation of an ignition lock on any vehicle they drive after that time period.
The fines and penalties are even more severe if the convictions are more than three, if the driver is under 21 or if the DWI took place within a school zone. If there was serious injury or death involved then criminal charges are also applicable. Any other person that is a victim of the DUI in New Jersey may take civil action against the suspect as well. Drinking and driving is a very serious crime in New Jersey.
Because of the severity of multiple convictions a great burden is placed on the state in order for them to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect was indeed driving illegally. Every element of a DWI is important in the defendant's case and any breach of law or rights could mean that the case is thrown out and all potential penalties and financial responsibilities would be thrown out of court as well.
If you are facing a multiple DWI charge in New Jersey, contact our New Jersey DUI attorneys for a free consultation. The offices of Lependorf & Silverstein have particular experience in dealing with multiple DWI charges throughout the state of 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.
By having professional and aggressive legal help on your side you can potentially avoid a lifetime of DWI related problems.
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.
