Criminal Penalties for a New Jersey DUI
Like civil penalties for a DUI/DWI in New Jersey, the severity of criminal penalties depends on whether or not the offender has had a previous DUI/DWI conviction. Criminal penalties for drunk driving in New Jersey typically include fines, a prison sentence, revocation of a person’s driver’s license for an extended amount of time, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device and community service.
Drivers who have never had a DUI charge before face up to 30 days in jail, fines upward of $400 or more, suspension of their license for six months to one year and they will be required to attend Alcohol Awareness classes.
Those drivers who have been charged with a second DUI offense within ten years of their first face steeper fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 plus other financial penalties. They must attend Alcohol Awareness classes, perform 30 days of community service and will face between 48 hours to 90 days of jail time. In addition, the offender will lose their New Jersey driver’s license for two years and be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car.
Motorists with three DUIs within ten years of their first will be required to pay $1000 or more in fines; their license will be revoked for 10 years, and they’ll face at least six months or more in jail. Community services, Alcohol Awareness classes, and installation of an ignition interlock device are mandatory and other penalties may be added on.
As you can see, a DUI/DWI in New Jersey is no joke and may alter your life significantly. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DWI in Princeton, acquiring an experienced Princeton DWI defense attorney is in your best interest. The skilled Princeton DUI and DWI attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have the knowledge and experience it takes to effectively represent your case in front of a judge. For more information on how the aggressive drunk driving defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help, please call (609) 240-0040.
