New Jersey Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
NJ DWI With an Out of State License
Drivers with out of state licenses face a different set of circumstances regarding their DWIs than New Jersey license holders. If you are convicted of a DUI you lose your driving rights in New Jersey and face NJ's series of DWI punishments. The state of New Jersey will also report your DUI to your home state where you face additional charges and also the possible revocation of your driving license.
If you drive in New Jersey with a license from another state, you face both sets of punishments depending on your home state's laws. A nationwide traffic violation set of rules known as the Drivers License Compact ensures that all states who are members of the Compact share information about DWIs and other traffic violations. Most US states are members of the Compact.
The Drivers License Compact also makes sure that anyone cited for a traffic violation in a state that is not their home state must follow through with all fines and punishments. If you were driving in NJ with a New York license and were convicted of a DUI then New York would make sure you comply with paying all related fees for your New Jersey conviction, for example.
In a sense, the Compact makes all of your traffic violations, including DWIs, a matter of your overall federal driving record. This may mean that you face fines, jail time, and community service in more than one state. A conviction could mean that you would also face higher insurance rates regardless of your home state. Since a DUI is a very serious traffic related violation with potential criminal and civil charges, you should always comply with every element of your case.
There are several instances where you can defend yourself against getting a DWI even if you have an out of state driving license. Check this website for details regarding New Jersey's DWI laws and punishments. Because providing the burden of proof lies with the state it is important for the state to have each element of your DUI case fully accounted for. Any breach of your DWI detainment, including any police mistakes, violations of the law or failure to perform required tests on you, could possibly mean that your case would get thrown out of court.
If you have been stopped for and charged with a DUI it is a good idea to have experienced New Jersey lawyers on your side even if you have an out of state driver's license. A good New Jersey DUI defense lawyer will be attentive to each step of the legal process regarding your DUI conviction and will thoroughly investigate each element of your case.
The offices of Lependorf & Silverstein have experience dealing with out of state licenses and DWIs throughout New Jersey. Our office is in Princeton but we can handle cases throughout the state including Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison and Elizabeth. Our Princeton DUI attorneys offer free, no-obligation evaluations on any potential case, so contact us as soon as possible.
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.
